Pserimos

Photo Credits to Gaia Federico

The Island without Streets

Enjoy the Authentic Sceneries and Pristine Beaches of Pserimos that Resemble Sceneries of the 1950s
A tear of the sky fell upon the Aegean and petrified in the sea. This is Pserimos, a mysterious island with charming landscapes of pristine natural beauty and captivating scents of caper waiting for you to explore it!  The landscapes of the deep blue sea create a relaxing aura with a pure atmosphere ideal for those looking for a true escape from the world. Whether you want to swim in crystalline waters or enjoy the peacefulness of sceneries, this island is the perfect choice for you. Whatever Pserimos might lack in size, it replenishes in landscapes and colours; besides they say less is more. One has to indulge in new pursuits beyond the mainstream and look with a different glance around so that he can remember what has been forgotten; to live and appreciate simple moments in a real treasure of unspoiled nature like Pserimos. Will you travel to this island so that you can live a different experience?

Best of Pserimos

An Excursion to the Isle of Platy

The isle of Platy is located just a few nautical miles away from Pserimos. It is an uninhabited island with some pristine beaches. The waters of Platy are considered to be the cleanest waters in the Dodecanese. At the northern and southern ends of the isle, one will have the opportunity of two shipwrecks. The ships had a German origin and they were sunk while carrying munitions on May 14, 1944. Also, the shipwreck of Thor Star is located on the eastern shores of Pserimos. Thor Star is a very frequent site for both organized and individual diving trips. Diving centers operate on the islands of Kalymnos and Kos.

Walking in Pserimos

As the size of the island is tiny, there are no streets in Pserimos! The rugged terrain of Pserimos is full of rocks and scarce vegetation along with enormous olive groves, as the locals live off the local agricultural sector. There are a few isolated beaches on the island including Marathonda, Grafiotissa and Vathy that are accessible through hiking paths. It is highly recommended to equip yourself with water and snacks, as there are none facilities in other place other than the main harbour. While walking in Pserimos, you will have the opportunity to see churches, goats and sheep but mostly you will notice the rocky terrain. Undoubtely, the picturesque landscapes will take you back to the past and the natural beauty sceneries will compensate you!

Discover Pserimos

Monuments

As the island is tiny, there are only few monuments on the island. The sole settlement of Pserimos is built on the remnants of the ancient settlement of the island. Traces of walls, pottery sherds and fragmens of a Hellinistic altar survive in the area. Relics and architectural parts of Christian Basilicas are located in the church of Archangel Miclael in the area of Letri, the church of Assumption of Virgin Mary in Hora and the church of Agios Konstantinos on the north side of the island and the church of Panagia Grafiotissa on the west side of the island. The sole church of the island is the Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, an imposing church with a beautiful bell tower in the shades of white and blue located in the settlement of Avlakia.

Promenades & Villages

Avlakia is the capital of Pserimos located on the southwest side of the island. The lovely settlement spreads around the natural harbour of Pserimos. Whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleys surrounded from pine trees and olive groves creates a relaxing atmosphere. Avlakia is ideal for those seeking for relaxation and tranquility, as it is one of the most remote islands of the country.

Sunset Spots

Spot: Chapel of Panagia Grafiotissa, West Pserimos

Excursions

Boat Trip: The Island of Kalymnos is an island with rare natural beauty strongly tied with myths and adventures combines the charm of the wild mountainous landscapes with the authentic hospitality. Characterized as the island of sponge for its long tradition in sea sponge harvesting, Kalymnos is an island with sceneries of virgin natural beauty. If you observe it from a distance, Kalymnos resembles a brownish and reddish rock emerging from the dark blue waters of the Aegean. Undoubtedly, Kalymnos is ready to excite every imagination! The beauty of Kalymnos is exceptional. The unique geomorphology of the island is blessed with sceneries of bare mountainous, steep slopes, imposing rocky formations, giant vertical rocks and volcanic valleys. Blessed with the finest of wild nature, Kalymnos is surely a natural climbing field! Hosting more than 1300 climbing tracks, Kalymnos is a paradise for rock climbers. However, the surprises are not yet uncovered! The rich marine life of Kalymnos hides outstanding cape slopes, underwater caves, ancient shipwrecks, vibrant colour reefs and a thriving aquatic life! Proud for the authenticity of its island character, Kalymnos is waiting for you to discover her million beauties!

