Katerina Tzanou: A fairy in .. Agistri

People in Agistri #2 – Katerina Tzanou: An Inexhaustible Source of Inspiration and Love, Agistri Soothes My Soul and Brings Me Closer to the “Whole”!

 

 

Agistri, our island, a world filled with wild natural beauty, is home to one of the most remarkable figures in the local community: Katerina Tzanou, owner of Dragonera Sunset Coast on the eponymous beach. We met with Katerina for a delightful interview and uncovered the inspiring story behind the paradise she created with her family.

 

In the photos, from left to right: With her great love, music, On Dragonera Beach with DJ Boatman from Tomorrowland, the world’s most famous electronic music festival, Dragonera Team

 

 

Born and raised in Agistri, Katerina, after the loss of her father at just 13 years old, moved with her mother and siblings to Piraeus. However, their longing for the island and their love for the sea could not keep them away. Every weekend, they returned, she tells us, to where their roots grew even deeper.

 

In the photos, from left to right: When Katerina’s dream for Dragonera began to take shape, As a young child – Laying a wreath, Sixth grade – Laying a wreath, Teenage years in her beloved Agistri

 

Following her studies in nursing and a successful career at Tzanio Hospital, Katerina decided to permanently return to Agistri at the age of 33. At that time, she learned that Dragonera was up for auction, and despite being pregnant and having her mother in a wheelchair with several health issues, she was undeterred. She told her siblings, “let’s go!” After all, at 9 years old, she recalls, while watching the movie “Cocktail” with Tom Cruise, she said, “One day, I will do this too, here in Agistri!”… and she did it!

 

Katerina’s life motto is that the more the challenges, the greater the success!

Alongside managing the business, Katerina also served as the President of the Municipal Council of the island for four years, contributing to the local community. She also handled health issues for the municipality and worked at the rural health clinic as a nurse (2019-2023). Her dedication to Agistri is undeniable and serves as a source of inspiration for many.

 

In the photos, from left to right: Laying a wreath as President of the Municipal Council of Agistri (2019-2023), Health initiatives as Health Officer in the Municipality, Health initiatives as Health Officer in the Municipality

 

 

In her own words…

I love Agistri because…

It is full of greenery and has crystal clear waters, it soothes my soul and brings me closer to the “Whole”!

When should someone visit Agistri?

I would recommend visiting in the spring when everything is blooming and smells wonderful or in October when the island calms down from the summer crowds. The island has a strange energy… whatever you give it, it gives back… Give peace and positivity and it will return it manifold!

 

How can a visitor help Agistri?

What Agistri definitely needs is the protection of its forest. Many foreigners, mainly Scandinavians, when they come, they go up to the forest and take bags to collect garbage, so generally I would say let’s start with the trash, showing a good example. Also, great care is needed with fires on the beaches at night, it is best to avoid them…

Hidden treasures on the island…

Apart from her beloved Dragonera, she also loves Metochi, with its church of Panagia and the incredible view… and there, back in the forest, a specific rock where she goes to isolate herself with her thoughts.

And favorite stories from Katerina…

Katerina told us that there used to be a myth in Agistri, that fairies roamed outside at night, and while other children were scared, she would go out to look for them! Her grandmother had told her the story that Dragonera comes from the Arvanitika word “draunera” meaning fairy and maybe that was why she was always drawn to this place. Another possible origin of the word Dragonera is from the old saying by grandmothers who washed clothes on the rocks there, “the dragon’s waters.” Who knows… we will stick with the fairy story because we like it, hehe!

A few words about weloveagistri:

Weloveagistri and you, Elina, have given me great joy because even though you started this beautiful project from Aegina, you expanded it with the same passion and love to promote our island as if it were your own! I admire weloveagistri and I hope to see it evolve over the years!

Katerina proves that faith and determination can overcome any obstacle. Despite facing many challenges in her personal and professional life, she never lost faith in her dreams. Her desire to create something special and her commitment to the local community make Katerina a distinguished resident of Agistri.