Cave of Saint Eustratius

The Cave of Agios Efstratios, near Alonitsi Beach, offers breathtaking views and is a landmark in the island’s history. According to tradition, it was the refuge of the Venerable Eustratius, who took shelter there in the 8th century AD to escape the iconoclasts, and the island was named in his honor. The cave’s interior resembles a small chapel, with incense burners and icons. Today, the skull (relic) of Saint Eustratius is kept at the Great Lavra Monastery on Mount Athos, as Basil II granted a large part of the island to the monastery in 1024. Even now, a significant portion of the island’s land belongs to Mount Athos monasteries.