The activities in Agios Efstratios may be limited, but the quality is extremely high.
Especially if you have a boat (owned or rented) there are several options open before you. Each beach and cove in Agios Efstratios is an ideal destination for swimming. The crystal clear waters and the peaceful atmosphere are exactly what a swimmer wishes for.
Of course you can also fish. Agios Efstratios is considered a top fishing spot by those who know. Either from land line, rod or fishing boat, one thing is sure: that the fish will be more than good. If you happen to be a more extreme-type, diving is your thing in this island. The virgin depths of Agios Efstratios, combined with several caves wait to be explored. And if you combine it with spearfishing, you will be a double winner!
Alonitsi beach is in the northeastern part of Agios Efstratios.
Like any other beach in Agios Efstratios, this too is characterized by golden sand, crystal clear waters and a unique tranquility. Everything you need in order to enjoy a fantastic day by the beach!
Evidence and archaeological findings indicate that Agios Efstratios has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Many identify it as the mythical island where, according to Homer,Philoctetes, the hero of the Trojan War, remained wounded and exiled .
During the Byzantine times, the island was a dependency of the Monastery of Great Lavra on Mount Athos. It then acquired its present name, thanks to Hosios Efstratios the Miraculous, who lived as a hermit on the island, exiled from the Byzantine iconoclasts. What follows is the period of Ottoman rule until October 18, 1912, when a Greek contingent disembarked on the island, setting it free without a fight, as the population was purely Greek.
From 1929 on, Agios Efstratios (or Ai Stratis) begun to function as a place of exile for "lefties" by decree of the Venizelos government. The phenomenon culminated during the years of Metaxas dictatorship and, while there was a break between 1941 to 1947, the camp of Ai Stratis reopened to welcome political prisoner .from spring 1947 amid the Civil War.
Among the prisoners were also several intellectuals, such as Yiannis Ritsos and Menelaos Lountemis. If you crave for more information, just visit the excellent Museum of Democracy!
The camp of Ai Stratis was closed in 1964, but unfortunately this was a decade that reserved an unpleasant surprise to the island's residents. On February 20, 1968 an earthquake razed the settlement, 20 lives were lost in the ruins, and only a few houses were left standing. The government decided to make a new settlement in an adjacent position, and most of the old houses were demolished.
This earthquake actually gave the final blow to the island, as many residents left it permanently. Today, nearly 300 residents live in Agios Efstratios and they do welcome with a smile every visitor who wants to spend a few days on their island.
Agios Efstratios is in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea.
It is a relatively small island, not more than 50 square kilometers. The nearest island to Agios Efstratios is Lemnos, located 18 nautical miles to the north. In the southeast of the island at a distance of 42 nautical miles is Lesvos, while in the southwest is Skyros at a distance of 38 nautical miles. Generally, Agios Efstratios is considered to be a quiet isolated island, thus being an ideal place of exile.
Indeed, some claim that its name owes to Hosios Efstratios the miraculous, who lived in exile on the island in the 9thth century, because he opposed to the iconoclastic policy of the Byzantine emperor Leo the Armenian. The island's character as an exile-place, continued until contemporary history. In the first half of the 20th century this was one of the islands that the Greek governments displaced communists.
Agios Efstratios is also a volcanic island with hills and steep cliffs. The highest point of the island is the "lemoni rahi" at 298 meters. All the inhabitants of the island, not exceeding 300, are concentrated in a settlement built in the late 70s, when a devastating earthquake destroyed the precedent that was in a different position. The residents' main occupation is farming and fishing, as the island is considered to be an excellent fishing spot.
Agios Efstratios is a very special place and the people who choose it for their holidays stay impressed by its simplicity and authenticity.
Traditional panigiria- feasts full of dancing, singing, food and drink are organized in Halki, just like any other place in Greece. August 29 is a special day in Halki, both for its residents and visitors, as the biggest panigiri-feast takes place in the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. There, locals and visitors become one and have fun until the morning.
The castle of the Knights together with the other castles in the area, was built by the Knights of St. John(Agios Ioannis) when Halki, Rhodes and the surrounding islands were under their control. The knights chose the castle's location, where the acropolis of the island used to be in ancient times.
Today the castle blends with the impressive landscape, perched on the rock. Of the remaining buildings you can now see the semi-collapsed walls and the ruins of the church of Agios Nikolaos. Right next to the gate notice the built-in coat of arms of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers, Pierre d 'Aubusson. It is a must to climb up to the castle of the Knights as, besides its archaeological value, it has a spectacular view that will take your breath away.
