What is Eastern Greece?

Eastern Greece isn't a single administrative region but a geographical and cultural concept. It primarily encompasses the long peninsula of Evia (Euboea)—Greece's second-largest island, separated from the mainland by a narrow strait—and the cluster of islands in the Aegean Sea known as the Sporades and the Northeastern Aegean Islands.

This part of Greece is characterized by:

• Lush Greenery: Unlike the arid, rocky landscapes of the Cyclades, Eastern Greece is surprisingly green, covered in dense pine forests that run right down to the sea.

• Dramatic Coastlines: Expect a mix of long sandy beaches and rugged, secluded coves with stunning turquoise waters.

• Authentic Character: It's generally less developed for mass tourism than the Cyclades or Crete, offering a more relaxed, authentic Greek atmosphere.

• The "Evripos" Strait: The unique tidal phenomenon in Chalkida, where the water changes direction approximately every six hours, is a major point of interest.

Major Regions and Where to Go

Here's a breakdown of the key areas within Eastern Greece:

1. Evia (Euboea)

Evia is a world of its own, a mini-mainland with mountains, forests, thermal springs, and beautiful beaches. It's easily accessible from Athens via a bridge in Chalkida.

• Chalkida (Halkida): The bustling capital. The main attraction is the Evripos Strait. Sit at a waterfront café and watch the bizarre, strong currents change direction. The old bridge is the perfect spot for this.

• Eretria: An important ancient city with a significant archaeological site and museum. It's a popular coastal town with good beaches and a lively marina.

• Karystos: In the south, this charming town is set against the backdrop of Mount Ochi. Visit the Castle of Bourtzi in the harbor and the ancient Dragon Houses (Drakospita) on the mountain slopes.

• Steni Dirfyos: A beautiful mountain village, perfect as a base for hiking on Mount Dirfys, the highest peak in Evia. It's known for its fresh air, flowing streams, and traditional tavernas.

• Thermal Springs: Evia is famous for its spas. Edipsos is the most renowned, with luxurious spa hotels built around the therapeutic hot springs, frequented since antiquity.

2. The Sporades Islands

A stunning archipelago known for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. They are a paradise for sailing and nature lovers.

• Skiathos: The most cosmopolitan and lively of the Sporades.

• Places to Go: The famous Koukounaries Beach with its golden sand and pine forest, the bustling Skiathos Town with its iconic Bourtzi peninsula, and the stunning Lalaria Beach (accessible only by boat), known for its white pebbles and natural rock arch.

• Skopelos: The "Green and Blue" island, even greener than Skiathos and famous as a filming location for Mamma Mia!.

• Places to Go: The picturesque Skopelos Town with its whitewashed houses and narrow alleys climbing the hill. The Agios Ioannis Kastri chapel, perched on a rock (the wedding chapel from the film). Panormos Beach, a large, beautiful bay with several tavernas.

• Alonissos: The wildest and most tranquil of the main Sporades, a haven for nature lovers.

• Places to Go: The charming old capital, Chora (Old Alonissos), beautifully restored after an earthquake. The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades—the largest marine protected area in Europe—is a sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Boat trips to the uninhabited islets are a must.

• Skyros: The most remote and distinct in culture, blending Cycladic and Venetian architecture.

• Places to Go: Skyros Town (Chora), a spectacular white village built on a steep hill crowned by a Byzantine castle. Discover the unique Skyrian pony, a small native breed. Visit the workshop of master carpenter Yiorgos Bamboudis to see traditional carved furniture.

3. The Northeastern Aegean Islands

This is a diverse group of islands closer to the coast of Turkey. They are rich in history, mythology, and natural beauty, each with a very strong individual character.

• Lesvos (Lesbos): A vast island known for its Petrified Forest, ouzo production, and traditional villages.

• Places to Go: The capital, Mytilene, with its impressive castle. The picturesque fishing village of Molyvos (Mithymna) with its stone houses and castle. The Petrified Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit an ouzo distillery in Plomari.

• Chios: Famous for its unique mastic gum production and medieval villages.

• Places to Go: The Mastic Villages (Mastichochoria), especially Pyrgi with its incredible black-and-white geometric designs (xysta) on the buildings. The 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO site. The cave of Olympi, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

• Samos: A lush, mountainous island with a great winemaking tradition and immense archaeological significance.

• Places to Go: The Heraion, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera and a UNESCO site. The Eupalinian Tunnel, an ancient engineering marvel. The picturesque villages of Kokkari and Pythagoreio (named after the famous mathematician Pythagoras, who was born here).

• Lemnos: A relatively flat and windswept island with unique volcanic landscapes and great beaches for windsurfing.

• Places to Go: The capital, Myrina, dominated by a Byzantine castle. The otherworldly sand dunes of Gomati Beach and the ancient site of Poliochni, one of the oldest settlements in the Aegean.

• Ikaria: Famous for the longevity of its inhabitants and its ultra-relaxed, almost timeless way of life.

• Places to Go: The radioactive thermal springs at Therma, the stunning beaches like Seychelles (Nas), and experiencing the famous panigiria (village festivals) that last all night.

Suggested Itineraries

• The Sporades Island Hopper (7-10 days): Start in Skiathos for nightlife and famous beaches, then take a ferry tο Skopelos for nature and charm, and finish in Alonissos for tranquility and a marine park boat tour.

• Evia Exploration (5-7 days): Base yourself in Chalkida for a day to see the strait, then head to the mountains in Steni Dirfyos for hiking, and finish with relaxation and spa treatments in Edipsos.

• Northeastern Aegean Deep Dive (10-14 days): Choose two larger islands. For example, combine the cultural richness of Chios (mastic villages) with the lush beauty and history of Samos.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October are ideal. The weather is perfect for exploring, the sea is warm, and the crowds are smaller. July and August are hot and busy.

• Getting There:

• Evia is connected by bridge from the mainland (1.5 hours from Athens Airport).

• The Sporades are accessed by ferry from Volos or Agios Konstantinos (both ~2-3 hours drive from Athens). Skiathos also has an airport with seasonal international flights.

• Northeastern Aegean Islands have flights from Athens to Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Lemnos. Ferries depart from Piraeus (Athens) but are long journeys (8-12 hours). Faster ferries connect from Kavala or Thessaloniki in the north.

• Cuisine: Expect fantastic seafood. Local specialties include:

• Sardeles pastes (salted sardines) in Kalloni, Lesvos.

• Souma, a strong spirit, on Ikaria and Chios.

• Ouzo from Lesvos and Plomari, Chios.

• Mastic in everything from gum to liqueur to desserts on Chios.

• Local wines from Samos (famous for its sweet Muscat).

Eastern Greece is a treasure trove for travelers seeking a deeper, more varied, and authentically Greek experience beyond the postcard-perfect white and blue. It's a region where ancient history, wild nature, and vibrant local culture are waiting to be discovered.