Psara

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{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Aegean Sea|Greece|NE Aegean}}
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{{TOC block}}
{{infobox |38|34.28|N|25|35.12|E|
{{infobox |38|34.28|N|25|35.12|E|
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| mapzoom= 12
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| zoom= 12
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| image= Greece_Psara1.jpg
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| chartlet= y
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| imagetext= The ''Black Hill'' - ''Click for larger view''
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| image=  
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}}{{TOCleft}}
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The island of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psara Psara] (Ψαρά) located about 10 nM W of [[Chios]] actually consist of two islands: Psara and Antipsara. There total area is 39 km<sup>2</sup> they are lightly populated and definitely off the beaten tourist track. Not too many yachts call here.
The island of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psara Psara] (Ψαρά) located about 10 nM W of [[Chios]] actually consist of two islands: Psara and Antipsara. There total area is 39 km<sup>2</sup> they are lightly populated and definitely off the beaten tourist track. Not too many yachts call here.
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Psara were very important during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_War_of_Independence 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 [[Gulf of Evia|Evia]], and from Thessaly who were fleeing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_ship fire-ships] were very effective against the Ottoman armada. The famous fire-ship heroes [http://wiki.phantis.com/index.php/Dimitris_Papanikolis Papanikolis], Pipinos, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_Kanaris 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. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Psara The Massacre of Psara] is one of the most moving incidents of modern Greek history.
 
<center>
<center>
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|valign="top"|Στων Ψαρών την ολόμαύρη ράχη<br />περπατώντας η Δόξα μονάχη,<br />μελετά τα λαμπρά παλικάρια<br />και στη κόμη στεφάνι φορεί,<br />γινομένο απο τα λίγα χορτάρια<br />που είχαν μείνει στην έρημη γή.<br />&nbsp;<br />
|valign="top"|Στων Ψαρών την ολόμαύρη ράχη<br />περπατώντας η Δόξα μονάχη,<br />μελετά τα λαμπρά παλικάρια<br />και στη κόμη στεφάνι φορεί,<br />γινομένο απο τα λίγα χορτάρια<br />που είχαν μείνει στην έρημη γή.<br />&nbsp;<br />
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|valign="top"|On the Psara Black Hill<br />Glory is walking by all herself<br />contemplating the brilliant lost brave young people<br />wearing on her head a wreath<br />made by the few remaining weeds<br />left on the desolated earth.<br />&nbsp;<br />
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|valign="top"|On Psara's Black Hill<br />Glory is walking by all herself<br />contemplating the brilliant lost brave young people<br />wearing on her head a wreath<br />made by the few remaining weeds<br />left on the desolated earth.<br />&nbsp;<br />
|}
|}
</center>
</center>
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<div align="right"> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysios_Solomos Dionysios Solomos]</div>
<div align="right"> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysios_Solomos Dionysios Solomos]</div>
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<center style="clear: both;"><gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" perrow="3">
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{{hgallery|
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Image:Greece_Lytras_kanaris.jpg|Kanaris by Nikiforos Lytras<br />''Click for larger view''
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{{himage|Greece_Psara_Rachi.jpg|The "Black Hill"}}
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Image:Greece_Gyzis_Destruction.jpg|Destruction of Psara by Nikolaos Gyzis<br />''Click for larger view''
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{{himage|Greece_Psara1.jpg|The ''Black Hill'' }}
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Image:Greece_Psara_Rachi.jpg|The Black Hill<br />''Click for larger view''
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}}
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</gallery></center>
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==Charts==
==Charts==
-
[[Image:Greece_Psara_S.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Satellite View of Psara<br />''Click for larger view'']]
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[[Image:Greece_Psara_S.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Satellite View of Psara]]
; BA
; BA
: 1087 Kólpos Petalión to Edremit Körfezi
: 1087 Kólpos Petalión to Edremit Körfezi
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: 33 Cape Sounion to Lesvos I.
: 33 Cape Sounion to Lesvos I.
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==Radio Nets==
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==Weather==
 +
''See [[Aegean Sea#Weather|Aegean Sea]]''.
 +
 
