North - Eastern Aegean Islands

 
Chios is the fifth largest of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea seven kilometres (five miles) off the Asia Minor coast. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios strait. The island is noted for its strong merchant shipping community, its uinquemastic gum and its medieval villages. 

In the Chios island there are many beautiful and clean sandy and pebbly beaches where you can enjoy your bath with your family and friends or by yourself in a more isolated coast .Chios offers a great variety of beaches, ranging from cosmopolitan sandy beaches which offer full services, to isolated lagoons where one can enjoy the primitive beauty of the Aegean sea and sun. Some of the most popular beaches are located near the city of Chios, while some others are more distant. Crowded and popular or distant and little-known, all beaches in Chios have crystal clear water and clean sand or pebble stones.

Especially in the summertime the weather, often, is windy and under these circumstances you can find your self in one of the islands' beaches and do sailing and wind-surfing. At the end of the day you can have a good time to nightclubs, restaurants and cafeterias of the island, enjoying your drink with music and good company.

The island's climate is warm and moderate, categorised as Temparate Meditteranean, with modest variation due to the stabilising effect of the surrounding sea. Average temperatures normally range from a summer high of 27° to a winter low of 11° in January, although, temperatures of over 40°C or below freezing can sometimes be encountered. Rain is rare during the summer months, but the winters are changeable and wet. Sunshine is plentiful, as is typical of the Eastern Mediterranean, with almost no cloud cover in the summer months. 

Ikaria is a Greek island 10 nautical miles (19 km) southwest o f Samos. It derived its name from Icarus, the son of Deadalus in the Greek Mythology,who fell into the sea nearby. Ikaria will appeal to the discerning independent traveller seeking a relaxing island retreat far from the madding mid-summer crowds that descend on party islands such as Mykonos in frightening numbers. A rarity amongst the Greek Islands, Ikaria has remained true to herself and to the ways of her people- the Ikarians. Tourism on Ikaria is unimposing for all and reflects an "Ikarian Balance" between nature, freedom, time and development.

 Ikaria's abundant therapeutic radioenergized spring sources have been identified as amongst the best in the world in terms of healing qualities, radioenergy and water supply.The city of Therma is the principal region on Ikaria for organized hydrotherapy, and its reputation and history date from the Classical Period.

Ikaria is blessed with some of the loveliest beaches in the Aegean. You can take your pick of long sandy stretches with seasonal tourist facilities or quiet pebble coves where your only company may be a handful of local villagers. The island's best sandy beaches are on the north coast but the south coast offers several beautiful and less crowded secluded coves.

Inousses island is located just 9 nautical miles from Chios between the coast of Minor Asia. Its inhabitants, who are mostly fishermen or occupy themselves in the production of the famous local wine, are people with free spirits, gentle manners and cheerful characters.  Inousses is actually famous for being the birthplace of some of the most successful transportation dynasties in all Greece. While the ship-owning families are now based somewhere else they still maintain a strong connection to their original home. The snow white houses of the village are made of stone, like its mansions, which are majestic and typical examples of traditional architecture.

The importance of the sea and nautical past of Inousses is immediately obvious when visitors take a to the charming and colourful port and pay a visit to the Naval museum, which houses the precious miniature collection of Antonis Laimos, with ship models from the Napoleon Wars, as well as works by the popular painter, Aristeides Glykas, pictures, lithographies portraying ships from the beginning of the century, books and local costumes.

During the summer months, many travellers visit Inousses, as well as many others taking a day trip here from the nearby island of Chios. Whether you are planning an entire holiday on the island, or maybe just a short break or day trip, you can be confident that the magic, beauty and charm will be something that you will always cherish and remember. Being an island of the maritime and of shipowners, Inousses is a very traditional and family oriented island, and one whose accommodation consists mainly of small traditional hotels and cosy rooms to let, along with cafes, taverns, and many pleasant beaches.

The island of Lesvos lies opposite to Asia Minor, in a distance of 5 to 8 miles with an area of 1630 square kilometers and a coastline of 370klm. The warm climate of Lesvos island, the rich soil and the plentiful waters have created the all green Lesvos that the visitor enjoys today. The big areas planted with olive-trees are cut by dense pinewoods. It is the third largest island of Greece and has been the birthplace of famous people, such as the poets Sappho and Alcaeos, Arion the Guitarist, and Pittacus, one of the seven wise men of ancient Greece.

Mytilini is the capital of the island and has a population of 30,000 people. This is about one third of the total population of the island. It is built  around its well preserved Byzantine Castle, and not very far from there, on the north-east side of town, one can find the Hellenistic Theatre with its superb acoustics and capacity of 10,000 people. Further in the suburb of Varia one can visit the Theophylos Museum. It's natural attractions include a petrified forest , the unique Hot Springs , health inducing spas that are dotted around the island. Lesvos' wonderful landscapes can be seen by donkey or horseback, cycling, jeep, or on foot. If you prefer to be on water there are yachts for charter

Lesvos is easily reachable by Ferry or jet from Athens, not to mention charter flights from many European countries and the USA.

 

Limnos is one of the Greek North Eastern Aegean Islands located midway between the Athos Peninsula on mainland Greece and the west coast of Turkey near the Straits of the Dardanelles.Limnos with one of the prettiest harbours in Greece, beautiful beaches and picturesque, traditional villages untouched by modern-day tourism, hardly fits with any Greek Island stereotypes.  Myrina is the island'a capital with 500 inhabitants. The city has two main bays, the port and the "Romeiko Yialo" well served with bars, taverns and other tourist facilities. In the middle of the two bays is the huge rock with the castle on top. Myrina is built on the ruins of the ancient city and has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times.

