A scattering of northeastern islands that lie outside the other island groups, this collection of outliers are offbeat treasures. The largest and most popular are Lesvos and Chios. Ikaria is the blue zone island mystery of long life. Samothrace, a secret hideaway for hippies in-the-know, and Thassos, formerly so but now overrun by vacationers from the north.
Although airports are available on most of the larger islands, their general remoteness have averted tourists for now.
ISLANDS WITH AIRPORTS
Flight times from Athens International Airport are all under an hour (typically 45 to 55 minutes). Moving north, the islands are listed in order below:
- Ikaria – Ikaria transports you to a time when life was simple and our joys were pure. All is purposefully slow, blissfully stress-free, and never without wine and a good Panigiri (traditional festival the island is famous for). Its natural landscape is a slice of heaven – forests, thermal springs, and sparkling beaches including its very own “Seychelles”. It’s no wonder its residents refuse to die.
- Samos – Over 30 villages large, Samos is the birthplace of geniuses. Among them: mathematician Pythagoras, philosopher Epicurus, and astrophysicist Aristarchus who proposed a heliocentric model 18 centuries before Copernicus. Along with a trove of archaeological treasures, mountainous green interiors and attractive beaches add to its compelling allure.
- Chios – The fifth largest island in Greece, Chios is known as the mastic island. Producing this healing herb in over 20 “mastic villages”, the “painted village” of Pyrgi decorated in striking geometric motifs is especially beautiful.
- LESVOS (or Mytilene) – Island of Lesbians, ancient poet Sappho (thought of as Homer’s female counterpart) is perhaps its most famous. Also the island of Ouzo and the region’s capital, this geopark wonderland includes a 20 million year old petrified forest larger than Arizona’s.
- Lemnos (or Limnos) – Little known Lemnos is packed with interesting sightseeing: An impressive Byzantine castle town where 200 deer roam, the ancient settlements of Poliochni (one of Europe’s oldest) and Ifestia, and swathes of sandy golden shores. Famous for its wines, its long tradition in winemaking has been praised by Aristotle and mentioned by Homer.
ISLANDS WITHOUT AIRPORTS
Samothrace and Thassos may be without airports, but are easily reached by ferry from ports in Kavala (with an International Airport) and Keramoti:
- Samothrace – Once a principal place of pilgrimage, from the island’s Sanctuary of the Great Gods rose the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It’s also home to Mount Saos, the highest mountain in the Aegean which dominates Samothrace’s landscape. Enjoy the countryside on footpaths that take you along streams to waterfalls and natural rock pools (“vathres”) with transparent, green waters.
- Thassos (pictured here) – Thassos is an entrancing picture of Eden. An ancient trove of gold, its land is as bountiful as it is intensely beautiful, yielding snow-white marble, wine and nuts. From picturesque mountain villages nestled in forested hills, its slopes descend to meet heavenly beaches and charming seaside towns below. Yet, accessed in just 90 minutes by ferry from Kavala, it was perhaps a matter of time before the masses arrived from the Balkans, and the locals built roads to once-hidden treasures like Giola lagoon.
Smaller islands (and island groups) with bare basic services and tourist essentials include:
- Agios Efstratios – For true castaway seclusion, this small and barren rock with two tavernas once served as an island of exiles. Of volcanic origin, its beaches are pebbly, grey, near-empty and pristine. Car-less, everyone gets around on foot.
- Psara – Peaceful Psara has a history both glorious and tragic. Once possessing a formidable navy fleet, it played a key role in the 1821 Greek Revolution. Now a tranquil retreat with a population size under 500, it’s a place to enjoy long walks and swims in solitude, but never without the heartfelt company of friendly village hosts.
- Fournoi – A small archipelago with an unusually large number of ancient shipwrecks (58 and counting), lobster-shaped Fournoi is at its center. Once a haven for pirates, its curvy coastline is indented with pebbly, private beach bays. It’s usually a day trip destination from Ikaria.
- Oinousses – A group of nine islets, Oinousses has a strong naval tradition and mothered an unusual number of shipowners. Largely undeveloped with one main village, visitors arrive from Chios.