Discover Psara

The Capital of Psara

The Settlement of Psara is the sole inhabited village of Psara located on the west side of the island. The settlement has a traditional character with stone houses, red tiled roofs and narrow streets that spread around the homonymous harbour. Wandering around the cobblestone alleys, one can admire the beauty and peace of the atmosphere. Worth visiting sights include the House of Konstantinos Kanaris and the Church of Agios Nikolaos.

The Beach of Psili Ammos

The Beach of Psili Ammos is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. The beach is located on the island of Antipsara. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Psara.

The Church of Agios Nikolaos

The Church of Agios Nikolaos is the jewel of the island standing on the highest point of the village. The church was built in 1793 in honour of the patron saint of sailors. According to tradition, the church was constructed with marbles carried from the inhabitants of Chios from Malta, Marseilles and other islands of the Aegean. Although you will have to climb sixty stairs to visit the church, it does worth the effort as the views will compensate you.

The House of Konstantinos Kanaris

The House of Konstantinos Kanaris is located in the village of Psara. Legendary captain Konstantinos Kanaris was one of the greatest heroes of the Revolution of 1821. Kanaris was born in Psara in 1793. Konstantinos Kanaris was an admiral and served as prime minister and minister of shipping.

The Peninsula of Paleokastro

The Peninsula of Paleokastro surrounds the western side of the harbour of Psara. The cobblestone stairs lead to the chapels of Agia Anna and Agios Ioannis. The hill of Mavri Rahi is located on the south side of Paleokastro. During the Revolution of 1821, the inhabitants of Psara brought cannons to this place and constructed an emplacement that was utilized as a fortress. On June 22 of 1824, 120 Psariot warriors self sacrificed for the liberation of their homeland. Today, there is a monument on the steep massive in honour of the immortal defenders. The inscription states … In memory of the immortal heroes of the Holocaust of Mavri Rahi…

The Archaeological Site of Arhondiki is located in the homonymous area. Archaeological excavations brought to light traces of a remarkable Mycenaean settlement. In the same area, an ancient cemetery was found with interesting findings that are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Chios.

The Church of Agios Nikolaos is the jewel of the island standing on the highest point of the village. The church was built in 1793 in honour of the patron saint of sailors. According to tradition, the church was constructed with marbles carried from the inhabitants of Chios from Malta, Marseilles and other islands of the Aegean. Although you will have to climb sixty stairs to visit the church, it does worth the effort as the views will compensate you.

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is the cathedral of Psara located in the center of the village. It is a three aisled basilica built in 1770. This church constitutes one of the most important buildings of the island, as it was destroyed on the Holocaust and rebuilt with the help of donations in 1885.

The Monastery of the Dormition of Virgin Mary is located on the north side of the island. The monastery was designed from Roumeliotis according to the standards of the monasteries of Mount Athos in 1780. According to tradition, the entire monastery was built from marble carried from the residents of Chios. From there, one can admire panoramic views of the endless blue. Today, the monastery exhibits a rare collection of manuscripts and religious books printed in Moscow and Venice. The holy icon of Virgin Mary was painted from the renowned artist Dominicos Theotokopoulos, else known as El Greco. The monastery celebrates in honour of the saint on August 1.

The House of Konstantinos Kanaris is located in the village of Psara. Legendary captain Konstantinos Kanaris was one of the greatest heroes of the Revolution of 1821. Kanaris was born in Psara in 1793. Konstantinos Kanaris was an admiral and served as prime minister and minister of shipping.

The Holocaust Memorial is located on the hill of Mavri Rahi. On June 22 of 1824, 120 Psariot warriors decided to suicide on this place instead of being captured from the Ottomans. Today, there is a monument on the steep massive in honour of the immortal defenders. The inscription states … In memory of the immortal heroes of the Holocaust of Mavri Rahi… The names of the warriors are engraved on the memorial.

The Lighthouse of Psara is located on the southeast side of the island. It was manufactured in 1909 at a height of 78 meters. The lighthouse is located on the top of the cape of Agios Georgios. It was manufactured from the French Company of Ottoman Lighthouses while it was included in the network of Greek Lighthouses following the release of Psara.

The Peninsula of Paleokastro surrounds the western side of the harbour of Psara. The cobblestone stairs lead to the chapels of Agia Anna and Agios Ioannis. The hill of Mavri Rahi is located on the south side of Paleokastro. During the Revolution of 1821, the inhabitants of Psara brought cannons to this place and constructed an emplacement that was utilized as a fortress. On June 22 of 1824, 120 Psariot warriors self sacrificed for the liberation of their homeland. Today, there is a monument on the steep massive in honour of the immortal defenders. The inscription states … In memory of the immortal heroes of the Holocaust of Mavri Rahi…

The Spitalia is a distinctive example of the traditional architecture of Psara. The building was used as a lazaretto in the 20^th century. The sailors of Psara used to reside in Spitalia for a period of time on their return from their long trips. When the doctors were convinced that the sailors were not carrying any infectious diseases, they could return in their homes. Today, the vaulted buildings work as an idyllic restaurant.

