Tornos News | Psara: Tourism development with an emphasis on the rich historical heritage

The municipality of Heroic Island of Psara is focusing on the promotion of the island’s historical and cultural identity, in combination with forms of alternative tourism and experience tourism, for 2025.

In particular, emphasis will be placed on the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Heroic Island of Psara, which stems primarily from the national liberation struggle of 1821 and the island’s significant contribution to its successful outcome, with the highlight being the sacrifice of the Psara people, fighters in Mavri Rahi and the blowing up of the powder magazine (Psara Holocaust). In combination with the churches within the settlement, most importantly the church of Agios Nikolaos, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and the many chapels, Psara emerges as a cultural, religious, and historical tourist destination of great interest.

At the same time, emphasis will be placed on the harmonious coexistence of the historical and cultural heritage of Psara with the beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, on the possibility for visitors for mountain hiking tourism, fishing tourism, agrotourism with beekeeping as the mainstay, for pleasure boat tours, sailing tourism and other special forms of tourism, highlighting the island of Psara as a tourist destination of activities and experiences. Psara provides unique experiences for every visitor in a few square kilometers.

In this direction, the following actions are planned to be carried out:

Holocaust Celebration

The celebration concerns the anniversary of the Holocaust, reviving moments of the Greek Revolution of 1821, in memory of the approximately 500 Psarians who were imprisoned in the fortress of Mavri Rahi, determined not to surrender to the Turks, set fire to the powder magazine and sacrificed themselves on the altar of the freedom of their homeland. As part of the Celebration, commemorative events are planned which become a point of reference for the Psarians who live far from the island and combine their return and holidays with the above celebration.

Varvakia 2025

A unique opportunity to promote the identity and uniqueness of Psara is the organization of the event “Varvakia” by the Cultural and Beautification Association of Psara “Konstantinos Kanaris”.

Within the framework of Varvakia, musical and dance performances with Greek traditional dances by the sections of the cultural association, tasting events, an exhibition of local products, a book exhibition, a concert, a theatrical performance, an annual dance evening of the association in the island’s square with the accompaniment of an orchestra, etc.

Sports Events

During the summer season, beach volleyball sports events are planned to be held on the beach of Katsounis, as well as football and basketball on the municipal courts, by the cultural association “Adelphotis Psarianon”.

Alternative entertainment

In the summer, the island is expected to host theatrical performances aimed at cultural stimulation and alternative entertainment, both for visitors to the island and its permanent residents.

Also, events are planned that honor tradition, such as traditional festivals and a concert at the island’s Archaeological Park in Archontiki, which takes place on the night of the August full moon.

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