Northern Aegean
Psara
A heroic island almost entirely destroyed in 1824 — and still quietly rebuilding.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Psara
Psara is a small island off the coast of Chios with one of the most dramatic histories in Greece. In 1824 the Ottoman fleet massacred nearly the entire population of 30,000 in retaliation for the island's role in the Greek War of Independence. Today around 400 people live there. It has good beaches, a moving historical atmosphere, and the kind of profound quietness that comes from a place that has seen too much.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very limited facilities and infrequent ferry connections from Chios.
Where it sits
Northern Aegean, Greece
Psara — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Psara? +
- The best months to visit Psara are June to September. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Psara from Athens? +
- Psara has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Psara good for couples? +
- Psara is more about scenery than swoon — better for active or family trips than honeymoons.
- Is Psara good for families with kids? +
- Psara is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Psara expensive? +
- Psara is one of the cheaper Greek islands.
- Do you need a car on Psara? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Psara. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Psara? +
- Very limited facilities and infrequent ferry connections from Chios.