Looking for a new or different experience with Greek islands, some that still give a sense that this is how Greeks live? The three covered here -- Samos, Hios (Chios), and Lesvos (Mitilini) -- might be the destination for you. Far removed from the Greek mainland and dispersed along the coast of Turkey, these islands are still relatively untouched by tourism. Vacationers here tend to be concentrated in a few resorts, leaving the interiors and much of the coast open to exploration. Along their coasts, you'll find some of the finest beaches in the Aegean, and within the interiors richly forested valleys, precipitous mountain slopes, and exquisite mountain villages. These agricultural islands produce olives, grapes, and honey in abundance, providing the basis for excellent local cuisine.
The influence of Asia Minor is not as evident as you might expect, given the proximity of the Turkish coast. What you may notice is the sizable Greek military presence -- certain areas of each island are occupied by the military and are strictly off-limits, which shouldn't bother you unless you're hiking or biking in the area. Even though this military presence is a sore point with the Turks, travel between Greece and Turkey remains unrestricted, and relations between the two countries on a personal level seem amicable. Many travelers use the Northeastern Aegean islands as jumping-off points for Turkey: In particular, Samos (only 3km/2 miles away at the closest point) offers easy access to Ephesus.
Strategies for Seeing the Islands
Since the distances between islands are substantial, island-hopping by boat can be costly and time-consuming. Add the fact that each island is quite large, and it becomes clear that you're best off choosing one or two islands to explore in-depth rather than attempting a grand tour. Both Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines offer some inter-island flights that are relatively inexpensive, frequent, and fast. If you travel by ferry, you'll find that departure times are more reasonable for travel from north to south, whereas traveling in the opposite direction usually involves departures in the middle of the night. The islands are too large and the roads often too rough for mopeds to be a safe option; because the bus routes and schedules are highly restricting, you'll find that if you want to get around it's necessary to rent a car.
Museums and Sites Hours Update -- If you visit these islands during the summer, check to see when sites and museums are open before setting out. The officially posted hours are not always maintained and most are closed 1 day a week.
