(* The island is called Lesvos and its capital is Mytilene. The capital is so imposing and unique that it has managed to “name” the entire island).

The rich history of the island, combined with its modern use, keeps the interest of visitors alive. Being the third largest island in Greece, it is easy to see how it can offer a wide variety of different scenes and activities.

But why should a visitor make so many miles to reach the northeastern Aegean Sea? What does Mytilene have that makes it special?

The first and main are the beautiful villages, with the picturesque streets, the impressive mansions, the three well-preserved castles in Mytilene, Molyvos and Sigri and the benches with the traditional handmade objects.

Mytiline has been given the status of “Archontissa” and not unfairly! The city is made up of elaborate mansions, while its beautiful waterfront, its smells and colors, magnify the eyes of every visitor! The imposing church of Agios Therapontas that dominates, the imposing castle, the statue of freedom that welcomes you to the port, makes the city an idyllic place for exploration!

Ouzo, whichever brand you choose, will introduce you to the culture of the locals.

The process of drinking ouzo requires a specific ritual. Never to drink ouzo without its so-called meze. It needs salad, sardines, beans, greed, pickles and various other appetizers. Trust the local cooks and indulge in the magic of ouzo. In the famous Plomari you can visit the Ouzo Museum and learn the secrets of its production:

http://www.theworldofouzo.gr/en/ouzo-plomari/ouzo-museum.php

Moving from the capital of the island to the center of the island, you will notice that the scenery is green and full of beautiful trees, something that changes radically from Kalloni and beyond. If half the island is dressed in green, the rest is like a lunar landscape and this combination gives also a unique characther to the island.

The volcanoes that existed thousands of years ago in the area, exploded and the volcanic material produced in combination with the weather conditions followed, favored the creation of a unique phenomenon, the fossilization of the forest that lay in the area.

In the Sigri Natural History Museum, you can learn more about tree fossilization and see radically systems, trunks and seeds.

http://www.lesvosmuseum.gr/site/home/ws/primary+menu/the+forest.csp

Lesvos is still famous for its many miraculous performances. Numerous seekers arrive on the island each year to visit the Taxiarches, Saint Raphael and the Virgin Mary of Agiasos. These monasteries offer an unrealistic tranquility to those who visit them.

Next stop, beaches! The island has many beaches to choose from. The most popular are in Vatera, Skala Eresos, Tsonia, Agios Isidoros and Tarti. The blue waters of the Aegean and the endless blue give peace, tranquility and a sense of freedom. Caution! The waters of the island tend to be frozen than those you may have used to swim. Do not be fooled! Arm yourself with courage and dive!

Other places that deserve your attention are Skala Skoukanias with Panagia Gorgona, Petra with its own distinct Virgin Mary perched on the rock, Karini, which houses Theofilos tree and the thermal springs of the island in the village called Polichnitos.

Give your love to Lesvos and it will give it to you back double and triple. Open your heart, leave your senses and be swept away by the beauties of this place.

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Tinos is famous for its Church Panagia Evangelistria that attract visitors from all over Greece. In the island coexist both Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic populations, giving to the island a unique character.

Apart from the religious tourism, Tinos is also a top summer attraction both for Greeks but also for tourists that visit the island from anywhere in the world.

Tinos combines beautiful mountain villages together with golden beaches.

The most popular beach of Tinos is located in the north of the island and it is called Kolimpithra. Actually we are talking about two beaches different from each other. The smallest one is more cosmopolitan with sun beds, umbrellas and restaurants whereas the larger one is exposed to the north winds and it is ideal for surfers.

Other popular beaches in the island are: Kionia, Agios Romanos, Kalivia, Ormos Kardianis which are all in the south.

If you ever visit the island you certainly have to go to Ysternia, a picturesque village on the slope of the mountain “Meroviglia’’. Here you can walk through marble paved streets, traditional houses and enjoy a magnificent view over the sea.

Another beautiful village is Dyo Choria (meaning two villages) located 20 minutes from Chora. This village has an altitude of 450 meters above the sea level and has many traditional small streets, plane trees and springs.

Pyrgos village is also worth visiting. It is the largest village of Tinos island after Chora. While walking through its streets you can admire the marble decorations at the windows and walls of the houses. Before leaving get some rest at the village square where you can enjoy a ‘’greek coffee’’ and ‘’galaktompoureko’’, a traditional greek desert.

Where to eat

In Tinos, one thing is certain: you will enjoy its traditional food. There are many taverns everywhere in the island that offer good quality food and in reasonable prices. We would recommend you to visit the tavern ‘’Drosia’’ in Ktikados village. Mr Vasilis, the owner and the staff are very polite and they will help you to choose what you like from the menu. Tip: definitely try the meatballs, the lamp and the artichoke pie.

