On the northeastern part of the Aegean and just a stone’s throw away from Turkey, Samos is a source of pride for any Greek, for it has been a site of scientific progress since antiquity. Due to its wine production, it became a powerful city-state in Ancient Greece and that gave Samians the comfort to invest in research. The Eupalinian aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering, still stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to remind everyone of the significant role the island played in its heyday.
Just a few miles southwest of Samos, lies Ikaria, an alternative vacation spot that mainly attracts locals. Its name is derived by Icarus, who according to legend, fell on the sea nearby after his famous flight. The island’s history however extends even further, back to around 7000BC when it was populated by the Pelasgians. After being colonized by Greeks, Ikaria became part of the sea empire of Polycrates and remained predominantly under Greek rule until the early 16th century.
This blog series is dedicated to introducing you to lesser known, but immensely beautiful Greek islands, that for one reason or another, warranty a visit. In the newest edition of our hidden gems series we shed some light on an overlooked corner of the Aegean Sea, which happens to be the home of some stunning locations with rich history.
Lesbos is a historic island on the Northeastern Aegean, filled with castles, monasteries, catacombs, basilicas and even a mosque, all of which are pieces that complete the mosaic of its rich past. Nowadays, the island is home to numerous fishing villages, wonderful beaches and an extraordinary number of sightseeing opportunities. Although tourism infrastructure has developed vastly, Lesbos has managed to retain its traditional vibe. Due to its large size, a car is necessary if you are on a mission to discover all of its hidden treasures.
Chios is a large island situated in the north of the Aegean Sea, very close to the Anatolian coast. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait. The island is notable for its exports of mastic gum which is something every visitor must try. Due to its large size, a car is necessary if you are on a mission to discover all of its hidden treasures. The capital of Chora is home to most of the island's restaurants and bars, but some of the most renowned villages like Pyrgi, Olympi, Volassos, Vrondados and Mesta can also accommodate visitors and are worth the trip.
