Agios EfstratiosNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Agios Efstratios

 If you have never heard of Agios Efstratios, you are not alone. This tiny island is scarcely known even by many Greeks and yet is a delightful destination for those seeking peace and quiet in a traditional setting. It sits tucked away between Lesvos and Limnos in the North Aegean and has a population of fewer than 300 inhabitants, who are mostly involved in the fishing industry. Taking a ferry to Agios Efstratios is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Known to the locals as Ai Stratis, this remote settlement has often been used as a place of exile, starting with Saint Eustratius in the 9th century CE, right up to the famous activist and composer, Mikis Theodorakis, and the poet Giannis Ritsos in the 1970s.

The island is still very low-key, with an endearing charm of its own that invites you to totally switch off from the outside world. The dry, rocky landscape features a wonderful oak forest and it is the perfect terrain for hiking or mountain biking, while there are some lovely beaches for you to discover too. Cycle to the remains of an ancient settlement on the hill of Agios Minas and head towards Alonitisi to check out an Early Bronze Age site.

You will find that fresh fish dominates the local cuisine and you can even take a boat trip around the island with one of the local fishermen. Otherwise, simply take a seat at a simple harbor-front café and enjoy mesmerizing views of the sun as it sets into the Aegean yet again. Life couldn’t get any better than this!
 

Routes and Ferries to Agios Efstratios

The best way to get to the island, is to book your ferry tickets to Agios Efstratios with Ferryscanner and sail from Limnos. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes with Seajets and you can also book ferry tickets to Agios Efstratios from the island of Chios, for an 8-hour crossing. There are frequent ferry connections from the port of Lavrio in Athens, so book your ferry tickets to Ag. Efstratios with us and sail in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Kavala and arrive there in about 7 hours.

Such a tiny island doesn’t need an airport, but you can fly from Athens International Airport to Limnos International Airport and catch a ferry from there. During the summer months, there are several regular flights from Athens to Limnos, which take about 55 minutes. If you choose to catch a ferry from Lavrio, buses leave every hour from the airport to the town of Markopoulo, from where you can catch a connecting bus to the port. If you prefer, you can also take a 30-minute taxi ride directly to Lavrio.
 

Port of Agios Efstratios

There is only one port on the island, which is also the main settlement. When you arrive at Agios Efstratios, you will find a land completely untouched by mass tourism. As your ferry pulls into the harbor, you will discover a tiny village of stone houses and narrow alleys surrounding the bay. The colorful local fishing boats also moor here and on first impressions, you will feel that you really have found a little piece of Greek paradise.

The port is the only village on Agios Efstratios and bears the same name. It is located in a ravine that used to be more fertile between two dried-up riverbeds. A catastrophic earthquake in 1968 destroyed most of the town after which, prefab houses were built by the Greek government for the inhabitants to live in. Some of the more traditional buildings were saved and restored though, including the 1909 Maraslios Building that was once the island’s primary school.

It is now the Museum of Democracy and houses artifacts relating to the lives of the exiles once living here. Only a few tourist facilities are available on Agios Efstratios, with a handful of rooms to rent, some traditional coffee shops, and taverns serving fresh lobster, shellfish, and crab. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Agios Efstratios.
 

Best Beaches

As you would expect, the beaches on Agios Efstratios are pristine, with emerald waters and fine volcanic sand. There are no umbrellas or sunbeds here, just tranquil coves formed by the elements that create wonderful havens for swimmers and sun worshippers.

Some beaches can only be reached by boat, and the locals are happy to take you there for a small charge. Arrange a trip to the nearby rocky outlets of Dodeka Apostoloi, Daskalio, and Velia and explore the sea caves around the entire island.

Arkari Beach

Arkari is the closest beach to the harbor and it’s composed of beautiful grey volcanic pebbles and deep blue waters. You can enjoy stunning sunset views from here and find rustic taverns serving the fresh catch of the day only moments away.

Agios Antonios Beach

 This secluded beach on the north side of the island has a mix of pebbles and sand. The deep blue waters provide a wonderful opportunity for some snorkeling, and you will not be disturbed during your visit as this is a very isolated beach.

Be sure to take refreshments and snacks with you, as well as an umbrella for shade.

Agios Dimitrios Beach

Agios Dimitrios can also be found on the north side of the island and is a great place to escape from the rest of the world. The long sandy beach has some oak trees for shade and if you are into spearfishing, this is the perfect place to do just that.

Alonitsi Beach

Alonitsi Beach is one of the most beautiful spots on the island due to its long sandy front and azure waters. Spend the day relaxing in a serene setting or explore the nearby cave, where the monk Agios Efstratios hid when being persecuted by the iconoclasts.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus now occupies the cave and the area itself is home to a unique range of rare fauna and flora.

Ftelio Beach

Ftelio Beach can be found on the western side of the island and is a peaceful haven of fine white sand and crystal blue waters. A few trees provide some shade but you will need to go prepared if you wish to spend the day. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Lidario Beach

Lidario is another beach to the west of the main town that has nothing but clear blue waters and powdery sand. Here you will find the opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover the art of total relaxation.
 

Transportation Around Agios Efstratios

You won’t find any public transport on this tiny island. The best way to get around is on foot or by bike, which you can easily do by following a dirt road network of 50km. This will take you past picturesque chapels and through extraordinary scenery with sweeping sea views.

The road is also suitable for 4×4 cars although there are no car rental companies on the island, so you would have to rent one from nearby Limnos and bring it with you. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Agios Efstratios.