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| Psara | ||
| region | North Aegean | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 454 (2011) | |
| height | 512 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Psara is an island in Greece and belongs to the North Aegean Islands.
background
The island of Psara is located in the Aegean Sea, west of Chios, has an area of approx. 43 km² and is inhabited by approx. 400 people. The island is hilly and has little vegetation. While the island still had one of the most important merchant fleets in the Aegean in the 18th century, today's inhabitants mainly live from fishing and agriculture. Tourism only plays a minor role on Psara, despite the numerous beaches.
Psara is the largest of a group of seven islands. The islands that are now uninhabited are among the smaller islands Antipsara, Kato Nisi, Aye Nikolaki, Daskalio, Psaronisi and Nisopoula. Together they make a suitable place for a quiet and relaxing vacation.
The island has been inhabited since the Mycenaean period. Little is known about the ancient history of the islands, but it appears that the islands were deserted for a period of time during the Middle Ages. Some Greek families from Thessaly and other islands settled here in the 15th and 16th centuries to avoid Turkish raids.
The island played a key role during the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman occupation. The population of Psara destroyed many Turkish naval units, paid a heavy price for the help they provided during the revolution. Unable to defeat them at sea, the Turks destroyed the island and murdered large parts of the population on June 24, 1824. The few inhabitants who were able to escape found refuge in Monemvassia.
After the liberation of Greece, many of them returned to the island to live there permanently.
getting there
By boat
Several ferries connect Psara every week Chios (3 ½ hours).
mobility
There is no bus connection and no taxis.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Psara (Ψαρά).
There is only one inhabited settlement on Psara Island. It's a small seaside village and the island's port, very quiet. The houses are built according to local traditional architecture, with public buildings that reveal Psara's glorious past. Visitors will find a few hotels and rooms to rent, as well as some tavernas and traditional cafes.
- 1 Archaeological Museum. The museum contains finds from excavations on the island. Among them are pots and amphorae that were used in the ancient city which is believed to be under the village.
- 2 Agios Nikolaos Church. The church is located on a small hill in the village of Psara. Construction on this basilica church began in 1785 and was completed in 1793. The panoramic view from the church is very nice.
- 3 Monastery of the Assumption. This monastery was built in the 16th century and played an important role in the revolution of 1821. A year after the revolution broke out, the Turks destroyed it. However, monk Athanasios restored it in 1880-90. Every year on August 1st, the island's residents bring the icon of Mary to the city and hold prayers in their homes. It is maintained with a lot of love by the residents. Open on Saturdays and Sundays. Approx. 9 km. from the port.
- 4 Mavri Rachi. a memorial to the dead of the war against the Ottoman Empire on top of the mountain next to the place. Nice walk especially at sunset.
- 5 Windmill Ruins. A 1.5 km long path leads uphill from the village to the ruins of 3 windmills. It's more the beautiful view from up here than the ruins themselves that are worth the walk.
- Chapels: there are a number of beautifully located chapels scattered across the island. They can all be reached on foot, but in summer it is quite exhausting due to the lack of shade.
- 6 Antipsara (Αντίψαρα).The uninhabited neighboring island has some very beautiful beaches and is approached by excursion boats from Psara.
activities
Those who travel to Psaras are looking for peace and relaxation on one of the beaches or on hikes across the island. There is the possibility to take a boat trip to the neighboring island of Antipsaros or Psaros itself with stops at some of the secluded beaches.
beaches: In addition to the most famous beaches listed, there are a few more, but most of them are difficult to reach from land.
- 1 Katsouni Beach. Light and clear sand, shade, showers, changing rooms, sun beds and coffee tables! Ideal for children as it is flat! Very clear water and hardly any waves!
- 2 Lazareta Beach. Long, sandy and windless popular beach, accessible on foot via a well-developed stone path (1 km). The chapel in the middle separates the Lazareta into a small and a large stretch of beach.
- 3 Limnos Beach. Very nice and quiet beach, perfect for camping with natural shade and a fine gravel. Accessible via dirt road (3km).
- 4 Limnaria beach. lonely, not easily accessible beach, good for nudists.
- 5 Lighthouse Beach. Nice beach accessible via dirt road.
- 6 Arhodiki Beach. lonely long beach with a romantic capella on a rock. About 3 km from the village.
- 7 Lakka Beach. nice big beach with some trees for shade. About 2 km from the village.
- 8 Kato Gialos Beach. Certainly not the best beach on the island, but still well maintained, with shade and clear water!
shop
Everyday necessities are available in the island's supermarkets, for everything else you have to go to Samos.
kitchen
Several beautifully located restaurants and cafes are available in the only place.
- 1 Aldebaran
- 2 Spitalia
- 3 Sirokos cafe - bar
- 4 Iliovasilema
nightlife
The nightlife is limited to going to restaurants or kafeneios.
accommodation
Accommodation is only available to a limited extent and you should book well in advance.
- 1 Hotel Psara - Xaxoulis
- 2 Enalion
health
There is no hospital on the island. The next one is in Samos.
Practical advice
Psara has a typically Mediterranean climate with strong north and north-west winds and mild temperatures that do not exceed 29 degrees Celsius. Winter is short and rainy, and summer is hot with little rainfall.
