The North-East Aegean islands are less known to international tourism but among the loveliest in Greece. They are large, often green and mountainous, with strong lives of their own based on farming, fishing and trade. Many lie a few kilometres off the Turkish coast, with ferries across.
The islands
| Island | Character | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Lesbos | Greece's third-largest island, home of Sappho and ouzo | Mytilene, Molyvos, petrified forest, Plomari |
| Chios | Island of mastic and shipowners | Medieval villages of Pyrgi and Mesta, Nea Moni |
| Samos | Green, Muscat wine, Pythagoras | Pythagoreio, Heraion, Kokkari |
| Ikaria | Island of centenarians and all-night festivals | Panigyria, Armenistis, Seychelles beach |
| Lemnos | Plains, dunes, archaeology | Myrina and its castle, Poliochni |
| Thassos | Green, very close to Kavala | Ancient Limenas, marble beaches |
| Samothrace | Wild, sanctuary of the Great Gods | Sanctuary, Mount Fengari, waterfalls |
| Fourni | Fishermen's archipelago | Lobster, deserted bays |
| Psara and Oinousses | Small, steeped in naval history | Monasteries, quiet harbours |
| Agios Efstratios | Remote and silent | Volcanic beaches |
Getting there
The larger islands have airports with flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. By sea, ships leave Piraeus (8-12 hours to Lesbos and Chios, less to Samos and Ikaria), Kavala and Alexandroupoli for Thassos, Samothrace and Lemnos, and Lavrio for Lemnos and Agios Efstratios. Local lines link the islands. From Turkey ferries run from Ayvalık and Dikili to Lesbos, Çeşme to Chios and Kuşadası to Samos.
When to go
May to September; in spring the islands are in bloom and perfect for hiking. In August the village festivals of Ikaria and Lesbos are unforgettable.
See also all the islands.