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Modern Description: Further west beyond Koutalás Bay extends the long Akrotiri, or ‘Kýklopas', peninsula whose geological conformation made it the choice area for the richest and most intensive mining. Three hundred metres north of the main road junction (13.5km) above Koutalás, a track leads southwest to the grimly rebuilt monastery of the Evangelístria Akrotirianí (after 2km), 400m beyond which stands the Hellenistic Psarós ('dun-coloured') watchtower, visible to the left of the track. The tower has an imposing rectangular base measuring c. 7.5 x 7.5m. The method of construction is not with the usual, shorter, thicker blocks, but with precise rows of elongated schist slabs, often almost 2m in length; although they are now eroded, these were carefully drafted when new. The entrance threshold-block on the south side, with indentations for the door fitments is well preserved. The tower was well sited to monitor movement of the mining activity and transport in the bay below.

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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