Psara

Psara is the largest islet of the homonymous cluster that is located close to Chios Island.
Rather mountainous and arid in its largest part with small pieces of cultivated land, the islet is characterized by a pristine and tranquil nature. Its some 400 residents are occupied themselves with stockbreeding, seafaring and the production of honey.
The only settlement of Psara is a peaceful fishing village, birthplace of the hero and admiral of the Greek War of Independence, Konstantinos Kanaris . Peaceful narrow streets, traditional houses, old churches, with most prevailing the one of Agios Nikolaos , windmills and the delightful chapel of Agia Markella compose the unembellished beauty of this islet.
The house of Konstantinos Kanaris and the archeological site of Archontiki, in which ruins of an organized Mycenaean settlement and tombs have been uncovered, are worth- visiting sites.

History:
Despite its small size, Psara has a long history. It was first recorded by Homer, while excavations around the islet have uncovered finds that date back to the Prehistoric, Geometrical, Archaic and Mycenaean Times.

Yet Psara became widely known for its heroic contribution to the Greek revolution against the Ottomans in 1821 (the captains Kanaris and Papanikolis were Psarians) and also for the tragedy in 1824 when the Ottomans slaughtered the locals and burned down the whole island as a punishment for their fierce residence. Psara passed in history as a symbol of self-sacrifice and Dionysios Solomos, the National Poet of Greece, wrote the poem “the Disaster of Psara”. The few who survived went to Monemvasia. Psara was liberated in 912.

Beaches:
Psara offer several pristine beaches, pebbled and sandy with crystalline waters, ideal for those who appreciate tranquility and virginal nature.
The sandy beach of Katsouni with clear shallow waters popular for the beach volley tournament that is held each summer, the fine sandy beach of Lazareta, the one of Agia Kyriaki located in the homonymous serene bay, the wonderful beach of Lakka with sand and thick pebbles, the peaceful beach of Limnos with pebbles and magnificent clear waters are only few of the islet’s splendid beaches.

Access:
Psara is linked via scheduled trips with the Port of Lavrio. There is also a regular connection with the islands of Limnos, Agios Efstratios and Chios.

Olympic Airlines (Athens): 210/9292111, 9666666
Olympic Airlines (Psara): 26610/386994/6
Patras Port Authority: 2610/341002
Psara Port Authority: 26610/32655
Igoumenitsa Port Authority: 26650/22235
Bus Terminal (Athens): 210 5124910-1, 5132601
Bus Terminal (Psara, urban transport): 26610/32158
Bus Terminal (Psara, inter-island transport): 26610/39862/31595
Bus Terminal Salonica: 2310/536260