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Northeastern Aegean Islands

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Blue and white Greek church of Agios Kirykos, situated on the rocky coast of Ikaria Island.

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Overview

Clinging to the Turkish coast and influenced by Asia Minor in many ways, this is a bunch of radically idiosyncratic islands with landscapes and local cultures so distinct, even the smallest ones feel like proto-nations. In fact, many of them enjoyed quasi-independence at various points in time and remember it fondly.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Lonely Planet Traveller Magazine, Issue 113, May 2018, Greece, Greek Islands, Aegean Sea, Lesvos The petrified remains of ancient trees at the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest.

    Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest

    Lesvos

    This fascinating state-of-the-art museum chronicles what a volcano can do at a moment's notice – in this case 20 million years ago. Don't miss the…

  • Photo taken on April 18, 2022 shows a visitor in the Tunnel of Eupalinos, which is situated in Samos, an island in the eastern Aegean, Greece. The Tunnel of Eupalinos is a water pipeline running through Mount Kastro in Samos, built in the 6th century BC to supply water to the ancient city of Samos. (Photo by Marios Lolos/Xinhua via Getty Images) 1240120216 wn

    Evpalinos Tunnel

    Samos

    In a word: extraordinary. In 524 BC, when Pythagorio (then called Samos) was the island’s capital and a bustling metropolis of 80,000, securing sources…

  • Aerial view of Livadaki beach on the northwest coast of Samos.

    Livadaki Beach

    Samos

    Follow the north-coast road out of Vathy for 10km and look for a signposted dirt road to the left leading to Livadaki Beach. Here, tropical azure waters…

  • Chios Island, Greece - September 03, 2019 : Koraes central public library view in Chios Island of Greece.; Shutterstock ID 1495179110; your: Erin Lenczycki; gl: 65050; netsuite: Digital; full: POI 1495179110

    Korais Library & Philip Argenti Museum

    Chios

    On the upper floor of the remarkable Korais Library, the Philip Argenti Museum contains a 19th-century birthing chair, along with shepherds' tools,…

  • Ruins in Archaeological site of Aliki, Thassos island, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece.

    Archaeological Site of Alyki

    Thasos

    Alluring and easily accessible, the island's crown gem includes the considerable and photogenic remains of an ancient temple where the gods were once…

  • Beautiful sunny coast view to an amazing paradise holiday bay with crystal clear blue water sandy beach, Seychelles, Ikaria island, Greece. 1555269871 seyhelles, icaria, granite rock, travel destination, outdoor, beautiful, turquoise, wave, dodecanese, scenic, view, ikaria, bay, coast, ocean, paradise, holiday, beaches, rock, vacation, aegean, mediterranean, landscape, holidays, still

    Seychelles Beach

    Ikaria

    This small, stunning beach is 3km east of Manganitis. Its marble pebbles, emerald water and giant rocks polished by the waves make you feel you've been…

  • Sunset at Nas Beach. Ikaria, 2018 1081471558

    Nas Beach

    Ikaria

    Westward 3.5km from Armenistis lies the pebbled beach of Nas, lying below the road and the few tavernas. A nudist-friendly beach, it has an impressive…

  • Chios Mastic Museum

    Chios Mastic Museum

    Chios

    Brave new architecture arrives in Chios in the form of this airy hilltop structure that casts a curious glance on mastic gardens and ancient stone houses…

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