The mayor of Agios Efstratios, Konstantinos Sinanis, speaks on “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and Voice of Greece.
He talks about his beloved island, this year’s summer season, and of course the AEGEAN REGATTA 2025, which this year included the small North Aegean island as one of the stops of the major sailing race.
“Visitors to Agios Efstratios know in advance what to expect here – that’s why we welcome people who are conscious travelers, who want to escape daily life and experience a different kind of tourism: very relaxed, calm, authentic, and safe. This year’s tourist season was much better than last year’s, while the island’s population is between 180 and 200 residents,” says Mr. Sinanis.
He stresses the island’s main problem: ferry connections.
“This year we’ve received assurances from the state that we won’t face last year’s situation again – when for three months not a single ship arrived. Another major issue is the high VAT, which is even higher than that of neighboring, much larger islands,” he adds.
And he concludes:
“It takes faith and love to live on this island and on the other small islands of our country. Don’t remember us only in summer or on big occasions like this sailing race. Don’t forget the small islands.”
Produced & presented by Antonis Karagiannakis