The Municipality of Heroic Island of Psara has secured €246.598,80 for the implementation of a project to create a series of hiking trails on the island.
Accessible by ferry, Psara, which is about five miles in length, lies in the North Aegean Islands, just to the west of the larger Chios.
The new hiking trail project aims to exploit and promote the traditional hiking routes of the island, which are linked to the history, tradition and natural landscape of Psara. Through the development of the hiking network, the municipality said tourism will be enhanced, while the historical and cultural heritage is highlighted, and the unique natural environment of the island is protected.
The nine routes to be created include paths that traditionally served the movements of residents for agricultural and livestock activities, as well as routes that lead to inaccessible areas of particular ecological or historical interest.
Psara’s was one of the 107 proposals that met the criteria and were included in the action “Creation of a national network of paths and hiking routes,” which was funded from a total of €41,224,054.39 throughout Greece, according to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of National Economy and Finance.
The Mayor of the Heroic Island of Psara, Konstantinos Vratsanos said: “In Psara we honor our past, but we work with a vision for the future! This funding is further proof that our island has potential, perspective and voice. The hiking trails we will create will form a living link between our historical heritage and modern development. With the plan, perseverance and efficiency, we continue to claim and achieve projects that change Psara for the better. I warmly thank all those who worked hard for this successful result for our island!”
