Hidden island life: Meet the only resident of Kinaros, Greece
3:53 PM EDT, May 27, 2024
Irini Katsoturchi is the sole resident of the Greek island of Kinaros in the Aegean Sea. She lives with her dog, chickens, sheep, and goats. Irini does not fear living in solitude.
"Greek Reporter" shared the extraordinary story of "Mrs. Rini," who has lived alone on the island since the death of her husband in 2013.
She was raised in Kinaros, married, moved to the nearby island of Kalymnos, and eventually emigrated to Australia with her family. Upon returning to Greece, the couple decided to settle permanently in Kinaros.
Grocery deliveries once a week, mailman every two weeks
"Life is not easy on Kinaros for a single, elderly woman," emphasizes "Greek Reporter."
In winter, her only contact with the outside world is a boat that arrives once a week with supplies. Every two weeks, a mailman also arrives. During summer, more boats dock, and their passengers exchange words with her.
Irini is accompanied by her dog, Siva, and a few chickens. Sheep and goats also roam the island freely.
The Greek news outlet mentioned that in 2020, Mrs. Irini "disappeared from the radar" for a few days, causing the Air Force and Coast Guard to be mobilized. Contact with her was impossible due to a malfunction and power outage on the island. She was eventually located by a helicopter that delivered supplies.
The portal notes that Irini received a COVID-19 vaccination despite living in isolation. In 2020, the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the island and its residents.
Dodecanese - a Greek gem
The 78-year-old's island spans 1.7 square miles and belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, which includes 163 islands. Only 26 of these islands are inhabited. The most popular ones include Rhodes and Kos, which have attracted many tourists for years.
Kinaros is located west of Kalymnos and Leros, and east of Amorgos.
