North Aegean Region

Where is the North Aegean Region of Greece?

The North Aegean Region is the smallest of all the regions in Greece. It is made up of several islands that surround the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. These islands are not tourist magnets, but that is exactly what gives them their charm.

The capital of the region is in Mytilene, on the island of Lesvos.

The North Aegean region is divided into five main areas:
– Chios
– Ikaria
– Lesvos
– Limnos
– Samos

The islands of the North Aegean region are:
Agios Efstratios
A small island near Limnos, only 300 inhabitants, with only one village
Chios
Known for its Mastiha, medieval villages, beautiful beaches
Fournoi Korseon
Near Samos and Ikaria, great for hikers and campers
Ikaria
One of the Blue Zones, laid back atmosphere, beautiful beaches
Lesvos
7 km from Turkey, third largest island of Greece, known for its olive oil and ouzo
Limnos
Between Lesvos and Thassos, a secluded island, great for windsurfers
Oinousses
Close to Chios, a group of 9 small islands, inhabited with mostly wealthy shipowners
Psara
Quiet island close to Chios, a cluster of seven small islands, great for hiking
Samos
Home of Pythagoras the mathematician, many beaches, both secluded and organized

What does the North Aegean Region of Greece have to offer?

There are three (3) airports:
– Chios National Airport
– Lesvos (Odysseas Elitis Airport)
– Samos International Airport

Agriculture
Agricultural products in the North Aegean region include olives, olive oil, mastiha, pears, figs, apples, cherries, vegetables, honey, livestock, and fish. There are also many beautiful wineries and vineyards worth visiting.

Lesvos is known for having 17 Ouzo distilleries (ouzo is made from either grapes or grain), and is responsible for 50% of Greece’s Ouzo production. The village of Plomari is famous across the country and around the world for its top quality ouzo.

Beaches
The North Aegean islands are less popular than those in the South Aegean (the Cyclades and the Dodecanese). However, this does not mean that they are any less beautiful.

There are many gorgeous beaches to choose from, some organized and some not.

Chios Island – Emporios Mavros Gialos, Karfas Beach, Megas Limnionas Beach
Ikaria Island – Seychelles Beach, Livadi Beach, Nas Beach, Messakti Beach
Lesvos Island – Anaxos Beach, Sigri Beach, Petra Beach, Skala Eressou Beach
Limnos Island – Plati Beach, Thannos Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach
Samos Island – Potokaki Beach, Lemonakia Beach, Psili Ammos Beach

Restaurants
Greeks love to eat and love to feed others. And these islands are no exception. Local produce and lots of love are served daily.

Some of the islands, like Agios Efstratios, are very small so they don’t have a lot to offer in the way of fine dining. However, oftentimes it is in places like these that you get the most authentic and traditional fare.

Tourism
Chios is home to the mastikahoria, or the Mastic Villages. These villages were built in the 14th century during a time of economic strength due to the production of mastic (a sap from the mastic trees). The mastic trees are specific to the island of Chios, and during that time, they were so prized that fortresses were built to protect them. These fortresses served to keep the pirate raids at bay.

Located just 35 km southwest of Chios Town, this is a popular tourist destination. The elaborate Byzantine period architecture is amazingly in tact; the narrow little streets and the arches that connect all the buildings together are simply beautiful. These villages are on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.

Lesvos is known for its Petrified Forest, designated as a preserved natural monument since 1985. This forest was fossilized approximately 20 million years ago due to a volcanic eruption that covered the forest with ash and lava. It is one of the rarest natural monuments in the world, and visited by thousands of tourists every year.

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See some of our North Aegean region recipes here.
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