North Aegean Islands
Introduction
Just a breath away from the Asia Minor coast of Turkey, in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, explore islands with fascinating green landscapes, crystal clear waters, beautiful sandy and pebbly beaches, traditional villages, and a rich history of each isle. Choose among big islands (Ikaria, Samos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Thasos, Samothrace) and some smaller ones (Agios Efstratios, Agios Minas, Antipsara, Thymaina, Oinousses, Samiopoula, Fournoi and Psara) offer you exciting holiday options. Even though some of these islands are far from mainland Greece, they have become popular destinations thanks to frequent ferry and flight connections.
Best Islands to Explore
The North Aegean islands promise the most exquisite treats. Samos will serve you its award-winning dessert wine, whose reputation dates back to antiquity. Lesvos’ ouzo is world-renowned, and the most famous brands are Plomari and Mini. Chios’ most treasured product is the rare and ‘miraculous’ mastic, but don’t leave without trying its syrupy sweets and preserves. Lesvos is also famous for its exceptional oil, pressed from the yields of the hillside olive groves. The extra-virgin olive oils of Lesvos – specifically from Mytilini, Kalloni, and Plomari – have all been certified as PDOs.
Agios Efstratios
Agios Efstratios is a small volcanic island in the northeastern Aegean Sea surrounded by Limnos, Lesvos, and Skyros islands. Visit the ruins of ancient towns surrounded by serene, unspoiled nature. The island has been declared a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and an Important Bird Area in Greece. It was a place of exile. Agios Efstratios—Ai Stratis to the locals—is blessed with the beauty of its landscape and, mainly, the grit of its people.
Ikaria
According to the myth, Daedalus (father) and Icarus (son) flew over the Aegean Sea wearing waxed feather wings. During the flight, Icarus ignored his father’s advice not to fly close to the sun. When he approached the sun, his waxed wings melted, and he fell and drowned in the sea off the island’s coast.
Apart from sun-drenched beaches, Ikaria offers a great variety of archaeological sites, natural monuments (part of the European NATURA 2000 network), traditional villages, hot springs known since antiquity, and endemic species of fauna and flora for the visitor to explore. Open-air festivals and sports events occur here throughout the year, so don’t miss the chance to live this experience.
Limnos
The island of Hephaestus (god of fire and protector of blacksmiths) is the ideal laid-back holiday destination. Visit Myrina, the island capital and port, to learn more about its exciting history and enjoy fresh fish dishes. Explore the volcanic areas and visit the island’s museums. Visit Alyki and Chortarolimni Lakes; these areas are part of the European NATURA 2000 network.
Lesvos
Sappho, one of the most famous lyric poets of ancient Greece, was born in Lesvos. You will find grand, beautiful houses in Mytilene, the island capital, and traditional villages across the island (Agiassos, Assomatos, Vatousa, Eresos, Mantamados, Mithymna, Petra, Plomari, Polichnitos, Sigri, Sykamia). Plomari Village is known for its top-quality ouzo, which is famous across the country and around the world. Accompany your ouzo drink with sardines from Kaloni. Enjoy the hot springs at Thermi, Eftalou, and Gera, or walk along unspoiled, golden beaches. Read more about traveling to Lesvos.
Chios
Chios is known as the mastic island because of this unique natural resin collected from mastic trees cultivated in the southern part of the island. Explore the Mastichochoria, a group of fortified villages of great beauty built in the 14th century when the island was under Genovese rule. Mesta is a medieval heritage town with preserved towers, ancient churches, and magnificent stone houses joined together with arches. Taste delicious dishes cooked with mastic or sip soumada, a traditional almond drink.
Quite a few museums and traditional open-air festivals reveal the island’s long history and exciting culture. Visitors can also explore long sandy beaches, secluded or not, and quiet coves. Read more about Chios Island.
Samos
Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, the first to suggest that the Earth revolves around the sun. Visit the UNESCO monuments of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments, and the Heraion, the temple of the goddess Hera. Attend cultural events and music festivals. Stroll around Vathy, a traditional village, and learn more about the island’s history. Samos is a green island with many white-sand beaches and picturesque villages. The island is also well-known for its top-quality natural sweet wine. Read more about traveling to Samos.
Oinousses
Oinousses is a cluster of nine islands located between Chios Island and the Erythraian Peninsula of Asia Minor. It is a quiet summer destination, an idyllic place for those who prefer underwater activities such as exploring the colorful seabed. Learn more about the centuries-old maritime tradition of the islands at the Maritime Museum. The whole island complex has been included in the European network NATURA 2000.
Psara
The island was first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Despite its size, it played an essential part during the Greek War of Independence (1821) as the local competent mariners with their ships fought for the cause next to other Greek revolutionaries. The island’s maritime power ranked third after Hydra and Spetses Islands. As a result, Psara holds a special place in recent Greek history. Follow the hiking trails and explore beautiful churches and monuments. Don’t forget to try the local lobster pasta dish (at affordable prices).
Fourni
Fourni is a group of small islands that used to be a pirate hideaway. The aromatic plants and olive groves are part of a land of pristine beauty. Mediterranean monk seals, dolphins, and sea turtles find refuge in the island’s clear waters.