Psara is the sole inhabited village of Psara located on the west side of the island. The settlement has a traditional character with stone houses, red tiled roofs and narrow streets that spread around the homonymous harbour. Wandering around the cobblestone alleys, one can admire the beauty and peace of the atmosphere. Worth visiting sights include the House of Konstantinos Kanaris and the Church of Agios Nikolaos.

Spot: Church of Agios Nikolaos, West Psara

Spot: Monastery of the Dormition of Virgin, North Psara

Spot: Mavri Rahi, South Psara

Boat Trip: The Island of Chios unfolds in front of your eyes ready to be explored. Atmospheric medieval mastic villages and beaches of wild beauty with volcanic pebbles. Mansion houses with flowery gardens and citrus orchards and dense forests with miraculous tears of mastic. Impressive mosaics and geometric shapes with floral motifs. A different world is unfolding in front of your eyes ready to be explored. Hanging in a corner of the Aegean, the value of Chios is timeless blessed from the fragrant scents of mastic and the majestic diversities of the landscapes. Do you want to discover the unrevealed mysterious beauties of the island? Wander around the scenic meadows of tulips of Kambos and explore the beautiful geometric shapes of floral motifs of Pyrgi. Visit the impressive New Byzantine Monastery with its wonderful mosaics and be amazed from the evocative deserted settlement of Anavatos. Every corner of the island is hiding an unexpected surprise.

Hiking: Psara is an ideal destination for lovers of hiking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes starts from the village of Psara towards the south side of the island. The route leads to the peninsula of Paleokastro and the hill of Mavri Rahi. Here, one will have the opportunity to admire the best views of Psara! (2) Another interesting route starts from the village of Psara towards the north side of the island. The route leads to the Monastery of the Dormition of Virgin Mary.

Snorkelling: The crystal clear waters of Psara are ideal for snorkelling lovers. So, don’t forget to bring your mask with you!

Spearfishing: Psara is known for its rich marine life making it an ideal destination for spearfishing enthusiasts.

Agia Kyriaki is a sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the east side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Arhondiki is a sandy and pebbled beach located on the west side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Fanari is a peebled beach with crystal clean waters located on the south side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Ftelio is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the northwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Katsounis is a golden sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the east side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Psara.

Kato Gialos is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Lakka is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the west side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Psara due to its easy access.

Lazaretta is a sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the south side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Limnos is sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the south side of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Psara due to its easy access.

Psili Ammos is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the island of Antipsara. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.

Spitalia is a long golden sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those seeking for tranquillity.

Coffee Corners

Bakery of Psara: Pastries,Psara

Sirokos: Waffles, Psara

Sweet House: Coffee and Pastries, Psara

Gastronomic Delights

Delfinia: Seafood, Psara

Iliovasilema: Seafood, Psara

Spitalia: Seafood, Psara

Steki: Greek Cuisine, Psara

Cocktails Inspirations

Petrino: Cocktails and Inspirations, Psara

Sirokos: Cocktails and Inspirations, Psara

The local products of the island include the cheeses of kefalotiri, kopanisti, touloumotiri and mizithra and the exceptional thyme honey of Psara.

The local specialties of the island include traditional dishes of seafood. Psara is one of the biggest lobster producers in Greece. You can also try the dish of stuffed goat, black cuttlefish risotto and koufota, a type of pasta.

Every 22^nd of June, the Commemoration of the Holocaust of Psara takes place in the island.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place in the island.

Every summer, the Beach Volley Tournament of Psara takes place in the beach of Katsouni.

Mythology

The islands of Psara are not associated with any myths.

History

Archaeological findings show that Psara were inhabited since the Mycenaean era and its inhabitants have relied on the sea to make a living whereas the island played an important role in maritime transportation between Asia Minor and Mainland Greece. Psara were deserted for a short period of time during the middle ages, until Greeks from Thessaly settled on the islands during the 15^th century in an attempt to avoid Turkish invasions. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, Psara had a key role as a naval power destroying many Turkish naval units under the command of the captain Konstantinos Kanaris. In 1822, the Holocaust in Mavri Rahi took place, the historic destruction of Psara, where the Turks conquered the island and the inhabitants self sacrificed for the liberation of their homeland. Following the destruction, the poet Andreas Kalvos wrote the poem Sta Psara, the poet Dionysius Solomos, who is the author of the Hymn to Liberty, wrote the poem the Destruction of Psara, and the painter Nikolaos Gyzis painted the Destruction of Psara. Following the liberation of Greece, many of the few inhabitants who escaped returned to the island. Psara had the privilege to elect two members of the parliament in acknowledgement of their help to the War of Independence.

By Boat (90 Nautical Miles): Psara is accessible by boat from the harbour of Lavrio. The quickest way to travel to Psara is from Chios. Chios is accessible either by airplane or by boat. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !