TOPONYMS AND TERMS
Recurring toponyms on the islands
- Chora χώρα
The central, elevated and often most important settlement of the island, for examples see the photos of Kythira Chora, Milos Chora and Sikinos Chora further below. - Skala Σκάλα
The port that is associated with the (highest) Chora. From the Italian word “scala” (stairs), as can be found on Santorini, Patmos, Astypalea and Sikinos. Skala is also used to indicate a quay on nautical charts. - Loutra Λουτρά
This place name refers to a thermal spring – Loutraki – hence indicating “spa” or “baths”: Methana: marvellously mephitic, Kythnos, Skopelos. - Vathi Βαθύ
From the Greek word meaning “deep” or “depth” indicating a “deep harbour”. See Meganisi, Methana, Samos, Kalimnos. - Panormos Πάνορμος
Litterally “whole harbour”, suggesting a good place to moor. Examples on Mykonos, Astypalaia, Tinos, Skopelos and Naxos. - Kastro κάστρο
The greek word for “castle”, compare the Latin “castrum”. Usually referring to Venetian castles or (a part of) a town that originated from such a fortress. Examples on Skiathos, Sifnos, Andros. Also, Chios, the main settlement on Chios island, is often called either Chora or Kastro to distinguish between the island and the town, likewise Antiparos. - Profitis Ilias Προφήτης Ηλίας
The highest mountain on numerous islands, notably on Melos, Rhodes and Sifnos, is named “The prophet Elias”. - Panagia Παναγία
Also Panayia or Panaghia, meaning All Holy. One of the titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus, used throughout Greece for Orthodox Churches, villages and bays, as on Pelagos. - Acropolis
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Greek chart terms
Ayios – Ayia | Saint: e.g. Agios Nikolaos, Agia Marina |
Akrotirion | Headland – promontory |
Ormos | Bay |
Nero | Potable water |
Ifalos | Overfalls – reef |
Nisos | Island |
Khersonisos | Peninsula |
Oros | Mountain |
Potamos | River |
Stena | Strait |
Paralia | Beach |
Limani | Port |
Kolpos | Gulf |
Vrakhos | Rocks |