Limnos has numerous sandy, uncrowded beaches which are among the best in the Aegean. Most of the beaches are gently shelving with warm shallow water making them ideal for families. Various watersports including windsurfing and water skiing are available at the most popular seaside spots but with the benefit of your own transport you won't have any trouble finding a deserted beach even in high season.

Limnos may not have the hottest nightlife in the Aegean but the island offers many excellent restaurants, plenty of lively bars and some late night dance spots on the outskirts of the capital. Limnos is also famous for the high standard of its seafood taverns in the capital and villages around the island, where fish is served fresh afetr snapped up by local boats.

During high season there are regular flights connecting Limnos with Athens , Thessaloniki and Lesvos, as well asd regular ferry services to and from the mainland ports of Kavala, Rafina, Piraeus , Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis.

Psara island lies 44 nautical miles north-west of Chios as well as 22 km  from the northwestern point of the island of Chios and 150 km of Athens. It encompasses 7 islets, the largest of which is called Psara. The smaller islets include Antipsara, Kato Nisi, Aye Nikolaki, Daskalio, Prasonisi and Nisopoula. These islands offer peace and tranquility, rest and relaxation to their visitors. There are no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace and the inhabitants of the island extend their heartfelt warmth and genuine hospitality to visitors.

The archaeological museum  is located in the small fishing village, and contains findings discovered during excavations. The Museum displays pots and amphoras that were used in the ancient city that is believed to be beneath the village. The church of Agios Nicolaos is at the top of a small hill in the village and gives a gorgeous, panoramic view of the village and the port. Construction of this uniquely shaped basilica began in 1785 and was completed in 1793.

Samos lies at the north-eastern part of the Aegean sea in a distance of 174 nautical miles from Piraeus. It has an area of 475 sq. km., a coast line of 159 km and a population of 40.000 inhabitants. It is a favourite holiday destination for people wishing to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of an unspoilt Greek island. The island offers a mild climate all year round, with warm winters and not very hot summers. Splash vegetation, magnificent beaches with crystal clear waters, interesting antiquities, historical monasteries and various hiking possibilities on the mount of Kerkis. 

The island of Samos is famous in Greece for its beautiful beaches with their white sand and crystalline waters. Many which are now touristy places proposing all kinds of facilities as well as various water sports. They are often surrounded by plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels. Samos is also blessed with secluded coves and peaceful beaches which are still unspoiled and left to their natural beauty.

From May to October daily ferry connection to all the Dodecanese Islands and the islands of the North Aegean, as well as daily crossings to Kusadasi, Turkey. Air connection to Athens with several flights a day and to Thessaloniki 3-4 times weekly. Ferry connection to Pireaus and the Cyclades at least once a day.

The island lies about 50 kilometers south of Alexandroupolis on the mainland. It's next to Thasos and Limnos islands, it has an area of 180 square kilometers and a population of about 2500. It is the second highest island in the Aegean; Mount Fengari rises to some 1600m offering a magnificent view. Getting up there is quite a hike but it well worth's it. Hiking is a popular thing to do on Samothrace. The best time is spring where there are quite a few rare birds on the island so don't forget to bring your binoculars. With a bit of luck you'll see herons, pelicans and hawks.

Samothrace is still relatively untouched by tourism and may be recommended for quiet holidays. Apart from the natural beauty of the island consisting of  rivers, forests and mountains, the island contains one of the ancient world's great mystery sites, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, including the Great Mother of Axeiros and the Cabeiroi. This widespread site situated between the mountains and the sea, is one of the most fascinating in the whole of Greece. The most important find from the sanctuary is the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace, now in the Louvre in Paris. The sanctuary has many ruins from its heyday. There is a museum on the site, which displays artefacts from the Sanctuary.

 In addition to its capital, Samothrace, there are other villages on the island: Kamariotissa, Palaiopolis, Xiropotamos, Therma, Profitis lIias and Lakoma. Access to the island is by boat only since there is no airport  in the island, from Alexandroupolis and Kavala.


 

Thasos island is one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, combining sea and mountains. The excellent beaches with crystal clear water, the remote tiny bays, the picturesque villages, the busy night life, its hospitality, its tasty vine and the magnificent honey make Thassos an ideal and popular resort.

The history of Thassos is lasting back into the antiquity. At that time, Thassos was famous for its goldmines and marble. Until today, you can see much archaeological treasures along with the giant marble factories, which are exporting the marble in the whole world, will make your journey to something special. The island delights the visitor with its natural beauty, the constant interchange between green and blue that one meets at every corner and cove. Its lush vegetation - woods thick with plane trees, oaks, cedars, chestnuts and pines - never ceases to astonish, and the terrain, rich in marble, takes on shapes and contours encountered nowhere else. In the northeast, the scenery is wild: its steep, green gullies and amazing coastline contrast sharply with the serene landscape of the southwest part of Thasos, where land and sea join in unruffled shallow bays.

As far as nightlife is concerned, there are plenty of bars, discos, cafe shops and  fish taverns for an excellent meal. Then, the choice has to be made among the many lively bars of the island to enjoy a drink. At last, the various clubs are here for finishing the night with loud music, dance and drinks.