 +
==Passages==
 +
''See [[N - S Passages in East Aegean]]''.
 +
 
 +
==Communication==
* Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
* Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
* Olympia Radio - VHF no signal
* Olympia Radio - VHF no signal
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''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
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==Weather==
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==Navigation==
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''See [[Aegean Sea#Weather and Winds|Aegean Sea]]''.
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-
 
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==Approach and Navigation==
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{{Danger}}On the approach to Psara from the west be aware of the many reefs near the islets Antipsara & Katonisi.
{{Danger}}On the approach to Psara from the west be aware of the many reefs near the islets Antipsara & Katonisi.
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{{hold vertical}}
{{hold vertical}}
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==Berthing Options==
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==Berthing==
===Ports===
===Ports===
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====Psara Harbor====
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{{Poi |38|32.4|N|25|34|E| | type= harbour |name= Psara Harbor |altname= Ψαρά |zoom= 16
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{{infobox |38|32.4|N|25|34|E|
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| image= Greece_Psara_h.jpg | imagetext= Chart of Psara Harbor  
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| name= Psara Harbor
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| text= 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.
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| mapzoom= 15
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| image= Greece_Psara_h.jpg
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| imagetext= Chart of Psara Harbor - ''Click for larger view''
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}}
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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 (1992 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]).
However, other visitors have weathered a force 8 gale in this anchorage (1992 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]).
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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.
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.
+
{{Caution}} Watch out for the reefs around Antipsara and Katonisi islands. With very strong NW winds entering the harbor can be very hard.}}
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<center style="clear: both;"><gallery widths="220px" heights="130px" perrow="3">
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{{hgallery|
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Image:Psara.jpeg|Yacht moorings<br />''Click for larger view'
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{{himage|Psara.jpeg|Yacht moorings}}
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Image:Greece_Psara_a.jpg|Aerial View of the Harbor<br />''Click for larger view''
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{{himage|Greece_Psara_a.jpg|Aerial View of the Harbor}}
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Image:Greece_Psara_7.jpg|View of the Harbor<br />''Click for larger view''
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{{himage|Greece_Psara_7.jpg|View of the Harbor}}
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</gallery></center>
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}}
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
None.
None.
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===Anchorages===
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==Anchorages==
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====Cove East of the Harbor====
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{{Poi |lat=38.53989 |lon=25.57714 | type= anchorage |name= Cove East of the Harbor |zoom= 16
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{{infobox |38|32.3|N|25|34.6|E|
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| image= Greece_Psara2.jpg | imagetext= The E cove
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| name= Cove East of the Harbor
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| text= 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''.
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| mapzoom= 16
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| image= Greece_Psara2.jpg
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| imagetext= ''Click for larger view''
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}}
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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'' (--[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]).
I have been twice here with a force 8 ''meltemi'' (--[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]).
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The town is a 20 minute walk away. There is a pleasant path that follows the coast and a longer inland dirt road.
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.
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{{Warning}} When landing with the dinghy at the beach watch out for the swallow ring of rocks.}}
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====Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater====
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{{Poi |lat=38.54308 |lon=25.57233 | type= anchorage |name= Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater |zoom= 16
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Very nice anchorage N of the breakwater, with excellent protection from the winds and a very friendly town. (2010--S/Y Spindrift)
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| text= Very nice anchorage N of the breakwater, with excellent protection from the winds and a very friendly town. (2010--S/Y Spindrift)}}
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==Yacht Services and Repairs==
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==Amenities==
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====Marine Stores====
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{{tlist
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None.
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====Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards====
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|header|Facilities
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None.
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====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
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|Water| There is an outlet at the quay but use it sparingly as the island's water supply is very limited
-
; Fuel
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|Electricity| N/A (Not Available)
-
: N/A (Not Available)
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|Toilets| N/A
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; Water
+
|Showers| N/A
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: There is an outlet at the quay but use it sparingly as the island's water supply is very limited
+
|Laundry| N/A
-
; Electricity
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|Garbage| In bins at the harbor
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: N/A
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==Things to do ashore==
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|header|Supplies
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====Tourism====
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|Fuel| N/A
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{| class="wikitable" align=right
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|Bottled gas| {{MagentaText|?}}
-
|-
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|Chandlers| None
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|[[Image:Greece_Psara_Rachi2.jpg|280px]]<br /><small>The Commemorative Column on the Black Hill</small>
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|-
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|[[Image:Greece_Psara6.jpg|280px]]<br /><small>The Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin<br />''Click for larger view''</small>
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|}
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The [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/aegean/psara/sights.html#Palaiokastro ''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.
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|header|Services
 +
|Repairs| N/A
 +
|Internet| Free WiFi available in the harbour - look for Psara WiFi
 +
|Mobile connectivity| Good 3G in the harbor area, spotty on the N side
 +
|Vehicle rentals| N/A
 +
}}
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About a 3 hour walk at the N of the island there is the [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/aegean/psara/sights.html#VirginAssumptionMon Monastery of the Assumption] of the Virgin , an interesting site. It is not always open, so enquire at the town before setting off.
+
==Provisioning==
-
 