Boat Trip: The Island of Kos has been the crossroads of cultures and civilizations from the mythological era of Hercules and the Hellenistic period of Asclepius. Kos is a mysterious place where the beauty of Ancient Greece meets the Oriental exotic elegance and the sophistication of Italy. The rich history of Kos is visible all over the island through the scattered heritage of historical monuments. Kos gives a taste of multiculturalism as evidenced from the unique architecture that embraces all the historical periods of the island, an exciting history that gave birth to a culture with impressive monuments of incomparable beauty. The imposing purity of this beautiful island is combined with the exotic natural beauty of endless sandy beaches that compete with the verdant valleys and water springs. Every corner of the island is hiding an unexpected surprise. Dive in the crystalline waters of Paradise, enjoy the sunset from the village of Zia, wander around the cultural wealth of Asclepius, cycle to the Palm Avenue of Kos, surf to the waves of Mastihari, hike to the mountain of Dikeos, swim to the isle of Kastri and visit the volcanic island of Nisyros to experience the unique beauty of Kos! Mountainous traditional villages and medieval monuments, exotic natural beauty sceneries with the spirit of Hippocrates wandering around the island under the sun of the Aegean, it is no wonder that the island of Kos hides dozens of unrevealed beauties.

Activities

Diving: The varied coastline of Pserimos offers numerous exciting explorations for diving enthusiasts. The shipwreck of Thor Star (20 meters) on the Isle of Platy and the shipwrecks of the Second World War on the north and south side of Platy are the most interesting diving spots in Pserimos. Keep in mind that there are no diving centers in Pserimos.

Hiking: Pserimos hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. As the island is one of the smallest islands of Greece, the only thing that your can do is hiking. Pserimos is an ideal destination for long walks.

Snorkeling and Spearfishing: The crystal clear waters of the island are ideal for snorkeling lovers. Indeed, Pserimos is believed to have the cleanest seawaters in the Dodecanese.

Beaches

The main beach of the island is the one of the settlement of Avlakia. All the other beaches are accessible through hiking pathways. These include Glistra, Korakia, Marathonda, Roussa and Trevathia. All of the beaches are mainly sandy with turquoise waters. However, the most beautiful beach of the island is the bay of Vathy. Keep in mind that all the beaches of the island are not organized, so be sure to bring all the necessities in your bag!

Coffee Corners, Gastronomic Delights & Cocktail Inspirations

Coffee Corners

Anna Cafe: Coffee, Avlaki beach

Sunset Cafe: Coffee, Avlaki beach

Gastronomic Delights

I Kali Kardia:  Greek Cuisine, Avlaki beach

Manolas: Greek Cuisine, Avlaki beach

Sevasti: Seafood, Avlaki beach

Themis: Greek Cuisine, Avlaki beach

Cocktails Inspirations

Anna Cafe: Cocktails and Drinks, Avlaki beach

Sunset Cafe: Coffee, Avlaki beach

Local Products & Specialties

The local products of the island include fresh fish and capper.

The local specialties of the island include braised lamb with pasta.

Events & Festivals

Every 15th of August, the traditional celebration in honor of Virgin Mary takes place at the Church of Panagia in Avlakia.

History & Mythology

Mythology

The island of Pserimos is not associated with any myths.

History

According to Homer, Pserimos was one of the islands of the complex of Kalydnos Islands along with the other small islands of Kalymnos. The island was mentioned as Psirimos from the historian Plenius. In antiquity, the island was one of the municipalities of the islands of Kos and Kalymnos, which is known from a resolution of the 3rd century A.C. The inscription of the 3rd century AC that was found on the island stated the name of Psirimos along with a list of the lords of Kos, indicating the dependence of Pserimos to the island of Kos. In recent years, Pserimos followed the historical path of the Dodecanese, which was dominated from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century until the Italian Domination in 1912. Pserimos was incorporated in the Greek State in 1948.

