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There are more than 200 inhabited islands of Greece scattered around the Ionian and Aegean Seas, several of which from Spetses to Santorini, Milos to Mykonos, Patmos to Paros have long been legendary hotspots for the well-heeled traveler. Soon enough, another will join the list: Skorpios.
In 1963, shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis purchased the island for the relatively modest sum of 3.5 million drachmas, the equivalent of about $14,000 today. Located off the western coast of mainland Greece as part of the Ionian islands, the 205-acre Skorpios was essentially barren. In order to turn it into a private refuge and playground worthy of the billionaire, Onassis imported 200 different types of trees, brought over sand from the island of Salamina, and bought a mountain on another island for the water supply. He also built a family compound of three residences, a helipad, and a small marina, in addition to harbor facilities to accommodate his beloved yacht, the
Bill RayGetty Images
There are more than 200 inhabited islands of Greece scattered around the Ionian and Aegean Seas, several of which from Spetses to Santorini, Milos to Mykonos, Patmos to Paros have long been legendary hotspots for the well-heeled traveler. Soon enough, another will join the list: Skorpios.
In 1963, shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis purchased the island for the relatively modest sum of 3.5 million drachmas, the equivalent of about $14,000 today. Located off the western coast of mainland Greece as part of the Ionian islands, the 205-acre Skorpios was essentially barren. In order to turn it into a private refuge and playground worthy of the billionaire, Onassis imported 200 different types of trees, brought over sand from the island of Salamina, and bought a mountain on another island for the water supply. He also built a family compound of three residences, a helipad, and a small marina, in addition to harbor facilities to accommodate his beloved yacht, the