The North-Eastern Aegean islands are located north of the Dodecanese and east of the Sporades. The majority of those Greek islands form the borders of Greece with Turkey. Although tourism there is not as developed as in the rest of the Greek islands, they are famous for the traditional architecture and family atmosphere. Samos, Thassos, and Ikaria are famous for their gorgeous beaches, Chios for the Medieval villages, Lesbos for the seaside places, Lemnos for the vast sandy coasts, while Fourni is an alternative holiday destination. All the islands of North-Eastern Aegean Greece have something special to offer to visitors.
Where is North-Eastern Aegean islands?
Every island of the complex is unique and gives a different style: Samos and Thassos are famous for the wonderful beaches and the hiking paths, Ikaria and Fourni are totally alternative destinations, Chios is famous for the Medieval villages, Lesbos is known as a family island, while Lemnos is a place with large deserted beaches.
The islands of North Eastern Aegean are the least tourist developed islands of Greece. With a relaxing atmosphere, these are ideal places for family vacations. Chios, Lesbos, Samos and Thassos are the best organized beaches, while the rest islands of the complex keep a more secluded profile.
The North Eastern Aegean is a group of Greek islands located north of Dodecanese and east of Cyclades and Sporades. The majority of the Eastern Aegean islands line the borders between Greece and Turkey. The most popular islands are: Lesbos island, Thassos island and Samos island.
Chios Island
Located on the eastern side of the Aegean Sea, Chios is a traditional island with intense Medieval character. It is famous for the Medieval villages with the geometrical designs on the walls, the mastic production and the Byzantine monasteries. Most beaches in Chios are secluded and unorganized. The most famous beach is Mavros Gialos.
Why Chios: Beautiful scenery, tradition, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, nice food, unspoiled landscape, natural charm, family friendly destination, hiking.
Highlights: Pyrgi village, Mesta Village, Mavros Gialos beach, Volissos village, Anavatos ghost village, Mastic Museum.
Tips: Suggested stay: 5 days. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal island hopping to Oinousses, Psarra.
Where is Chios: Chios belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: There is a ferry connection with Athens (Piraeus) 3 times a week. Chios is also connected by ferry with Kavala (Northern Greece), Lesbos, Mykonos, Syros and few more islands. Furthermore, Chios has a National Airport, so it can be reached by plane too. Last but not least, it is linked with the port of Cesme in Turkey.
Lesbos Island
Known as the birthplace of Sappho, Lesbos is a lovely family destination. All around the island, there are vast olive groves, traditional villages, clean beaches and interesting sightseeing. Apart from Mytilene, the capital of the island, very picturesque is also the region of Molyvos. Apart from high-quality olive oil, Lesbos is famous for the production of ouzo.
Why Lesbos: Nature, architecture, history, gastronomy, family friendly destination, beautiful beaches, hiking, picturesque villages.
Highlights: Castle & village of Molyvos, Petra beach, Petrified Forest, Agiassos village, Roman Aqueduct, Mytilene town.
Tips: Suggested stays: a week. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Lesbos: Lesbos belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: There are frequent ferry connections with Athens (Piraeus), Kavala (Northern Greece) and some other islands such as Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria and Chios. There are also ferry connections with Turkey and the port of Ayvalik. Furthermore, Lesbos has an airport and can be reached by plane too.
Ikaria Island
Located on the Eastern Aegean sea, Ikaria is one of the worldwide famous Greek islands, mainly due to the longevity of its inhabitants and the Ikarian diet.
Once you set your foot in Ikaria, you’ll feel like a world away from the mainland! It is the perfect place to recharge, away from the hectic everyday routine. On this island, time seems to slow down and nobody takes life too seriously. Sure enough, the island’s laid-back atmosphere is one of the main reasons why Ikaria is so popular. But not the only one!
Why Ikaria: Wild scenery, surfing destination, alternative lifestyle, camping destination, thermal spa destination, hiking, naturist destination, clear blue waters.
