Loading...

The Northern Aegean Islands

TRAVEL GUIDE

The Northern Aegean Islands

TRAVEL GUIDE

Quirky, seductive, fertile, sensual, faded, sunny, worldly, ravishing, long-suffering, hedonistic, luscious, mysterious, legendary—these adjectives only begin to describe the islands of the northeastern Aegean. This startling and rather arbitrary archipelago includes a sizable number of islands, but the three largest (and most visited) are Lesvos, Chios, and Samos.

Closer to Turkey's coast than to mainland Greece, and quite separate from one another, these islands are hilly, sometimes mountainous, with dramatic coastlines and uncrowded beaches, brilliant architecture, and unforgettable historic sites.

Lesvos, Greece's third-largest island and birthplace of legendary artists and writers, is dense with gnarled olive groves and interspersed with mineral springs. Chios, though... Read More

Quirky, seductive, fertile, sensual, faded, sunny, worldly, ravishing, long-suffering, hedonistic, luscious, mysterious, legendary—these adjectives only begin to describe the islands of the northeastern Aegean. This startling and rather arbitrary archipelago includes a sizable number of islands, but the three largest (and most visited) are Lesvos, Chios, and Samos.

Closer to Turkey's coast than to mainland Greece, and quite separate from one another, these islands are hilly, sometimes mountainous, with dramatic coastlines and uncrowded beaches, brilliant architecture, and unforgettable historic sites.

Lesvos, Greece's third-largest island and birthplace of legendary artists and writers, is dense with gnarled olive groves and interspersed with mineral springs. Chios, though ravaged in parts by fire in recent years, retains a raw beauty, and has fortified villages, old mansions, Byzantine monasteries, and stenciled-wall houses. Samos, the lush, mountainous land of wine and honey, whispers of the classical wonders of antiquity.

Despite their proximity to Asia Minor, the Northern Aegean islands are the essence of Greece, the result of 4,000 years of Hellenic influence. Lesvos, Chios, and Samos prospered gloriously in the ancient world as important commercial and religious centers, though their significance waned under the Ottoman Empire. They also were cultural hothouses, producing such geniuses as Pythagoras, Sappho, and (probably) Homer.

Although many young backpackers and partiers bypass the Northern Aegean, you can still carve out plenty of beach time by day and wander into lively restaurants and bars at night, but these islands reveal a deeper character, tracing histories that date back to ancient, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine times, and offer landscapes that are both serene and unspoiled. Visitors to the northern islands should come with the spirit of discovery and open themselves to opportunities to interact with rich, enduring cultures.

Many hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants from around the world have passed through the islands in recent years. While many have moved on to Athens and beyond, thousands have remained, and have started to settle down. Their presence has not only enhanced the cosmopolitan nature of these crossroads islands, but has also shown the compassion and hospitality of the islanders.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Hotels

Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice
Fodor's Choice

Quickly find The Northern Aegean Islands Hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Find the perfect tours and activities in The Northern Aegean Islands.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Find the best food tours and activities in The Northern Aegean Islands.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Language

Greek

Nearby Airports

JKH

Electrical Outlets

200v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have two round prongs

Currency

Euro

Language

Greek

Electrical Outlets

200v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have two round prongs

Currency

Euro

Nearby Airports

JKH

From early May to early June, the weather is usually sunny and warm and the sea is still a bit chilly. From mid-June until the end of August...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The Northern Aegean Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

From early May to early June, the weather is usually sunny and warm and the sea is still a bit chilly. From mid-June until the end of August...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The Northern Aegean Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

From early May to early June, the weather is usually sunny and warm and the sea is still a bit chilly. From mid-June until the end of August...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The Northern Aegean Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.

Shop Now

Fodor's Essential Greece: with the Best of the Islands
Whether you want to explore the Acropolis of Athens, watch the sunset in Santorini, or...

View Details

Fodor's Essential Greek Islands: with the Best of Athens
Whether you want to explore the Acropolis of Athens, watch the sunset in Santorini,or...

View Details