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====Grocery & Supply Stores====
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* There is a good supermarket a short walk inland from the harbor
* There is a good supermarket a short walk inland from the harbor
* Near the harbor there is a very good bakery
* Near the harbor there is a very good bakery
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====Eateries====
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==Eating out==
* Good sea-food at the ''Ηλιοβασιλέματα  - Sunsets'' looking to the West. Lobster is their specialty.
* Good sea-food at the ''Ηλιοβασιλέματα  - Sunsets'' looking to the West. Lobster is their specialty.
* Tavernas on the harbor waterfront, food is indifferent
* Tavernas on the harbor waterfront, food is indifferent
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* Recently opened (as of July 2015) restaurant at the far end of the beach just N of the harbour was excellent when we visited.
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* Recently opened (as of July 2015) restaurant at the far end of the beach just N of the harbour it was excellent when we visited.
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====Internet/WiFi====
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==Transportation==
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Free WiFi available in the harbour - look for Psara WiFi
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* There is one taxi
 +
* There is a small ferry to [[Chios]]
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====Laundry====
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==Tourism==
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N/A.  
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====History====
 +
Psara were very important during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_War_of_Independence 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 [[Gulf of Evia|Evia]], and from Thessaly who were fleeing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_ship fire-ships] were very effective against the Ottoman armada. The famous fire-ship heroes [http://wiki.phantis.com/index.php/Dimitris_Papanikolis Papanikolis], Pipinos, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_Kanaris 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. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Psara The Massacre of Psara] is one of the most moving incidents of modern Greek history.
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====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
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{{hgallery|
-
N/A.  
+
{{himage|Greece_Lytras_kanaris.jpg|Kanaris by Nikiforos Lytras|1000x200px}}
 +
{{himage|Greece_Gyzis_Destruction.jpg|Destruction of Psara by Nikolaos Gyzis|1000x200px}}
 +
}}
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====Garbage Disposal====
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====Places to Visit====
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In bins at the harbor.
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{| class="wikitable" align=right
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:Greece_Psara_Rachi2.jpg|280px]]<br /><small>The Commemorative Column on the Black Hill</small>
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:Greece_Psara6.jpg|280px]]<br /><small>The Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin</small>
 +
|}
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====Transportation====
+
The [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/aegean/psara/sights.html#Palaiokastro ''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.
-
* There is one taxi
+
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* There is a small ferry to [[Chios]]
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==Routes/Passages To/From==
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About a 3 hour walk at the N of the island there is the [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/aegean/psara/sights.html#VirginAssumptionMon Monastery of the Assumption] of the Virgin , an interesting site. It is not always open, so enquire at the town before setting off.
-
''See [[N - S Passages in East Aegean]]''.
+
-
==Cruiser's Friends==
+
==Friends==
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
*  
*  
-
==Forum Discussions==
+
==Forums==
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
*  
*  
*  
*  
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==External Links==
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==Links==
* {{wikipedia}}
* {{wikipedia}}
*  
*  
*  
*  
-
==References & Publications==
+
==References==
''See [[Greece#References_&_Publications|Greece]]''.
''See [[Greece#References_&_Publications|Greece]]''.
-
==Personal Notes==
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{{Comments}}
-
Psara is not "on the beaten track" yet it is a delightful and very quiet island to visit. --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]]
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* Psara is not "on the beaten track" yet it is a delightful and very quiet island to visit. --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]]
 +
*
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====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)====
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{{Verified by}}
-
''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
+
* July 2008 -- [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
* July 2008 -- [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
* May 2009 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]] [[File:Sailboat_favicon.png]] [http://www.sy-thetis.org Travels with S/Y Thetis]
* May 2009 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]] [[File:Sailboat_favicon.png]] [http://www.sy-thetis.org Travels with S/Y Thetis]
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{{Contributors|[[User:Lighthouse|Lighthouse]], [[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]], [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]}}
{{Contributors|[[User:Lighthouse|Lighthouse]], [[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]], [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]}}
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{{Navbar| [[Mediterranean]] | [[Aegean Sea]] | [[Greece]] |  [[NE Aegean]] | [[Psara]] }}
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[[Category:Islands - Greece]]
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[[Category:Islands - Greece]] [[Category:Ports - Greece]] [[Category:Anchorages - Greece]]
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Latest revision as of 12:14, 15 August 2018

