Where to Stay in the North Aegean: Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Lemnos

The islands of the North Aegean lie close to the coast of Asia Minor: large, green and authentic. Lesvos has olive groves and ouzo, Chios its medieval mastic villages, Samos wine and beaches, Ikaria its famous long life and summer festivals, and volcanic Lemnos sand dunes and vineyards.

Where to stay: choose your base

• Lesvos – Mytilene for the town and airport, Petra and Molyvos in the north, Eressos and Sigri in the west.
• Chios – Chios town and the old estates of Kampos, close to the medieval mastic villages of the south.
• Samos – Pythagorio by the ancient sites, Kokkari and Karlovasi in the north, Marathokampos in the south-west.
• Ikaria – Evdilos and the north coast, with long beaches and mountain villages.
• Lemnos – Myrina, Agios Ioannis on the west coast and the stone village of Varos.

Our partner hotels in the North Aegean

We work directly with these hotels. Tell us your dates and we reply within 24 hours with availability and a personal offer, including your private transfer if you wish.

How to get to the North Aegean islands

All five islands have airports with flights from Athens, and Lesvos and Lemnos also from Thessaloniki. Ferries run from Piraeus, and to Lemnos from Lavrio and Kavala. We can arrange a private transfer to the airport or the port.

What to do

• See the Petrified Forest of Lesvos at Sigri.
• Walk the medieval mastic villages of Pyrgi and Mesta on Chios.
• Visit the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Heraion near Pythagorio on Samos.
• Join a summer village festival (panigyri) on Ikaria.
• Explore the sand dunes and beaches of Lemnos.

Frequently asked questions

Which North Aegean island should I choose?

Lesvos and Samos offer the most variety, Chios the richest history, while Ikaria and Lemnos are quieter and more off the beaten track.

How do I get there from Athens?

There are daily flights from Athens to every island, and ferries from Piraeus.

Can I combine more than one island?

Yes. Ferries link Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria, more often in summer.