Irene Katsotourchi, affectionately called “Kyra Rinio” (Mrs. Rinio), is the sole resident of the Greek island of Kinaros, an isolated part of the Dodecanese in the Eastern Aegean, located west of Kalymnos and Leros and east of Amorgos.
Riniο she has lived alone since 2013, when her husband passed away. He had been the only other resident of Kinaros for some years.
The 78-year-old was born in Amorgos and grew up in Kinaros. When she got married, she lived with her family in Kalymnos, but then the couple migrated to Australia.
When they returned, they decided to settle permanently on Kinaros. However, it wasn’t long before her husband passed away. Ever since, she has lived alone on the remote islet.
Life is not easy on Kinaros for Rinio, its sole resident
Life is not easy on Kinaros for a single, elderly woman. Her only contact with the outside world during the winter months is the weekly arrival of the boat from Amorgos, bringing her essential supplies.
Kyra Riniο’s only companions are Siva, a friendly dog who stands guard next to her mistress, a few chickens, and some sheep and wild goats that roam freely over the whole island.
Her humble house is built on a bay protected from the northerly winds. During the summer months, many boats visit her and exchange a few words.
In 2020, Kyra Riniο disappeared from the “radars” for a few days, causing the Greek Air Force and Coast Guard to mobilize. The woman’s disappearance resulted from a loss of electrical power which made any communication with the island impossible. She was eventually spotted by a helicopter which brought her food and other supplies.
Then-President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou paid her respects to Kyra Riniο on Christmas 2020 by visiting the island.
Mrs. Rinio recently received an unexpected gift: a donkey, which will serve as both a companion and an aid in navigating the island’s rugged terrain.
Journalist Vasilios Saribalidis announced via Facebook that the animal arrived on Kinaros after a difficult transport operation. He led the effort, along with friends and volunteers to satisfy the wish of Mrs. Rinio. He posted photos of the Kinaros lady welcoming the donkey.
Speaking to ERT, the Amorgos mayor said: “The message sent by Kyra Rini is clear. It is a message of optimism.”