People who arrive by ferry to Agios Efstratios, arrive on a small volcanic island located in the Aegean Sea close to the islands of Limnos and Mytilene!
A small island on the edge of the Aegean, east of the Sporades complex, marked by Greece's modern political history, as it was a place of exile, Agios Efstratios – Ai Stratis to the locals – is blessed with the beauty of its landscape and, mainly, the fortitude of its people.
The only historical remains of the island that survived the earthquake are those of Agios Vasilios, a church built in the 1700s. The small center of Ai Stratis known as “The Village” is very lively. The few people that inhabit the island are very close to each other and every moment is good to have a chat or a quick meal with them.
The settlement and harbour of Agios Efstratios are located in the North West part of the island. Until the devastating earthquake of 1968 this is where the locals’ vegetable and fruit gardens used to be. The old hamlet was perched at the top of the hill, above the harbour, with stone built, two- or three-storey traditional houses, but after '68 the few residents were forced by the military government to move to uniform homes, abandoning their old “Chora”. Thankfully, some of the stone homes were saved from complete destruction; these were restored with reverence by the locals of Agios Efstratios. Οne of them, the Marasleios School of 1909, presently houses the Museum of Democracy.
Getting to Agios Efstratios by ferry
You can get to Agios Efstratios by ferry from Athens. More specifically, ferries to Agios Efstratios normally depart from the port of Lavrion on the east coast of Athens.
You can also travel by ferry to Agios Efstratios from the port of Kavala in northern Greece.
Usually, there is also a direct ferry route from the neighboring island of Lemnos to Agios Efstratios.
Hereunder you will find more details on how to reach Ag Efstratios by ferry in the section below:
- Lavrion-Agios Efstratios: There are 2 or 3 ferries per week on this route and the trip duration from Lavrio to Agios Efstratios ranges from 8.5 to 13.5h
- Kavala-Agios Efstratios: The ferry route runs at least once a week and the trip from Kavala to Agios Efstratios lasts approximately 7h
Agios Efstratios ferry port
Agios Efstratios port, or Ai Stratis, is located on the North Aegean Islands of Greece between Limnos and Mytilene/ Lesvos. The harbor lies on the northwestern part of the volcanic island and features great seafood restaurants, cafes and remote beaches with pebbles and green-blue waters.
Moving around Agios Efstratios
In Agios Efstratios, you won’t find any cars or car rentals around since the island is trying to become the first Greek island with 0 CO2 emissions, thus, moving around is possible on foot. If you are planning to reach some of the most remote beaches you can take a taxi boat. This is the perfect island if you are planning to relax without having to worry about the car and if you care about eco-tourism. There are no taxis or buses on Agios Efstratios.
Holidays in Agios Efstratios
Agios Efstratios is an island for the ones that enjoy minimalism in their vacation: small size, beautiful beaches, good food and welcoming people.
The impressive landscapes of the island are great for outdoor activities, while snorkeling and fishing are also very popular activities in Agios Efstratios.
Spending time at the beaches of Agios Efstratios, swimming and sunbathing, is one of the best things you can do on the island.
Beaches in Agios Efstratios
This island is mostly visitable on foot but if you don’t feel like walking much there is also a wonderful beach covered in dark sand called Agios Efstratios beach and it has very warm waters. The rest of the beaches can be reached on foot or by boat. For example, in the southern coast you will find Agios Dimitros and Ftelia Beaches, two beautiful creeks with crystal clear waters that have a bright blue colour. Nearby, you will also find the caves of Trypia Spilia which are famous for being inhabited by seals. Alonitsi Beach is located in the north-eastern coast and during the summer it offers a wonderful view of the wild landscape that surrounds it. During the rest of the year it is often visited by professional surfers thanks to the presence of strong winds and tall waves.
What to do in Agios Efstratios
The activities to choose from in Agios Efstratios are all tied in with the island’s nature and landscape. The island has a volcanic origin, it measures about 43 square kilometers and the highest hill is about 300 meters high. Agios Efstratios is perfect for trekking and there are many paths to explore while taking long walks surrounded by lush nature. The island can easily be explored on foot.
Agios Efstratios Hotels
For accommodation, there is a selection of hotels and rooms operating in Agios Efstratios, where you can find comfortable and affordable accommodation for your stay here.
You will find below our selection with the best hotels on Agios Efstratios:
- Aktaion Resort
- Vathi Hotel
- Petritis Guesthouse
- Castello Antico Beach
