Destination

North Aegean Islands

The enchanting North Aegean Islands, where every corner tells a story of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled adventure. Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, these islands beckon travelers with their pristine beaches, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. The forests, mountains, and relatively cool weather of the North Aegean challenge your idea of what a Greek Island can be. With endless trails for either hiking or mountain biking and locals content with their slow pace of life, enjoy the crossroads of adventure and relaxation on these breezy green Aegean oasis.

Whether you seek the adrenaline rush of windsurfing on crystal-clear waters or descending on bike from the hilltops, the tranquility of exploring hidden coves by kayak, or the awe-inspiring beauty of ancient ruins perched atop rugged cliffs, the North Aegean Islands offer an array of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered. Embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of this captivating archipelago.

“More forested than other islands, Ikaria in particular is known for longevity, relaxed locals/pace of life, high mountains, diverse landscapes, easily accessible from Turkey, amazing hiking on Ikaria, great singletrack trails on Chios.“

May - October

Biking, Hiking, Cuisine, Family, Kayaking

4-8 Days

HISTORY
LOCAL CUISINE
BIKING
HIKING
CULTURE
FAMILY

Spend the night in a rock-hewn Ikarian hut.

Taste the life-lengthening natural wines of Ikaria

Be refreshed by the view and the breeze from the top of Samos

Dip in the refreshing waters of Ikaria’s remote southern shore

Zip along the exciting MTB trails of Chios

Indulge in the contemporary dishes of Orizontas in Samos

Hike through history on Chios’ ancient trails

Learn the art of slow living from the carefree Ikarians

Follow in the footsteps of philosopher Pythagoras

Detect the aroma of fruits and spices in Chios’ famous spirits

History

Inhabited since Neolithic times, North Aegean Islands were prominent in Greek mythology, such as the myth of Icarus (Ikaria) and the hero Lesbos (Lesbos). With their locations so close to the Anatolian mainland, the later history of the North Aegean Islands largely mirrors that of their Anatolian neighbors. By the 8th century BCE, Chios and Samos had become members of the Ionian League and Ikaria one of their (Miletus’) colonies. In line with the rational and scientific legacy of Miletus, it was during this time that mathematician Pythagoras of Samos (the namesake of the Pythagorean theorem and first to propose that the earth revolved around the sun). Like Anatolia and other Aegean Islands, the North Aegean was seized by the Persians in the 6th century BCE.

The islands then went through the regional motions, falling into the hands of Alexander the Great, the Romans, Byzantines, Genoese, and the Ottomans. However, their history was one characterized by revolt, revolt from the Persians, against Athens, Rome, and later the Turks. The island chain was also known as a place of exile, a reputation that continued from ancient times until the modern era when 13,000 communists were exiled to Ikaria after the Greek Civil War.

Local Cuisine

As most of the islands of the North Aegean hug the coast of Turkey, it’s no surprise that the local dishes and culinary traditions of these islands are also similar to the cuisine of Anatolia. Like all of the Aegean region, the diet of these islands is based on large amounts of vegetables, fish, legumes, fruit, dairy, and olive oil, but special products and dishes vary from island to island. Lesvos is famous for its ouzo and olive oil, Samos for its sweet wines, and Chios for all things mastica. Regional dishes include the summer vegetable stew called ‘sofiko’ from Ikaria, the handmade pasta ‘flomaria’ from Limnos, and Lesvos’s ‘hachles’, cracked wheat boats filled with cheese, tomato, and oregano.

Cheese is a culinary mainstay throughout Greece and the North Aegean is no different with cheeses such as Ladotyri (Lesvos), Kalathaki (Limnos), Kathoura (Ikaria), and Armogalo (Samos). The region is also home to a variety of seafood dishes. Small fish, especially Kalloni sardines, are regional favorites and unique preparations like tomatoes and aubergines stuffed with octopus and sardines stuffed with pickles and capers or grilled wrapped in vine leaves were brought from Anatolia during the population exchanges.

