Chios
(Piraeus, 153 nautical miles.) Lying just 8km from Turkey, this
surprisingly unexploited island offers beautiful beaches,
unspoilt medieval towns and stunning landscapes. The
north side of the island is dominated by Pelinio, (4255ft-) high
mountain of volcanic origin. Chios Town capital and main port,
lies on the eastern shore. Numerous towns’ churches,
which date back to Byzantine times, were converted into mosques
by the Turks, but have since resumed their Christian function.
The Byzantine Museum is housed in a former 19th-century
mosque. In the hills east of town lies the impressive 12th-century
monastery of Nea Moni, one of the country’s finest
Byzantine monuments, with a beautiful octagonal church adorned
with golden mosaics. The inland villages on the south side of
the island have preserved a medieval appearance,
the best examples being Pirgi and Mesta.
Pirgi is unique in that all the building facades are highlighted
with grey and white geometric designs, known as xista. The settlement
of Mesta is made up of narrow winding streets and traditional
cottages, several offering tourist accommodation, plus a fine
Byzantine church.
There is an airport, providing flights on a daily basis to and
from Athens.
Samos
(Piraeus, 174 nautical miles.) Separated from Turkey by a narrow
strait, Samos is an island of forested hills, vineyards,
olive groves and meadows. Samos Town, the island’s
capital, is divided into two parts: the new quarter, which developed
during the 19th century; and the old quarter, Ano Vathi,
on a hill over the port. The Archaeological Museum displays
finds from Heraion, an ancient sanctuary situated on the southeast
coast. Pythagorio, a lively fishing port and
tourist resort, was known as Tigani until 1955,
when it was renamed in respect of its best known citizen, the
philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras. From Samos Town a good
asphalt road runs the length of the northern coast to Potami,
passing through the charming villages of Kokari, Tsamadou
and Avlakia, each of which have good beaches close by,
and Karlovassi, renowned for its excellent sweet
wine.
There is an airport, providing flights on a daily basis to and
from Athens.
Lesbos
(Piraeus, 118 nautical miles.) Lesbos, home of the ancient
poet Sappho, is the biggest island in this group, with
vast olive groves, shady pinewoods, good beaches and picturesque
monasteries. The capital, Mitilini,
is dominated by a 14th-century castle, and has
a nearby beach with excellent facilities. There
are more good beaches at Petra, Agios
Issidoros, Skala Eftalou and Vateron
and along the Gulf of Kaloni on the south coast
of the island. At Loutropoli Thermis, there are
therapeutic springs which have
been known since the olden days. Mithimna (Molivos),
on the north of the island, is well-liked by artists
and has a fine pebble beach.
There is an airport, providing flights on a daily basis to and
from Athens.
Lemnos
(Piraeus, 188 nautical miles.) Lemnos is still relatively
unknown to mainstream tourism. Mirina,
its capital, is built on the site of an ancient
city of the same name and has an Archaeological Museum
housing exhibits from all around the island. The hilltop
castle, extended one after another by the Venetians,
Genovese and Turks, offers wonderful views. North of the town,
close to the village of Kaspakas, lies Kaspakas Bay
with numerous wonderful sand beaches. Likewise,
south of town, close to the village of Plati, lies the Bay
of Plati and another large sandy beach.
To the east of the island, ancient ruins are found at Ifestia
and Poliohni.
There is an airport, providing flights on a daily basis to and
from Athens.
East of the Thessaly region on mainland Greece
lay the four islands of the Sporades –
Skiathos, Alonissos, Skiros and Skopelos. They
are becoming extremely popular and it is recommended
to book early, especially in the high season. It is possible
to reach these islands either by ferry or hydrofoil from Volos
on the mainland, and from Kimi on Euboea. Skiros and Skiathos
can also be reached by plane from Athens.
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