1. Location and geomorphology

Thymaina is an islet of the eastern Aegean, one of the Fournoi group of islands and the second largest after Fournoi. It is located between the western part of Fournoi and the eastern part of Ikaria, Agios Kirykos. The islet of Diapori (nowadays called Kesiria) once connected Thymaina with Fournoi.

Geologically speaking, it belongs to the Cycladic unity, with shaly beds of rock at its lower parts and limestone beds of rock at the higher ones. At 564 m, Simaia is its highest top. Thymaina’s coasts, as well as the whole group’s in general, are steep and abrupt, with many cavities and dozens of creeks and coves. This is why the length of the islet’s coastline is disproportionally long vis-à-vis its size.

2. Flora and fauna

Thymaina, as well as the whole group, has been included in the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area (SPA) thanks to the specialness of its flora and fauna. Its vegetation is mostly bushy. Aromatic plants, such as thyme (after which the islet was probably named), savory and sage, are abundant on slate soil. There are trees as well, mostly olive trees, bearberries and dwarf junipers.

It has been included among the 196 important bird areas of Greece (I.B.A.G.), since many bird species reproduce on its grounds, such as the shag, the Eleonora’s falcon (hawk) and the short-toed eagle. Partridge is also abundant on the islet because of the ban on hunting. This measure is also vital for migrating species, especially herons.

Small depths and relatively small pitches are typical of the islet’s marine area, which is ideal for the development of coastal habitats. The Mediterranean monachus monachus seal, which is threatened with extinction, as well as several dolphin and sea turtle species, proliferate within this area.

3. General information

Approximately up to the mid-20th century, the islet’s name was Fymaina, and the current one was considered wrong. After the general census of 1940, the islet was renamed Thymaina. Regarding archaeological finds, we have to mention some building remnants, such as adobes and tiles uncovered at the location Ai-Nikolaki after the excavation for the foundation in the current church. According to a 1863 document from Patmos, there used to be an older church at the same location.

Thymaina is the islet’s main settlement and Keramidou is a significantly smaller one. Their street plan and architecture are characteristic. Little narrow streets with many steps separate the houses, in plenty of which one can see fragments of traditional architecture, e.g. slated roofs. The traditional Easter customs of the residents are particularly noteworthy. The children of the village gather twigs from the slopes of the mountain and form a pile, which they burn on Saturday before Easter Sunday. The fire burns until the early morning hours.