General information about the island of Agiostrati
Strengths:
Not crowded.
Average:
Sea and beaches, prices, nightlife.
Weaknesses:
Points of interest, excursions, connections, not very suitable for families with children.
- Capital: Agiostrati
- Population: 300
- Area: 43 km²
- Port: Agiostrati
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: no
- Car and motorcycle rental: no
- Campsites: no
Agiostrati (from Greek Άγιος Ευστράτιος), also known as Aghios Efstratios or in Turkish Bozbaba, is a small Greek island shaped like a hump located in the Northern Aegean Sea between Limnos (16 nautical miles) and Lesbos. It owes its name to the monk Agios Efstratios, who is said to be buried on the island. It can only be reached by sea, usually from the island of Limnos. In the past, it was a destination for political exiles and suffered a major earthquake in 1968.
The island looks like a large rock in the middle of the sea: it is volcanic, arid, and wild with an area of 43 km² and about 300 inhabitants. At its highest point, it reaches 296 meters above sea level (Mount Simadi).
Its coasts offer beautiful unspoiled beaches, numerous caves, solitary coves, and rich fish-filled seabeds. The island's inhabitants are mainly fishermen.
The capital and only village on the island is Agiostrati (called Ais Stratis by the residents), where the only port is also located. It was almost completely rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake, so it consists mainly of new, not particularly characteristic houses. The island is not touristy and is seldom visited even by Greeks, yet it offers beautiful beaches, great tranquility, and the charm of unspoiled nature.
The island's road network is almost non-existent: people get around on foot.
Agiostrati is the first "green island" in Greece, aiming to use exclusively renewable energy sources.
