PsaraNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Psara

Psara is a tiny island in the Aegean Sea with a small population of about 448 permanent residents. It is popular with visitors due to its lovely, unspoiled character and beautiful setting. It includes the even smaller islet of Antipsara, as well as those of Ai-Nikolaki, Prasonisi, Daskalio, Kato Nisi, and Nisiopoula. Taking a ferry to Psara is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

The rocky, mountainous terrain adds to the charm of the island and it has a pretty port that oozes a great deal of charm. Due to Psara’s dry and arid nature, the locals have always relied on fishing for survival and are experts at catching the region’s abundant lobsters, which make for delicious culinary treats.

This tiny island has been inhabited since Neolithic times and on its west coast, evidence of a grand Mycenaean settlement has been found, as well as remains from the Hellenistic period at Paleokastro. It also played a role in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottomans and suffered a terrible blow when most of its population was wiped out by a brutal enemy attack. One of the island’s famous figures, Constantine Kanaris, later became prime minister of Greece and was an important naval commander in the sea battles of the time.

Holding a special place in modern Greek history, the island sees little tourism, has few roads, no public transport, and not much accommodation. You may consider that to be your idea of paradise!
 

Routes and Ferries to Psara

In order to reach Psara, you can book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus if you are in Athens. The journey takes 6.40 hrs and is served by the ferry company Blue Star Ferries. Should you wish to reach Psara while on one of the many nearby destinations, you can book ferry tickets for Psara and sail from Lesvos (Mytilini)  in 6 hours and 10 minutes. Alternatively, ferries also cross to Psara from Chios (3.45 hrs) and Inousses (2 hrs).

If you have booked ferry tickets to Psara and intend to sail from Piraeus, on your arrival at Athens International airport you can catch the X96 bus that leaves regularly for the port. There is no airport on the island, but you can take a domestic flight to Chios National Airport and catch the ferry from there. Flights to Chios are available all year round from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as from the islands of Limnos, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Samos.
 

Port of Psara

The harbor village on the west side is the capital and only settlement and it’s built in an amphitheatrical fashion around the port. Upon arrival, you will spot the little white houses with their tiled roofs and pretty flower pots offering an abundance of color.

There are only a handful of rooms to rent and a few taverns serving delicious seafood delicacies that will make your visit truly worth the while.
 

Best Beaches

Psara offers visitors some beautiful calm beaches and they are all nearby each other, which is why this island is such a wonderful place to visit even for just a day. If you want to visit one of the top beaches in Greece, ask a friendly fisherman to take you to Psili Ammos in Antipsara, you won’t regret it!

Lakka Beach

Lakka Beach sits on the western side of the island and is quite big, with fine sand and turquoise waters. You can reach it by following the road that leads to the wind park, just 3km from the main town. When you arrive here, you will see the chapel of Ag. Nikolas on the large skerry.

Kato Gialos Beach

This beach is on the southern side of Psara just between Mavri Rachi and Ai. Nikolas. It is a wonderful stretch of crystalline waters with great views of the islet of Antipsara opposite.

Lazaretta Beach

This beach is considered by many to be the best one on the island as it has soft sand and quite shallow waters. It is located on the south side of Psara and is easily reached on foot from the main town, just 1km away. Free camping is also allowed on this beach, which may appeal to those seeking the outdoor life in all its glory.

Archontiki

Archontiki is located next to Lakka Beach and is separated from it by a small peninsula. This beach is a combination of sand and pebbles and just a few hundred meters from the beach you will find the skerry known as ‘Daskalio’.
 

Things To Do

Explore the Village

Check out the residence of the local hero Constantine Kanaris before stopping off at the Holocaust Memorial in the main square, dedicated to the victims of this historic event. There is also a small museum in the village worth visiting, and the ruins of old windmills are a lovely reminder of the old way of life on the island.

Visit the Archaeological Sites

There are some interesting archaeological remains on the island for you to visit dating back to the Mycenaean Period in the location of Arhondiki. In the same area, you will find what was once an ancient cemetery, the remains of which are on show at the Archaeological Museum of Chios.

See the Church of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas)

The church is situated at the top of a small hill and it is worth a walk up to examine the unique basilica which was first founded in 1785 and completed in 1793. The panoramic views alone from the church are simply breathtaking.

Pay Respects at Dormition of the Virgin Mary

This 16th-century monastery played an important part in the revolution of 1821 and on its destruction by the Ottomans, it was lovingly restored. Every year on the first of August, it is a tradition for the inhabitants of the island to bring the icon of Dormition to the town and conduct prayers in their houses as an act of continued faith.

Savor the Local Delicacies

If you love traditional Greek food, Psara is a wonderful place to try some mouth-watering cuisine. The fresh lobster is the favorite choice while the stuffed goat and cuttlefish risotto should not be missed either. Before you leave, buy some local thyme honey and cheese such as kopanisti and kefalotyri, and enjoy the flavors of Psara even when you return home.
 

Transportation Around Psara

There is no need for transportation when visiting Psara as this island is very small. It is a wonderful location for hiking and offers sea views from most positions, making it a pleasure to explore on foot.

Some beaches like Limnonaria, Avlaki, and Isari can only be reached by boat and therefore locals organize trips to the most inaccessible coves on a daily basis. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Psara.