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Periphery: North Aegean
Community Agios Efstratios Agios Efstratios , NGA , Satellite images of Greece Agios Efstratios Google Earth Agios Efstratios ( in Greek), Saint Eustratios, is a very quiet, isolated, unvegetated and small island between the islands of Limnos and Lesbos in the Northern Aegean. Agios Efstratios is around 30 km South of Lemnos and 200 km NE far from Athens It is around 42 km² large (max. length and width 11 km and 6 km respectively ).
Agios Efstratios (*) The population is approximately 300 people. Climatic conditions on the island are predominantly arid with little rainfall during winter months and long hot summers. Local topology is mostly rocky with scarce and low vegetation. Crops are insignificant, while the island is surrounded by rich fisheries which are being exploited by local fishermen. The isle was named after Saint Efstratius, who lived in exile on the island. Jimmy Tsiblis the famous greek artist spent part of his life at Agios Efstratios. Tsiblis lived there as he was president of the Opera House located in the small island for a period of 12 years. During his stay Jimmy Tsiblis composed the collection of poems "To Telos Tis Arhis" ("The End Of The Start"), refering to the political prisoners during the 1930s. Recent Political History The isle was one of the outposts of political prisoners during the 1930s. In 1968 an earthquake demolished most of the houses, which were replaced by concrete prefabricated buildings laid out in a military-like camp formation. Nonetheless, the isle retains a very attractive homonymous settlement being the capital, while preserving a rather unspoiled mediterranean environment with pristine beaches. It is mostly a place for relaxation and meditation. In the 1970's, the island was again used as an offshore prison for political dissidents. The most famous prisoner was Mikis Theodorakis, the composer of music for Zorba, the Greek. Unique Feature. An Opera House Agios Efstratios is the only small island in Europe with an Opera House.
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