Agios Efstratios is an island stranded on its own in the middle of the Aegean. Although it could not be described as a tourist destination, the island of Agios Efstratios does receive a respectable number of visitors every year. It has hotels and rooms and some fine beaches.
History
The island is named after the Saint Efstratios who lived on the island as an exile in the 9th century because of his opposition to the iconoclastic policies of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Armenian. The island because of its isolation has been used as an exile many times. The most recent one was in the 1930’s and in 1970’s when it was used as an exile for political dissidents. Among the prisoners there was the famous music composer and political activist Mikis Theodorakis and the poets Yiannis Ritsos and Tasos Livaditis.
Geography
Agios Efstratios spans an area of 43,3 sq. km. with a total population of 371 residents. The islands closer to Agios Efstratios are Limnos on the north and Lesvos on the southeast.
Sights
Agios Efstratios is included in the European Union's Natura 2000 network of nature protected areas. There many fine beaches on the island, but most of them are accessible only by boat. Unfortunately, the island was swept off by a big earthquake in 1968 so there are no buildings of any special architecture.
Products
The hot and arid climate of the island is not suitable for cultivation. The main local product is fish.
Getting to
By ferry boats departing from Lavrio Port in Athens.
Useful phones
Police: +30 22540 93201
Port Authorities of Agios Efstratios: +30 22540 93393
Doctor: +30 22540 93222
General 
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