Highlights: Nas beach, Seychelles beach, traditional festivals, surfing, church of Panagia Theoskepasti, Evdilos town.
Tips: Suggested stay: 5 nights. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal Island hopping to: Fourni.
Where is Ikaria: Ikaria belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: There is a ferry connection with Athens (Piraeus) 3 times a week. Also, Ikaria is connected by ferry with Kavala (Northern Greece), Samos, Syros, Mykonos and few more islands. Last but not least, Ikaria has a National Airport, so it can be reached by plane too.
Thassos Island
Called the Emerald of the Aegean, Thassos is located on the northern side of the Aegean and very close to the mainland. With lush forests and fabulous beaches with blue-green water, this island attracts many families and romantic couples. Thassos is also popular with hiking, as the hiking trails will lead you to Byzantine towers, nice caves and secret coves.
Why Thassos: Calm and easygoing, archaeology, history, quaint, hiking, nature.
Highlights: Giola Lagoon, Ancient Agora, Ancient Theatre, Ancient Marble Quarry, Golden beach, Alyki beach.
Tips: Suggested stay: 5 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Thassos: Thassos belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: There are frequent ferries every day from Kavala and Keramoti. The nearest Airport is in Kavala town.
Samos Island
Among the most popular islands of Greece, Samos keeps its family atmosphere even in high season. Due to its large size, tourism on Samos is spread and not concentrated in few resorts. Visitors are charmed by the blue-green waters, the traditional villages and the interesting ancient sites. Hiking is also popular in Samos, with many trails leading to secret coves, waterfalls and small villages.
Why Samos: Archaeology, history, lush vegetation, amazing beaches, wineries, nature.
Highlights: Tsamadou beach, Pythagorion village, Pythagorion Archaeological Museum, Sanctuary of Heraion, Karlovassi village, Tunnel of Eupalinus, Tours to Turkey.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 week. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal Island hopping to Ikaria.
Where is Samos: Lesbos belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Athens (Piraeus). Also, ferry connection with Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, Chios and few more islands. Furthermore, Samos has an airport and can be reached by plane too. Last but not least, Samos has frequent ferry connections with Kusadasi (Turkey).
Lemnos Island
Lemnos is an unspoiled island, perfect for family vacations. Although Lemnos has a beautiful varied landscape and interesting sightseeing, it has escaped mass tourism, probably due to its large size and the long distance from Athens. A drive around the island will bring you to secluded golden beaches, many ancient sites and traditional villages.
Why Lemnos: Amazing landscape, calm and easy-going, sea sports (kitesurfing and windsurfing), beautiful nature, nice beaches.
Highlights: Sand dunes, Cape Falakro, Myrina town, Ancient Ifestia, Plati beach.
Tips: Suggested stay: 5 nights. Car is strongly recommended.
Where is Lemnos: Lemnos belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group.
How to get there: Lemnos is connected by ferry with Piraeus port and Lavrion port in Athens. The ferry from Piraeus lasts longer (24 hours) so many travelers prefer to depart from Lavrion port. There are also ferries from Kavala (Northern Greece). Furthermore, Lemnos has a National Airport and can be reached by plane too.
Fourni Island
Fourni is a complex of islands located between Samos and Ikaria. Almost hidden from the rest of the islands and far from the port of Piraeus, Fourni is the ideal destination for backpackers, couples seeking for isolation and families who want to escape the noisy crowd of the city center. Most activity is concentrated in the Town and many beaches can be accessible on foot.
Why Fourni: Small remote island, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, picturesque, clear blue waters.
Highlights: Kassidi beach, Ancient quarry, Psili Ammos beach, Main village, Acropolis.
Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is not needed. Ideal Island hopping to: Ikaria.
Where is Fourni: Fourni belongs to the Eastern Aegean islands group and is located near Ikaria.
How to get there: There is a ferry connection with Athens (Piraeus) 3 times a week. There are also ferry connections with Ikaria and Samos.
