North Aegean Car Hire

Guide of North Aegean

Geography

The North Aegean islands are the northernmost islands in the Aegean Sea. Islands in the south border the Cyclades and Dodecanese, while the east is closer to the Turkish coast. The area is made up of larger islands like Ikaria, Samos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Thasos and Samothrace, as well as smaller ones like Agios Efstratios, Agios Minas, Antipsara, Thymaina, Samiopoula and Fournoi.

Since the islands are spread over such a large area, the terrain can vary considerably. Generally speaking, the islands are more verdant than those in the Cyclades. For instance, Ikaria is renowned for its verdant slopes, impressive cliffs and soaring mountains, while Samos is covered in terraced vineyards.

Climate in North Aegean

The North Aegean islands have a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer begins in June and lasts through September, with temperature highs of 30°C. January and February are the coldest months in North Aegean, when temperatures hover around 10°C.

The North Aegean experiences annual winds known locally as “etisis” or “meltemia”. While not as intense as those in the Cyclades and South Agean, these cool breezes do keep temperatures lower, which stops temperatures from soaring too high in the summertime.

Culture

The North Aegean is rich in history, culture and myths. Alongside golden sandy beaches, you’ll find archaeological sites, fortresses, traditional villages and some of the country’s most delicious cuisine.

Things To Do in North Aegean

Take a hike in Ikaria

Located around 30 miles from the Turkish coast, Ikaria is one of the region’s most magical and mystical islands. It’s rich in Greek legends and renowned for the longevity of its residents, as well as brilliant beaches, epic hiking trails and charming villages. Its rugged terrain makes for the perfect hiking conditions, with paths and tracks winding through farmlands, forests, coast and lakes.

Beach hop in Samos

Samos is home to some of the North Aegean’s most beautiful beaches, such as Tsamadou, Tsabou, Psili Ammos and Lemonakia. Think turquoise lapping waters and endless golden sandy stretches fringed by lush greenery.

Dive deep into history in Lemnos

Lemnos is home to one of the best-preserved castles in the Aegean. Erected by the Byzantine emperor Andronikos I Komninos on ancient walls, the sight sits high on a steep and rocky promontory squeezed between two seaside neighbourhoods.

Stroll around mastic villages in Chios

On the southern side of Chios, you’ll find 20 mastic villages. This collection of fortified villages was founded in the 14th century during Genovese rule and is famous for its rare masticha trees. They were so prized, that the Genovese built fortresses to protect them. Pirgi, Olympi and Mesta are undoubtedly the most impressive of the bunch.

Enjoy the views in Samothrace

Samothrace is home to Mount Saos, the highest mountain in the Aegean. According to Greek legend, Poseidon perched on top of the mountain to watch the Troy war. If you can peel yourself away from the views, there are countless natural pools and hot springs dotted across the island too.

Explore picture-perfect villages in Thassos

Thassos is home to charming villages, like Agios Georgios, Alyki, Theologos, Kallirahi, Kastro, Kazaviti, Koinyra, Limenaria, Maries and Panagia. Each of these is brimming with folklore traditions, local customs and ancient sites. Pop into a local taverna and mingle with friendly locals for a unique perspective on the islands.

Take a day trip to Turkey

The Aegean Islands are so close to the Turkish coast, you can hop on a ferry and visit for the day. The easiest way to travel there is from Vathy in Samos to Kusadasi or Chios to Cesme.

Eating Out in North Aegean

It’s not hard to find good food in the North Aegean. The entire region is renowned for the quality of its local produce, particularly olive oil, honey, chees, fish and aromatic herbs. The bay of Kalloni is famed for its sardines and the wine in Samos is world-class.

There are hundreds of restaurants, cafes, tavernas and bars to choose from, though the nightlife in the North Aegean is calmer than that found in the Cyclades. Stand out restaurants and dishes include Kafeneion O Ermis in Lesvos, Limenas Meston in Chios and Maritsa in Samos. For a truly traditional tipple, knock back a few glasses of ouzo. The famous aniseed liquor originated in Lesvos.

Transport

Airport

There are five airports in the North Aegean Islands: Samos, Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios and Ikaria. Samos is the only airport served by international airlines and these are chartered flights scheduled during the summer. The other airports offer flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki throughout the year. Flight times from these major cities to the islands average an hour.

Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines. From here, you’ll need to travel to Piraeus port and hop on a ferry to reach Chios, Lesvos, Samos and Ikaria. If you’re travelling to Lemnos, you’ll need to pick up the ferry from Lavrion. There are more regular ferry connections between Ikaria and neighbouring islands, such as Syros and Mykonos too.

Getting Around North Aegean

If you’re planning on hitting the sights, you’ll find cheap and reliable buses on the largest islands. Regular ferries connect all of the islands with regular sailings too. However, if you’re keen to get off the beaten track and explore the region beyond the major towns and cities, we recommend hiring a car. Driving will give you the most flexibility and you won’t need to rely on public transport or expensive transfers either.