Travel & Transport

By Boat (7.5 Nautical Miles): Pserimos is accessible by boat from the islands of Kalymnos and Kos. The journey usually lasts fifty minutes.

Mysterious Greece Tips

About Pserimos

Pserimos is one of the remotest islands of the country located between the islands of Kos and Kalymnos. As the size of the island is tiny, there are no streets in Pserimos. It is advisable to bring your trainers with you, as the majority of the beaches are accessible from the mountains! Pserimos is an ideal island for those looking for seclusion, tranquility and total privacy! Discover Pserimos through a photographic journey of Google!

An Excursion to the Isle of Platy

The isle of Platy is located just a few nautical miles away from Pserimos. It is an uninhabited island with some pristine beaches. The waters of Platy are considered to be the cleanest waters in the Dodecanese. At the northern and southern ends of the isle, one will have the opportunity of two shipwrecks. The ships had a German origin and they were sunk while carrying munitions on May 14, 1944. Also, the shipwreck of Thor Star is located on the eastern shores of Pserimos. Thor Star is a very frequent site for both organized and individual diving trips. Diving centers operate on the islands of Kalymnos and Kos.

Buy Capper from Pserimos

The island is also known as Kapari owing to its abundant bushes of wild caper! So, don’t forget to buy caper from the local shops before you leave!

Diving Explorations and Ancient Shipwrecks

At the northern and southern ends of Platy, one will have the opportunity of two shipwrecks. The ships had a German origin and they were sunk while carrying munitions on May 14, 1944. Also, the shipwreck of Thor Star is located on the eastern shores of Pserimos. Thor Star is a very frequent site for both organized and individual diving trips. Diving centers operate on the islands of Kalymnos and Kos.

Emerald, Sapphire and Turquoise Waters

Keep in mind that all the beaches of the island are not organized, so be sure to bring all the necessities in your bag! The beaches are namely Glistra, Grafiotissa, Korakia, Marathonda, Roussa and Trevathia that are charming sandy and rocky oasis with turquoise waters. However, the most beautiful beach of the island is the bay of Vathy.

Participate in the Festival of Virgin Mary

It is worth visiting the island on August 15, when the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary is held. The local feast is followed from traditional music and dance along with the local specialty of braised lamb with pasta!

Spearfishing in Pserimos

The crystal clean waters of Pserimos are ideal for lovers of spearfishing!

Swimming in Grafiotissa Beach

The beach of Panagia Grafiotissa is one of the most beautiful beaches of Pserimos. Although the path that leads to the beach is a little tricky, the route is quite amazing as it passes through hillsides with purple flowering thyme and beautiful views to the Aegean. The beach is white sanded with red cliffs. The jewel of the beach is the tiny whitewashed chapel of Panagia Grafiotissa perched on top!

Taste the Fresh Fish of Pserimos

As the islands of Platy and Pserimos are considered to have the cleanest waters in the Dodecanese, it is worth tasting the fresh fish of the island at the charming seaside taverns of Avlaki!

Walking in Pserimos

As the size of the island is tiny, there are no streets in Pserimos! The rugged terrain of Pserimos is full of rocks and scarce vegetation along with enormous olive groves, as the locals live off the local agricultural sector. There are a few isolated beaches on the island including Marathonda, Grafiotissa and Vathy that are accessible through hiking paths. It is highly recommended to equip yourself with water and snacks, as there are none facilities in other place other than the main harbour. While walking in Pserimos, you will have the opportunity to see churches, goats and sheep but mostly you will notice the rocky terrain. Undoubtely, the picturesque landscapes will take you back to the past and the natural beauty sceneries will compensate you!

Photo Credits

×

Note: All the images are copyrighted from their owners. Please see Terms & Conditions. You can find the original images at the following links:

Avlakia Village: Shutterstock

Church of Grafiotissa: www.decouvrirlagrece.com

Flag of Greece: www.decouvrirlagrece.com

Grafiotissa beach: Ioannis Gkikas by discoveringkos.gr

Landscape: www.decouvrirlagrece.com

Plati Isle: Werner Bayer by Flickr

View of Avlakia: www.decouvrirlagrece.com

View of Pserimos: Werner Bayer by Flickr