Agios Efstratios: A Hidden Gem of the Aegean Sea
Agios Efstratios is a small island in the Aegean Sea, located in the northeastern part of the sea. It is about 18 nautical miles from Lemnos and 30 nautical miles from Skyros. The island has an area of just 43.3 square kilometers and a population of about 270 people.
History
Agios Efstratios is a place with a rich history. The first inhabitants of the island were the Arameans, who settled there around 1000 BC. The Minoans arrived on the island in 1700 BC, while the Athenians conquered it in 479 BC. In 1947, Agios Efstratios became a place of exile for many Greek politicians and intellectuals.
The island has many archaeological sites that testify to its rich history. Some of the most important sites are:
- The Byzantine castle, built in the 13th century.
- The Ancient theater, built in the 3rd century BC.
- The Church of Agios Efstratios, built in the 12th century.
Attractions
Agios Efstratios is an island with many attractions that offer visitors a variety of options. Some of the most popular attractions are:
- The oak forest, which is the largest oak forest in the Aegean.
- The island's beaches, known for their crystal-clear waters.
- The botanical garden, which hosts a wide variety of plants from all over the world.
Beaches
Agios Efstratios has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean. Some of the most popular beaches are:
- The beach of the settlement, which is the easiest to access beach on the island.
- The beach of Agios Antonios, a beach with pebbles and crystal-clear waters.
- The beach of Agios Dimitrios, a large beach with sand and pebbles.
Food
The cuisine of Agios Efstratios is a mix of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Some of the most popular dishes are:
- Imam bayildi, a traditional Greek dish with lentils, rice, and spices.
- Moussaka, another traditional Greek dish with eggplant, ground beef, tomato sauce, and béchamel.
- Lahmacun, a Turkish dish with a thin crust, ground beef, tomato, and onion.
- Kebab, a Turkish dish with pork, lamb, or chicken, grilled over charcoal.
Entertainment
Agios Efstratios offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors. Some of the most popular things to do on the island include:
- Hiking or biking in the oak forest.
- Scuba diving or snorkeling at the island's beaches.
- Visiting the archaeological sites and attractions of the island.
The port of Agios Efstratios
The port of Agios Efstratios is the only port on the island and is located in the northwestern part of the island. The port is small but well-organized and can accommodate ships up to 100 meters long.
The port serves regular ferry routes from and to Lemnos and Kavala. There are also seasonal ferry routes to Athens and other islands in the Aegean Sea.
The website www.Ferries.gr is the perfect way to find information on all ferry routes from / To Agios Efstratios. You can search for routes based on the date of departure and destination, and learn about all the companies that depart and the prices of tickets.
