Aghios Efstratios, Greece

Agios Efstratios (Saint Eustratios) is a very quiet, isolated, unvegetated and small island between the islands of Limnos and Lesbos in the Northern Aegean.

Agios Efstratios is around 30 km South of Lemnos and 200 km far from Athens.

The locals call the island "Ai Stratis". The island takes its name from the ninth-century monk Saint Efstratios, who lived and died as an exile there. The inhabitants of Agios Efstratios will proudly show you his supposed grave inside a cave.

It is around 42 km² large.

The population is approximately 300 people. Climatic conditions on the island are arid with little rainfall during winter months and long hot summers. Local topology is mostly rocky with scarce and low vegetation. The island is surrounded by rich fisheries which are being exploited by local fishermen.

In the Medieval times, the island received the frequent attacks of pirates.

From the 1930s and the mid-1970s, it was used as a place of exile. Many communists were sent there during that period, including the world famous political activist and music composer, Mikis Theodorakis, the composer of music for Zorba, the Greek.

In 1968. an earthquake demolished most of the houses, which were replaced by concrete prefabricated buildings.

Jimmy Tsiblis the famous greek artist spent part of his life at Agios Efstratios. Tsiblis lived there as he was president of the Opera House located in the small island for a period of 12 years.

Agios Efstratios is the only small island in Europe with an Opera House.

During his stay Jimmy Tsiblis composed the collection of poems "To Telos Tis Arhis" ("The End Of The Start"), refering to the political prisoners during the 1930s.
Agios Efstratios will appeal to visitors who appreciate the simple, healthy life away from crowds and close to nature. With its lovely beaches alternating with steep rocks, is the ideal place for a stress-free holiday, for relaxation and meditation.

There is only one village on the island, also called Agios Efstratios, which still retains its old Mediterranean charm.

Only a few tourist facilities can be found on Agios Efstratios, including some rooms to rent, traditional coffee shops and taverns. It isn’t developed in terms of tourism at all and that is why you can have relaxing holidays there.

With a colourful array of buildings and houses, and a very friendly and hospitable environment, the island welcomes many visitors each year who are seeking something different from their Greek island holidays.

It has pleasant sandy beaches, many sea caves and small churches dotting its hills, and is ideal for those who desire quiet holidays on an island with minimal tourist traffic.The island has volcanic soil with its largest plain in the northeast section. Much of the coastline is dotted by cragged rocks and sea caves.

In fact, Ai Stratis is regarded as an extension of the Sea Park of the Northern Sporades island chain. A large section of the land on the island belongs to the Aghioreitika Monasteries of the Monasteries of Megisti Lavva, Dionysiou, and Karakallou which rent the land to the locals.

Fishing boats, transport day-trippers to even the remote beaches for a day of sunbathing and swimming. There are small pensions and rented rooms available, mainly in the port, as well as some taverns and cafe-bars.

There are many beaches for that small island: Agios Antonios (Saint Antonios), Agiou Dimitriou (Saint Dimitrios), Ai Nikola (Saint Nicolas), Trigari, Ftylio, Lidario, Tripiti, Gournias, Kalami, Mouroulia and Alonitsi

The main beaches are Agios Antonios, Lemonies and Avlakia.

Camping is free.

The small size of the island makes it one that is perfect for exploring, and those who enjoy trekking will find some excellent routes along which to explore the island and it's magical scenery.

Agios Efstratios can be reached by small ferry from Myrina - ferry Aiolis- (2 hours) either with ferry boat from Lavrio port (8 hours) or Kavala (7 Hours) or Myrina (1 hour 15 minutes).