Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Aegean Islands
 |  | Destination Guide : Aegean Islands |
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| | | Green, lush and forested |  | Why go on holiday to the Aegean Islands?
There are seven major islands in the north-eastern group: Samos, Chios, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Samothraki and Thassos.
Huge distances separate them, so island-hopping is not as easy as it is within the Cyclades and Dodecanese. Most of these islands are large and have very distinctive characters.
They are all mountainous, green, lush and forested — quite different from the Ionian chain. Because of their isolation, the islands attract travellers looking for space, solitude and sandy beaches.
How much does it cost?
There can be a big difference in costs between the seasons but as a rough guide, a seven-day summer packages in a hotel or villa start at about £360. Expect to pay £180 for a return flight to Athens. Connecting flights from Athens to the various islands cost about £40. Ferries are slower but much cheaper. All prices may vary.
When should I go?
Summer is the most popular time to visit the islands, and also the most expensive. There are significant savings if you go in spring or autumn. Temperatures range from 12C in January to 32C in August.
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| | | Water sports galore |  | What should I do when I'm there?
The lake-like surface of the Aegean provides perfect conditions for windsurfing, which is the most popular water sport in Greece.
Although snorkelling is encouraged and well worthwhile anywhere along the coast, scuba diving is strictly forbidden, unless under the auspices of a diving school. This is so underwater antiquities are protected from pilferers.
Trekking and sightseeing makes a change from lying on the beaches. Yachting is a great way to reach otherwise inaccessible coves and tiny islands.
What are the largest islands like?
Samos is lush and humid with mountains skirted by oak-forested hills, though some of the high forested areas are prone to forest fires.
On the island of Samothraki, Mt Fengari (1,611m) looms over valleys of gnarled oak, forests of olive trees and glades where waterfalls plunge into deep, icy pools.
Lesbos has become a Mecca for walkers attracted by its mountainous countryside and well-marked trekking trails.
Limnos boasts long sandy beaches, undulating countryside and fine villages.
Chios was the home island of many of Greece's rich shipowners. Ikaria is so lush that you might mistake it for the Caribbean. Thassos has lovely beaches, campsites and many archaeological remains.
What about the smaller islands?
Only Fourni itself, of the Fourni islands, has tourist accommodation and little else, making it a haven for those who want to get away from it all.
Psara and Inousses islands have few places to stay and only a few restaurants, but both have good beaches.
Agios Efstrantios or Ai-Stratis as it is known, is the most isolated island in the Aegean, but sadly its picturesque main village was destroyed in an earthquake in 1968. However the island is serene and traffic-free, with good beaches and a surprisingly busy nightlife.
What about ancient sights?
In Lesbos's main town Mytilini, see the Byzantine castle and domed church, icons in the Byzantine Museum and three other museums of note.
Limnos's capital, Myrina, is full of character and has an archaeological museum full of artefacts found on the island. Lovely medieval villages dominate the south of Chios — the loveliest is Pyrgi.
Samothraki's Sanctuary of the Great Gods is the most evocative ancient site in the Med. Thassos has an ancient amphitheatre perched high above the capital, Limenas. In Ikaria, visit the radioactive hot springs and the lovely village of Kampos.
On Samos at Pythagorio (birthplace of Pythagoras) visit the Evpalinos Tunnel, the Moni Panagias Spilianis, the Sacred Way of Hereon and the museum.
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| | | Delicious fresh fish | | Where's good for nightlife?
On Thassos, head for the resorts Limenaria or the capital Limenas (also called Thassos Town); on Samothraki, Loutra is the main resort area but Kamariotissa is best for nightlife; Limnos boasts the five-star mega resort of Porto Myrina Palace on Kaspakas Bay and also bars and tavernas in Myrina.
On Lesbos, Skala Eresou is popular with admirers of the ancient love poet Sappho, and Mytilini and Mithymna have a good scene.
On Chios, the port of Chios Town has most choice; on Ikaria, Armenistis is the biggest resort. Samos Town is busy with bars along the waterfront; Pythagorio has a central square with bars and eateries.
What's the food like?
Your visit to Greece will not be complete if you don't sample some of the local food.
Specialities include tzatziki, a cucumber and yoghurt dip; Greek salad of feta cheese, olives, peppers, onions and tomatoes with oregano and olive oil; and dolmades, stuffed vine leaves.
Fresh fish dishes are also popular on the islands and vegetarians are often surprised at how easy it is to find good food like stuffed courgettes, peppers and tomatoes, and aubergine dip. Greek wines can be very good: retsina is commonly to be had straight out of a barrel; also try domestica and Kefalonian whites.
What should I buy?
Samos produces excellent wines and exports orchids. Lesbos produces Greece's finest olive oil. On Thassos, pine honey with walnuts, olive oil and herbs are good buys.
On Limnos, buy nuts, honey and clothing in Myrina. On Lesbos, visit Agiasos to buy anything from furniture to pottery from the local artisans.
What is there for children to do?
The islands are not as family-orientated as big resorts in Spain or Portugal, or the biggest Greek islands, but if your children enjoy the sun, sea and sand they'll be enchanted.
If they are at the age for kiddies' or teen clubs, then check with your tour operator, but most hotels are small and don't cater specifically for kids in this way.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Aegean Islands |
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| |  | | AMETHYST ONE, village house, Lemnos
Amethyst One is a small village house, completely renovated to very high standards. Views sweep down to the sea, and across this peaceful, gentle island
|  | | Stonehouse Panagiotis- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Lagos Whole House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Garden House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Little House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
| | Click here for more properties... |
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