The village stands at a height of 320 metres above sea - level. Its first inhabitant was Father Petros Spathas. Tradition relates that this priest had 18 children. They built the houses and created the village, which some say is 400 years old.

The people of Spatharaii tend to be quick - witted, enjoy good health, live to a ripe old age, and are very hard - working.

In 1829, two women lived here. The first, who was called Grammatiki, was 130 years old. Her son Michalis was 90 years old, and her daughter Sophia had seven children from three births.

The second woman was called Maria and was 160 years old. She had so many descendants that during her lifetime they were so distantly related that they could marry among themselves.

Many names are quoted of inhabitants of this village who lived to be more than 100. Perhaps these instances of longevity may seem to us strange or perhaps the product of the imagination. But we have to bear in mind what kind of life these people lived : they lived on an island with an excellent climate, the breathed the freshest of air, their lives were free of cares and they did not have to cope with the constant turmoil and worries with which we are involved today.

The people of Spatharaii produce oil, wine, the citron fruit, and broad beans.

A short distance to the west of the village the remains of an ancient settlement can be seen. On this site stands a ruined monastic dependency called " Palaioekklisia " and the Chapel of the Holy Apostles.

From Spatharaii, Limnionaki and Samiopoula can be visited. For this purpose, we take the road to the sea.

Today the population of Spatharaii, mostly of an advanced age, is 600. In 1951, it was 1,104, in 1961, 933, in 1971, 738, and in 1981, 596.

Here you can stroll in the village streets, climb the nearby mountains, or have a coffee in one of the old - style coffee shops.

A large number of festivals are held here in the summer, details of which you can obtain your travel agency.