The Psara island cluster that is northwest of the island of Chios encompasses 7 islets,
the largest of which is called Psara. The smaller islets include Antipsara, Kato Nisi,
Aye Nikolaki, Daskalio, Prasonisi and Nisopoula. This island cluster is approximately
48 nautical miles north west of the island of Chios. Psara, in addition to the 6 islets,
exhibits a rocky terrain filled with hills and mountains. The highest mountain on the
island is Prophitis Ilias (Ilias the Prophet) that extends 640 meters. This rocky terrain is
inadequate for cultivation, thus the 500 inhabitants of the island were forced to turn
to maritime activities for income. These islands offer peace and tranquility, rest and
relaxation to their visitors. There are no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace and
the inhabitants of the island extend their heartfelt warmth and genuine hospitality to
visitors. Psara (Greek: Ψαρά) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It lies 44 nautical
miles north-west of Khios as well as 22 km (about 13 nmi) from the northwestern point
of the island of Khios and 150 km (about 75 nmi)ENE of Athens. The length and width
is about 7 x 8 km and the area of the island is 43 km². It has been inhabited
since the Mycenaean period, and its inhabitants have always relied on the sea to make
a living. The municipality include the small island of Antipsara and is one of the two in
the prefecture that only have one community and one of the few in Greece that only
contain one settlement. located almost directly to the west. Psara also has a small
port linking to the island of Chios and other parts of Greece. Psara joined the Greek
War of Independence on April 10, 1821. A noted native naval leader of the time
was future Prime Minister of Greece Constantine Kanaris. The island was invaded
on June 21, 1824 by Egyptian forces under the command of Ibrahim Pasha. A part of
the population managed to flee the island, but those who didn't were either sold into
slavery or slaughtered. More than 15,000 Greeks were massacred. The island was
deserted and surviving islanders were scattered through what is now Southern Greece.
Theophilos Kairis, a priest and scholar, took on many of the orphaned children and
developed the famous school the Orphanotropio of Theophilos Kairis. Modern Psara
is inhabited by fewer than 1,000 people, all of which inhabit the single small village
on the island, also called Psara as well as its municipality.
The landmark includes a castle.