If you would like sea food, a nice option is to go Ntinos restaurant in Exomvourgo. It has the most delicious shrimp spaghetti we have ever tasted.

When visiting the island one thing is certain: The enchanting hospitality, the traditional villages, the trekking paths and the beautiful beaches will impress you.

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Its area is larger than that of Skiathos, however, its residential part is only a very small percentage of its territory, which is limited mainly to Patitiri, its picturesque harbor and to the Old Town, which is on a hill with spectacular views, while the population does not exceed 3,000 inhabitants.

The beaches of the island are many and with great beauty. Typically, if a traveler stays on the island throughout the summer there will be a beach to discover every day! The most famous of them is Chrissi Milia, the idyllic oasis with fine sand and crystal clear water that is also offered for water sports.

Equally impressive and organized, is the beach of Agios Dimitrios, which is considered to be the most beautiful beach on the island. It occupies a large area on both sides of a small peninsula. Also, the White Gialos with the small pebble is the most suitable choice for the younger age as it has a beach bar with a DJ choosing the best dance music of the summer.

The evening life on the island of Alonissos is located mainly in Patitiri with many places of entertainment and in Old Chora.

Specialtie of the island is the Alonissos typical cheese pie with feta cheese and crispy leaf, a delicious, tasty feast that no one ought to miss. However, the tourist character of Alonissos is not as intense as its natural, ecological character and is therefore a pole of attraction for friends of nature tourism.

The entire attitude of the locals moves around the protection of the environment, respect for nature and contact with it. On the island, you will find the International Academy of Classical Homeopathic Medicine and, with a little luck, will have the chance to swim next to dolphins and seals located in the sea park, the largest marine conservation site in Europe.

Regarding accommodation and transportation to the island, there are many lodgings both in the port and the smaller villages. The hospitality is of a high standard and the locals are polite and helpful.

One option is the 4-star Yalis hotel, with astonishing view and a swimming pool: http://www.yalishotel.gr/

and Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel: http://www.ikionhotelalonissos.com/

You can move from the harbor to the Old Town by public bus that runs frequently throughout the day, while a day trip is organized on one or two of the countless coach beaches starting at 9am and returning to the harbor at 4pm. There are also alternative travel choices, such as sailing boats to many beaches and hiking trails for fit buddies.

So, if you love nature and you are looking for a quiet destination with crystal clear seas and magical landscapes, what are you waiting for? Prepare suitcases immediately! Alonissos is waiting for you!

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Beautiful beaches, imposing green mountains and unique ecosystems “endow” the land of Skopelos with impressive landscapes that, combined with the mild climate, make the island an ideal holiday destination.

With thick forests covering almost 80% of its area, it is considered to be the greenest island of the Aegean, with good tourist infrastructure, but also with its traditional character. It is located in the Northern Sporades, northwest Aegean, north of Evia and east of Pelion.

The town of Skopelos, on the north side of the island, is a traditional island town with typical architecture and beautiful cobblestone streets, which has been declared a traditional settlement. Chora and the whole island are full of old traditional churches, chapels and monasteries. Climb to Panagitsa of Pyrgos, at the edge of the harbor in the castle and admire the wonderful churches, the picturesque streets, the steep cliffs and the view of the vast Aegean Sea.

Glossa is one of the three villages on the island, with the largest population, also known as the “tall village”. It is built amphitheatrically on a hill with houses of Macedonian architecture and magnificent sea views. It is of great archaeological interest since in many places there are ancient towers and buildings from antiquity.

Finally, the picturesque Agnontas in the south of the island, Panormos, Stafylos and Loutraki, the second largest port of Skopelos, with great tourist development, are the most crowded resorts on the island.

BEACHES

What characterizes the famous coasts of Skopelos is their unique diversity (long beaches, small bays and coves, sandy or pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks, coastal wetlands), their purity and the clarity of the waters, which have made them world-famous and therefore extremely popular and beloved.

The small beach of Limnonari with its crystal clear waters and white sand, the beautiful, small pebbled beach of Agnontas, 7 km from the town of Skopelos, the secluded beach of Panormos, as well as Milia, Kastani and Stafylos in the south And the impressive Hovolos with the green-blue waters, are just some of the choices you have.

WHERE YOU CAN STAY IN THE ISLAND

We recommend: Adrina Resort & Spa (http://www.adrinaresort.com), for guests with high demands, “Selinounda” (http://www.hotelselenunda.com), in Loutraki, Skopelos Village (http: /www.skopelosvillagehotel.com). Milia Appartments and Panormos beach hotel, in Panormos, (http://www.panormos-beach.com/) are also good choices.

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