Greece: The North-Eastern Aegean Islands

Overview

Nearest Airports – Samos (international), Chios, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos and Thassos (domestic).

The North-Eastern Aegean islands are a collection of seven major islands that are grouped together for convenience rather than any administrative or historical reason. Nearly all the islands are closer to Turkey than Greece and are less visited than the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. The scenery on the islands is mountainous and forested, and hiking is a popular pastime.

All the North-Eastern Aegean islands except Samothraki have airports, with good domestic and international connections, although the latter are infrequent in winter. Samos is the ferry hub of the north-eastern Aegean, with frequent services during the summer. There are also boats to mainland Greece, and several islands have (relatively expensive) connections with Turkey. Road transport varies considerably on the islands, and public transport is limited in the more remote parts.

The property market on the islands varies from buoyant, with a good choice on some islands, to limited on others. Two-bedroom apartments are available from €100,000, typical village houses from €50,000 and land can be bought from €20 per m2.

Chios (pop. 50,800) is a relatively large island (reputedly the birthplace of Homer and Christopher Columbus) that has traditionally been the home of Greek ship-owners, and therefore less dependent on tourism. In the south is the Mastihohoria area, noted for its mastic gum production and characteristic architecture of white lime and black sand decoration, which is particularly vibrant at Pyrgi, one of the most extraordinary villages in Greece. Off the north-east coast lie nine tiny islets, the Inousses, home to many wealthy ship-owners who have built luxury villas there. Chios is more expensive than other islands in the group.

Ikaria (pop. 8,200) is a fertile, mainly agricultural island, famous for its spa resort, Therma, with its therapeutic radioactive springs. It’s mainly mountainous and little developed. Tourism on this very traditional island is low-key and as a consequence the property market is limited, although properties are cheap, e.g. from €50,000 for a traditional village house.

Lesbos (pop. 110,000) is largely influenced by its proximity to Turkey and is known as the ‘Garden of the Aegean’ thanks to its fertile soil that produces the best olive oil in Greece (it also claims to make the finest ouzo). Trekking and bird-watching are popular activities on Greece’s third-largest island, which has one of only two fossilised forests in the world (on the west side). Lesbos is popular with Greek holidaymakers, who particularly favour Molivos, a beautiful resort in the north of the island.

Limnos (pop. 18,100) is one of the Aegean’s best kept secrets and is largely unspoilt with many fine beaches, despite having a large military air base. (Limnos is close to Turkey.) The capital, Myrina, is the main port, with an impressive Byzantine fortress. One of the drawbacks is that Limnos regularly suffers water shortages.

Samos (pop. 33,800) is situated just 3km from the Turkish mainland and is the closest Greek island to Turkey. It’s the most visited island in the group and the east coast is particularly well developed with many resorts. Its verdant landscape is famous for its vines and orchids, which give it an exotic flavour, and makes the island a popular destination for ramblers and hikers. Samos was devastated by a forest fire in July 2000, which destroyed a vast area of woodland. The property market is buoyant and rental potential good.

Samothraki (pop. 3,000) is a small island but scenically one of the most dramatic, with dense forests dominated by Mount Fengari, the highest peak in the Aegean. The island is mainly agricultural and one of the most ecologically conscious in Greece. The island only caters for visitors during July and August, outside of which it’s very quiet. It’s also difficult to get to.

Thassos (pop. 16,000), 175km (110mi) from Thessaloniki, is a relatively unknown island outside Greece, although it has plenty to offer in terms of wild, wooded countryside and fine beaches. The climate is milder than the other islands in the group, cooler in summer and warmer in winter. There are strict building regulations on the island and new properties must conform to traditional styles and proportions. A wide range of new and old property is available on the island and prices are generally low, e.g. from €100,000 for a new villa on a small plot. This island only really caters for visitors during July and August and is quiet for the remainder of the year.

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Greece” 3rd Edition, Joanna Styles.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on buying a home in Greece can be found in “Buying a Home in Greece” 3rd edition, by Joanna Styles.

For extensive information about buying a property in Greece, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net