Island Psara The island of Psara (Ψαρά) located about 10 nM W of Chios actually consist of two islands: Psara and Antipsara. There total area is 39 km2 they are lightly populated and definitely off the beaten tourist track. Not too many yachts call here. Psara were very important during the Greek Revolution. Although during the middle ages they were uninhabited they were populated in the 15th and 16th centuries by Greeks from nearby Chios, from Evia, and from Thessaly who were fleeing the Ottomans. Slowly the new inhabitants became able seamen and traders. By the early 1800s Psara had the third largest Greek fleet, after Hydra and Spetses, consisting of 45 ships. During the revolution this fleet with their fire-ships were very effective against the Ottoman armada. The famous fire-ship heroes Papanikolis, Pipinos, and Kanaris all were from Psara. The Ottomans in retaliation for these activities invaded the islands and on July 5, 1824, after three days of fighting, massacred the population. A number of the oldest men together with the women and the children who could not fight were hiding in a cave, on the Black Hill (Μαύρη Ράχη) over the town, housing the gun powder. When the invaders approached the cave they blew the cave up rather than risk being captured. All together, very few people survived the invasion and even today the islands have an abandoned look. The Massacre of Psara is one of the most moving incidents of modern Greek history. Στων Ψαρών την ολόμαύρη ράχη περπατώντας η Δόξα μονάχη, μελετά τα λαμπρά παλικάρια και στη κόμη στεφάνι φορεί, γινομένο απο τα λίγα χορτάρια που είχαν μείνει στην έρημη γή. On the Psara Black Hill Glory is walking by all herself contemplating the brilliant lost brave young people wearing on her head a wreath made by the few remaining weeds left on the desolated earth. Radio Nets Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 Approach and Navigation Danger: On the approach to Psara from the west be aware of the many reefs near the islets Antipsara & Katonisi. Approaches from the east are straightforward. Berthing Options Ports Psara Harbor 38°32.4′N, 25°34′E There is only one harbor, the harbor of Psara. It is a small harbor very well protected all year but space is limited. Around 6-8 yachts can anchor moor stern-to on the west quay. Alternatively moor on the outer quay clear of the ferries; it is, however, very exposed here in northerly winds. Water and electricity points on the west quay but not connected. Depths are too shallow to moor elsewhere in the harbour, which is in any case mostly occupied with fishing boats. The bottom is mud and weed with some rocks and provides good holding. The anchorage in the cove immediately NE of the harbour, shown in some pilots, was mostly obstructed at the time of visiting (July 2008) with huge concrete blocks being used to repair the outer harbour wall. However, other visitors have weathered a force 8 gale in this anchorage. The little town is very pleasant and the people are very friendly. There are wonderful isolated beaches a short walk or dinghy ride from the harbor. Caution: Watch out for the reefs around Antipsara and Katonisi islands. With very strong NW winds entering the harbor can be very hard. Anchorages Cove East of the Harbor 38°32.3′N, 25°34.6′E A quieter and less dusty alternative to the harbor is a cove about 1 nM to the east. It is secluded, very safe and well protected from the meltemi. I have been twice here with a force 8 meltemi Anchor at about 4 m depth and do let out plenty of scope. The bottom is sand with some slate so the anchor may not always hold but when it does it is quite secure. The town is a 20 minute walk away. There is a pleasant path that follows the coast and a longer inland dirt road. Warning: When landing with the dinghy at the beach watch out for the swallow ring of rocks. Cove N of Harbors Breakwater Very nice anchorage N of the breakwater, with excellent protection from the winds and a very friendly town. Yacht Services and Repairs Marine Stores None. Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards None. Fuel, Water, & Electricity Fuel - N/A (Not Available) Water - There is an outlet at the quay but use it sparingly as the islands water supply is very limited Electricity - N/A Things to do ashore Tourism The Black Hill (Μαύρη Ράχη), site of the mass suicide to avoid capture is now a garbage damp but the event is commemorated by a plaque on the little chapel. It is a 10 minute walk from the town. About a 3 hour walk at the N of the island there is the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin , an interesting site. It is not always open, so enquire at the town before setting off. Grocery & Supply Stores There is a good supermarket a short walk inland from the harbor Near the harbor there is a very good bakery Eateries Good sea-food at the Ηλιοβασιλέματα - Sunsets looking to the West. Lobster is their specialty. Tavernas on the harbor waterfront, food is indifferent Internet/WiFi N/A. Laundry N/A. Motorbike & Car Rentals N/A. Garbage Disposal In bins at the harbor. Transportation There is one taxi There is a small ferry to Chios
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 11:51:25 +0000