North-East Aegean Islands

The North East Aegean Islands include Lesvos, Thassos, Chios, Samos, Fourni, Ikaria, Limnos, Samothraki and here are tips on ferries, flights and what to do.

The North-East Aegean Islands of Greece are those islands in (naturally) the north and east Aegean, but which don't really belong to any other island group. They spread out in a sweep, mostly off the Turkish coast down the eastern Aegean, and include Lesvos (or Lesbos), the third largest of the Greek Islands, Thassos (or Thasos) off the Macedonian coast of Greece, the distinctive island of Chios (Hios), Lemnos (or Limnos), and Samos, probably the most popular of these islands for overseas holiday-makers. 

Thassos

These North-East Aegean Islands are much less visited than the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands, and so retain a much stronger Greek identity. There's still plenty to attract those looking for a relaxing vacation, with lots of good beaches, hotels and restaurants, but here you'll also find that elusive 'real Greece'. 

Mytilini on Lesvos

Lesvos (Lesbos)

Lesvos (or Lesbos) is well-known as the island of Sappho, the great Greek poet, and although it's the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia, you could still drive around it in a few hours. Nevertheless, it has a great deal to offer the visitor, with deserted beaches, mountain walks and forests. It's also noted both for excellent bird-watching, and for the quality of its ouzo! Check out our separate page on Lesbos, including ferry and flight information.

Vineyards on Samos

Samos

Samos is one of the loveliest of this group, an island that is green and fertile, with wooded hills, great walking, olive groves, vineyards producing good wine (especially the superb Samos dessert wine), and lots of terrific beaches too. Read our separate page on Samos, including ferry and flight information. 

Potamia on Thassos

Thassos

Thassos (or Thasos) is the most northerly of the Greek islands, a short ferry ride from Kavala on the mainland in eastern Macedonia. It also has good beaches, pine-covered mountains, some archaeological remains, good walking, and is not yet over-developed for tourism. See our full page on Thassos. 

Chios Cat

Chios (Hios)

Chios (or Hios) has a character all its own, and is a sizeable island with a mountainous north, lots of attractive wooded valleys, and plenty of trees. These include the native mastic tree, which produces a resin that was once in great demand for industrial use and is also now thought to have many health-giving benefits too.

Chios holds onto its Greek traditions, and despite its many attractions it doesn't attract visitors in huge numbers – which will add to its appeal for many people. See our separate page on Chios.

Lemnos

Lemnos (Limnos)

Lemnos is the other notable island in this group, but like Chios it isn't over-developed for tourism. Partly this is because it has a large military presence, due to its proximity to Turkey and due to it having one of the largest natural harbors in the Aegean.

However, it does also have some good beaches, a few ancient sites, and plenty of agricultural land including vineyards that produce some fine retsina wine. See our separate page on Lemnos. 

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

The Smaller Islands

The smaller islands in this North-East Aegean group include Fourni, Ikaria and Samothraki.

Latest Posts

• 
• 
• 

1. Explore Vikos Gorge: Hiking, Rafting, and Food in Zagori

   One of the most impressive canyons in Europe and one of Greece’s favorite mountain destinations, Vikos Gorge invites hikers and food lovers alike.

   Read More

2. Lefkada: The First Ancient Theater of the Ionian Islands Comes to Light

   The first ancient theater ever discovered in the Ionian Islands is located in the heart of the ancient city of Lefkada, established before the end of the 7th century BC.

   Read More

3. 5 Epic Island Hikes in Greece for Spring Explorers

   This spring, five majestic peaks across Greece’s islands invite us to lace up our boots and discover a wilder side of island life.

   Read More

4. Greek Ferry Services to Halt on May 1 Due to Labor Strike

   Ferries in Greece will remain docked for 24 hours on Thursday, May 1, as the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) joins Labor Day mobilizations announced by the General Confederation of Greek Labor…

   Read More

5. Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise

   Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart.

   Read More

6. Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia

   In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience.

   Read More

7. Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs

   In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets.

   Read More

8. The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter

   Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece.

   Read More

9. April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel

   Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions.

   Read More

10. Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation

    The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that…

    Read More