The heavy influence of Anatolia can also be seen in the stuffed vegetables (dolma) ubiquitous in the region and the sweet spices that they contain, the celebratory dish of ‘keskeki’ (a stew of cracked wheat and meat), the prevalence of eggplant (especially on Samos, Limnos, and Lesvos), cheeses like touloumi and kasseri, the many pies resembling Turkish ‘boreks’, and desserts like baklava and spoon sweets (syrupy candied fruits).

Biking

The North Aegean Islands are home to green landscapes of forests, hills, mountains, and coasts uncommon in other usually-barren island groups, their diversity makes them an exciting and unique destination for biking; there is always a new view or landscape just around the corner! Chios and Lesvos in particular are home to many singletracks perfect for adventurous mountain bikers. But all of the islands have gorgeous options for cross country riding on picturesque dirt roads and tracks, combining sloping landscapes, forests, and sea views.

These remote islands are also free of the population (and traffic that comes with it) of some of Greece’s better-known destinations, freeing up their roads for road cyclists. And with their forests, mountains, cliffs, villages, and endless beaches, there is always a new view to look forward to. Most of the islands in the North Aegean are also large enough for longer rides or even multi day cycling trips.

Hiking

The best hiking in the region is found in the Latmos Mountains, on an extension of the Carian Trail (Turkey’s longest hiking trail created by our very own co-owner Altay). Rising to a height of 1350m, Mt. Latmos towers over the plains of the Menderes River, seemingly formed from piles on piles of the precariously placed boulders that dot the landscape. With its ancient stove-paved trails, umbrella-shaped nut pines that give way to lakeside olive groves, and friendly traditional villages, the region is perfect for exploring on two feet. From prehistoric petroglyphs, to Byzantine frescoes, free roaming donkeys to gorgeous lake views, the hikes in this region are some of the best we’ve seen anywhere.

Other nice hikes are found farther north in the Ida Mountains around the ancient city of Assos and deeper into the forested peaks.

Culture

The few cultural sights of the region include the Tunnel of Eupalinos in Samos and the monasteries, old towns, and fortresses scattered throughout the islands. However, most of the cultural sights of the islands revolve around food and drink. With their millennia-old wine-making traditions, the islands are full of scenic vineyards producing unique and delicious wines. Local establishments producing ouzo or other flavored liquors are popular destinations in Chios and Lesvos. Spend the day chatting with local beekeepers, shepherds, and fishermen, learning the secrets behind the islands’ unique specialities.

In recent years, the island of Ikaria in particular has been deemed one of the world’s five ‘Blue Zones’ or hotspots of longevity. Exploring the island’s mountains, coasts, and villages, we’ll witness the locals’ relaxed pace of life and begin to get a picture of what good health and a successful life mean to them. Taste the handmade wines and hand-grown vegetables of their classic Mediterranean diet, visit the local cafes and tavernas where residents of all ages socialize, breathe the clean sea air, and give yourself the chance to slow down, just like the locals

Family Activities

The island of Ikaria is named after the mythical character of Icarus who, together with his father Daedalus, escapes the kingdom of Crete by making wax wings to fly over the Aegean Sea. Failing to heed his father’s warnings, Icarus flew higher and higher towards the sun. Melting the wax of his wings, he crashed into the sea near the island that now bears his name: Ikaria.

Rumor has it that a part of the wax wing still remains on the island, and our little explorers are tasked with finding it. A series of clues and puzzles leads us to amazing locations across the island, until we finally find the site of the mythic crash. It’s here that we use the treasured wax and other materials we picked up along the way to create a sculpture of Icarus and return him to the world of the Gods with a ceremonial burning/bonfire. This is just one of many possibilities, we tailor all kid’s activities to age, group size, interests, and exact locations of the tour.

Itineraries to Inspire

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Our tours are run by Adventure Roots Travel
a member of TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)
Licence No: 14159