Map of North Eastern Aegean Islands

Eastern Aegean Islands

• AGIOS EFSTRATIOS is small island, off the north-northwest coast of Limnos. Laying between Limnos, Mytilini, and Skyros, it is a 'virgin island' with only one village and pleasant sandy beaches. It also has many sea caves and small churches scattered in its hills. It's the ideal place for those who desire quiet holidays on an island with minimal tourist traffic.

  Much of the coastline is dotted by cragged rocks and sea caves where the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus finds shelter. In fact, AGIOS EFSTRATIOS is regarded as an extension of the Sea Park of the Northern Sporades island chain.

• South of Lesvos lies one of the most beautiful north eastern Aegean islands - CHIOS, where the green of the trees and the aquamarine of the sea are within kissing distance. Here the verdant valleys embrace the pretty towns which are perfumed by the surrounding mastic trees, an important source of revenues for the island. The ancient history of the island is entwined within the recesses of mythology.

  The climate of CHIOS is typical for the Mediterranean, with the strong north or north-westerly winds and temperatures around 28 or 29 degrees Celsius, it is extremely pleasant. It has a calm winter and little rain in the summer time. Merchant marine plays a very important role in the economy of Chios.

• INOUSSES town is very picturesque and the locals are well known for being very relaxed, welcoming and gentle. There is very little tourism on INOUSSES, as a consequence there are very few rooms available for visitors, but those which are, are mainly in the settlement of INOUSSES town.

  It is off the 'tourist trail' and is certainly a beautiful place. Most of the indigenous population are engaged in fishing, seafaring or the service industry. Many of the mansions belonging to the shipping dynasties also employ a sizeable workforce as the house are maintained to the highest of standards required by these magnates.

• It may be quite a while until the northeastern Aegean islands of IKARIA is rampaged by tourists and visitors, and the locals seem to like it that way. Magnates from the shipping dynasties have their roots deep in IKARIA, even though they may now reside in New York, Athens or London.

  However, things are changing very slowly and the hot springs in this island of windswept desert trees and magical blue waters lapping white-stoned pebble beaches is beginning to be the choice of increasing numbers of visitors. You don't have to worry though, as the roads are still made of dirt, the bus service is just about hanging together and nobody rises before noon. So, you still have time to catch it in its original format.

• LESVOS is comparatively large, unlike some of the other eastern aegean islands. You are best spending at least two weeks to see all of it. It has an array of beaches from which to choose, and many small villages. The favoured villages on LESVOS are found on the coastline, in contrast to Chios where some might argue, you find the better villages in the interior of the island.

  In addition to Mytilini, I also love Kaloni. The old houses add something to the ambience making the waterfront great. I really miss times when we would sit to eat fresh fish (for which it is well known) at the numerous taverns along the waterfront; especially after a day in the sun. Buy a traditional textile from the local gift shops and present it as a gift to your grandma, she will love you forever!

• It takes a little effort to get to the island of LIMNOS, but when you do it will be a pleasant surprise. It sits all alone in the North Aegean with the tiny satellite island of Agios Efstratios at its side.

  LIMNOS has managed to do what a lot of other high-tourist destinations have not. It balances tradition and tourism quite well, and as a consequence it is a great choice of destination for those who want a 'sneek' at the traditional way of life coupled with the convenience of a modern up-to-date location.

  In high season, the 'beautiful people' emerge to fill the shopping areas and beaches by day and move onto the chic café bars at night.

• PSARA is a rugged island and its 500 inhabitants have successfully adapted to maritime activities over the centuries. The settlement of PSARA lies on the western side of the island and arriving here is a unique event. As you approach the eastern Aegean island, you experience the transcending tranquillity of your destination.

  Tranquillity is not the only pleasure you will find here; PSARA is renowned for its farmed lobsters, honey and its tasty cheese. The 'harbour' has a complement of fishing boats and wafers, with their multi-coloured hulls mirrored in the aquamarine waters of the bay.

  At a short distance, the church of the village stands out with an architecture almost Cycladic in shape, with vaulted ceilings surrounding its dome. The people of PSARA, simple andhospitable, bestow their friendship upon all their visitors. Places like this are hard to find!

• THASSOS is one of the most northerly of Greek holiday destinations and you should really consider the journey to the island as a part of your holiday. It will, for most people, usually involve a flight (probably to Kavala if it's a charter flight), a ferry trip to reach the island and then a coach or taxi to reach your holiday destination.

  However, every minute spent on your trip will be more than worth it. THASSOS is a very child-friendly island with a coastline dotted with golden sandy beaches, and an interior which is lush and green compared to some other eastern Aegean islands. Greece is blessed with wonderful islands throughout its waters, but if you want to be away from Anglophiles whilst on holiday, THASSOS, is probably the place you should head for.

• SAMOS is an island of unique natural beauty, with green mountains and lush verdant valleys. It is remarkably fertile with lots of quality vineyards which produce wines that are famous throughout the world. SAMOS town is built in similar amphitheatrically fashion to many 'island capitals' throughout Greece and its islands.

  The economy of the island is driven by the tourist industry which has grown organically since the arrival of the charter holiday companies in the '70's. Since their arrival, SAMOS has become known for its folk art and produces beautiful pottery, ceramics, rugs, bags made of goat wool and woven fabrics with beautiful designs and colours which are made on local looms.

• What should draw you to SAMOTHRAKI (or Samothrace) is a chance to see a less commercialised Greek island that remains rich in natural wonders — one of the highest mountain ranges in the Aegean, with clear streams of cascading waterfalls and rock pools for swimming, a landscape that stays green through late summer, and a coastline of secluded sand and pebble beaches.

  Long a vacation secret of the northern Greeks, SAMOTHRAKI is beginning to open to international tourists, particularly those who enjoy nature in its wilder forms.

  The island's capital, Hora, is a small but charming town of narrow streets which twist their way up and down the hillside. You can find a number of popular restaurants with lots of tables spilling out onto the street.

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