Psara is an island in the Northeastern Aegean, located northwest of the island of Chios. It serves as the seat of the Municipality of Heroic Psara in the Northern Aegean region. The island covers an area of 40 square kilometers, with approximately 45 kilometers of coastline. According to the 2011 census, the population of the island was 446 residents. Psara is primarily known for the significant devastation it endured in 1824 during the Greek War of Independence against the Turks.
The capital of the island is the eponymous settlement, situated in the southern part of Psara, and it is built in an amphitheater-like fashion around the central harbor. The central square with the "Heroon" is the heart of the town, and among the low white houses, you can find the residence of Konstantinos Kanaris. Near the town, on the peninsula of Paleokastro, you can visit the Monument of the Holocaust of Psara, located in the famous Black Rock.
The island of Psara boasts numerous attractions and offers a variety of activities. Here are some recommendations for what to do in Psara:
The island is home to several Byzantine churches. Be sure to visit the impressive Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in northern Psara and the imposing Church of Agios Nikolaos on the hill next to the town. Take a walk through the historic Black Rock to see the Monument of the Holocaust of Psara and enjoy breathtaking views and sunsets that will leave you in awe! Psara has many points of cultural and historical interest, such as the Spitalia building, Mycenaean tombs, the Konaki (Mansion), and the Kanaris Residence with the bust of Konstantinos Kanaris. Dedicate a day to visit the beautiful Antipsara islets and swim at the enchanting Psili Ammos beach. For hiking enthusiasts, Psara offers wonderful trails, especially in its northern part. We recommend exploring Xirokampos, the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and Agios Isidoros. Don't miss the festivals and interesting cultural events that take place during the summer. Psara is a place rich in history and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique Greek island experience.
Despite their small size, Psara offers more than 40 beaches with sand or pebbles and crystal-clear waters! The most famous ones are located in the western part of the island, while the eastern coasts are more rugged and secluded. Ferryhopper suggests the following beaches in Psara:
Katouni: One of the most well-known and beloved beaches in Psara. It has shallow waters and golden sand, making it ideal for families.
Lakka: A large beach near the town, perfect for refreshing swims. You can easily access it by car or on foot.
Kato Gialos: A tranquil beach suitable for isolation. It is located on the southern coast of Psara, on the way to Mavri Rahi (Black Rock).
Lazareta: A beautiful beach, often considered the best on the island, featuring crystal-clear blue waters and fine sand. It's approximately 2 km from the town.
Fanari: Located next to the chapel of Agios Georgios, this is the southernmost beach in Psara. The landscape is stunning, with azure waters, fine pebbles, and impressive black rocks. Access is via a dirt road.
Archontiki: A lovely beach on the western coast of the island. It has pebbles and fine sand and is easily accessible by road or on foot.
Ftelió: Adjacent to Archontiki, Ftelió is a pebble beach with deep crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and exploring with a mask.
Limnos: Located near the town, Limnos is one of the largest beaches on the island. It has a mix of sand and pebbles and is easily accessible by road.
Spitalia: A quick and good choice for swimming, as it's less than 1 km from Psara. After your swim, we recommend trying local specialties at the taverna of the same name.
Ψαρά:Psara: Psara's beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from family-friendly shores to secluded spots for those seeking solitude. Whether you're looking for relaxation, water sports, or underwater exploration, Psara has something for everyone.
Psara Town: Spread around the harbor, the capital of the island stands out for its picturesque scenery with narrow streets and beautiful stone mansions featuring red-tiled roofs.
Church of Agios Nikolaos: Built between 1785 and 1793 on the highest point of Chora, the most important church on the island offers breathtaking views of the endless blue. It is constructed from marbles carried by Psara's sailors from Chios and other Aegean islands, as well as distant places like Malta and Marseille.
Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos: This historic monastery, founded in 1780, houses priceless treasures such as manuscripts and religious texts that have been printed in Moscow and Venice. The monastery also used to safeguard the icon of the Virgin Mary (created by the renowned Renaissance painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, known as El Greco), which was later transferred to Syros. The location offers panoramic views of the Aegean, with views extending to Lesbos, Skyros, and Mount Athos.
Konstantinos Kanaris House: Psara is the birthplace of the great hero of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, Konstantinos Kanaris, who later became a naval officer and Prime Minister of Greece. The connection between the national hero and the island is commemorated today with a statue at the site where his family home once stood.
Mavri Rachi (Black Rock): The historic hill of Palaiokastro and a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Psara during the Greek War of Independence. At its summit stands the simple Monument of the Psara Holocaust, which commemorates the self-sacrifice of 120 Psarians (men, women, and children) who detonated the gunpowder depot and defensive fortress on the hill during the Ottoman siege. A stone path leads to the spot, from where you can witness one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Arhontiki: The most important archaeological site on the island consists of the remains of a Mycenaean settlement and an ancient cemetery.
Antipsara: The uninhabited islet opposite the harbor of Psara is famous for its unique natural beauty (Natura 2000 area), offering shelter to rare seabirds. The beach of Psili Ammos is considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Spitalia: The imposing stone building of the old lazaretto (quarantine station) was used for the temporary quarantine of Psara's sailors immediately upon their return from their voyages. The building still impresses with its arched roofs and its simple apartments. This historic structure came under the ownership of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) in 1976 and, after its renovation by the renowned Greek architect Aris Konstantinidis, functioned as a restaurant.
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