WorldMediterraneanAegean SeaGreeceNE AegeanPsara
Psara
38°34.28′N, 25°35.12′E Chart icon.png
lat=38_34.28_N | lon=25_35.12_E | zoom=12 | y

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.

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 Psara's 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.
 
Dionysios Solomos
The "Black Hill"
The Black Hill

Charts

Satellite View of Psara
BA
1087 Kólpos Petalión to Edremit Körfezi
1645 Nisos Chios and Izmir Körfezi
Imray-Tetra
G28 Nísos Khíos & the Coast of Turkey
NIMA
54352 Plans in theAegean Sea: Nisos Skyros, Ayios Efstratios, Nisos Psara
54382 Nisos Lesvos and Western Coast of Turkey
Greek
33 Cape Sounion to Lesvos I.

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Passages

See N - S Passages in East Aegean.

Communication

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
  • Olympia Radio - VHF no signal

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

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

Ports

Chart of Psara Harbor

Psara Harbor

Psara Harbor/wiki/Psara#Psara_Harbor
Harbour icon Psara Harbor [[Psara#Psara Harbor|Psara Harbor]] (Ψαρά) 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 (1992 --Istioploos Greece Icon.png).

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.
Yacht moorings
Aerial View of the Harbor
View of the Harbor

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

The E cove

Cove East of the Harbor

Cove East of the Harbor/wiki/Psara#Cove_East_of_the_Harbor
Anchorage icon Cove East of the Harbor [[Psara#Cove East of the Harbor|Cove East of the Harbor]] 38°32.393'N, 025°34.628'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 (--Istioploos Greece Icon.png).

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 Harbor's Breakwater

Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater/wiki/Psara#Cove_N_of_Harbor.27s_Breakwater
Anchorage icon Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater [[Psara#Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater|Cove N of Harbor's Breakwater]] 38°32.585'N, 025°34.340'E
Very nice anchorage N of the breakwater, with excellent protection from the winds and a very friendly town. (2010--S/Y Spindrift)

Amenities

Facilities
Water There is an outlet at the quay but use it sparingly as the island's water supply is very limited
Electricity N/A (Not Available)
Toilets N/A
Showers N/A
Laundry N/A
Garbage In bins at the harbor
Supplies
Fuel N/A
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers None
Services
Repairs N/A
Internet Free WiFi available in the harbour - look for Psara WiFi
Mobile connectivity Good 3G in the harbor area, spotty on the N side
Vehicle rentals N/A

Provisioning

  • There is a good supermarket a short walk inland from the harbor
  • Near the harbor there is a very good bakery

Eating out

  • Good sea-food at the Ηλιοβασιλέματα - Sunsets looking to the West. Lobster is their specialty.
  • Tavernas on the harbor waterfront, food is indifferent
  • Recently opened (as of July 2015) restaurant at the far end of the beach just N of the harbour it was excellent when we visited.

Transportation

  • There is one taxi
  • There is a small ferry to Chios

Tourism

History

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.

Kanaris by Nikiforos Lytras
Destruction of Psara by Nikolaos Gyzis

Places to Visit

Greece Psara Rachi2.jpg
The Commemorative Column on the Black Hill
Greece Psara6.jpg
The Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin

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.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Greece.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

  • Psara is not "on the beaten track" yet it is a delightful and very quiet island to visit. --Istioploos

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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington


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