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Greece. A life-changing experience

NORTHEASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS AND UNIQUE TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS

Lesvos

Sappho, one of the most famous lyric poets of ancient Greece, was born on the island of Lesvos. You will find grand beautiful houses in Mytilene, the island capital, and traditional villages across the island (Agiassos, Assomatos, Vatousa, Eresos, Mantamados, Mithymna, Petra, Plomari, Polichnitos, Sigri, Sykamia).

Lesvos, Skala Kalonis Photo:GNTO/D.Rozaki

Besides being a picturesque island in the north-eastern Aegean Sea, Lesvos offers various natural beauties and a rich cultural heritage that can be distinguished by its culinary tradition based on local – land or sea – produce.

Photo: GNTO/Archive

It’s Tidbit (Meze) Time!

In the numerous tavernas and “ouzeris” around the island you’ll get the chance to taste all local goodies. Begin with an ouzo drink on ice (no shaking necessary) – its anise aroma will amaze you!- and accompany it with a platter of fresh seafood; cured anchovies and sardines; anchovies marinated in olive oil, vinegar and garlic; roasted scallops sprinkled with olive oil; grilled octopus and so many more delicious “mezes”.

If you are still up for it, then you should also try ladotyri cheese saganaki, ntolmadakia and zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and herbs; meatballs with ouzo; grilled fresh sardines; stuffed squid; shrimp or mussel saganaki with spicy tomato sauce, feta cheese and peppers.

Photo:GNTO/Archive

See more: Lesvos, Cuisine of Lesvos

Limnos
The island of Hephaestus (God of fire and protector of blacksmiths) is the ideal laid back holiday destination. Visit Myrina, which is the island capital and port, learn more about its interesting history and enjoy fresh fish dishes.

Limnos, Myrina Photo: GNTO/K.Vergas

Cheese production

The island has a long tradition in cheese production and the steps followed during the process guarantee unique quality and flavour. The most famous products are Kalathaki Limnou, Melichloro and Feta cheese. Kalathaki Limnou is a PDO traditional white salted cheese. Small woven wicker baskets (kalathaki) are used to drain and give the cheese its final shape. Melichloro (or Melipasto) is made of sheep’s milk which after having been strained, is allowed to dry out in shaded places during those times of the year with low atmospheric humidity (after spring).

Photo:GNTO/Archive

Wine production & spirits

In ancient times wine from Mithymna was believed to be the ambrosia drunk only by the Olympian gods. Today local grape varieties produce excellent wines with fine aromas and flavours and their reputation is worldwide. Top quality white wines and sweet wines are made from Moschato Alexandrias, a white aromatic grape variety, on the island’s volcanic terrain.

Lunch by the sea, Greece, island Santorini

Photo: GNTO/Archive

See more: Limnos, Local Products of Limnos, Limnos’ Wines and Spirits

Chios

Chios is known as the mastic island because of this unique natural resin collected from mastic trees cultivated at the south part of the island. Explore the Mastichochoria, a group of fortified villages of great beauty built in the 14th century when the island was under Genovese rule.

Chios, Mavra Volia Beach Photo: GNTO/G.Filippini

Chios Flavours

Mastic: The Queen of Chios Island

A unique treasure that is cultivated only in this part of the world, the mastic tree hands over its precious teardrops! The uniqueness of the product is attributed not only to a deep-rooted tradition in cultivation, but also to certain soil and weather conditions that favour mastic tree’s flourishing.

You can enjoy it in different forms: as an ingredient in ypovrychio sweet, liquor, ouzo, cookies and even as a chewing gum!

Masticha Chios, Photo: GNTO/Archive

The “golden apples of the Hesperides”

Chios is famous for the uniquely pleasant taste, quality and characteristics of its citrus fruits, the juicy oranges and the unique mandarins from Chios. The island’s mandarins are among the finest varieties in the world and have been registered as a PDO product thanks to their intense aromatic tender flesh and sweet flavour.

Home-made orange spoon sweet and glass of cold water on vintage bronze tray.

Photo: GNTO/Archive

See more: Chios, Chios Flavours

Samos
Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, the first to suggest that the Earth revolves around the sun.

Samos, Karlovasi Photo:GNTO/D.Rozaki

Samos is a green island with many white-sand beaches and picturesque villages. The island is also well-known for its top quality natural sweet wine.

Red greek wine is glass from Nemea region, wine tasting, close up

Photo:GNTO/Archive

See more: Samos,

Ikaria

According to the myth, Daedalus (father) and Icarus (son) flew over the Aegean Sea wearing waxed feather wings. During the flight, Icarus ignored his father’s advice not to fly close to the sun. When he approached the sun his waxed wings melted, he fell and drowned in the sea off the island coast.

Ikaria, Photo: GNTO/D.Rozaki

Learn about the locals’ special way of life, on “the Island where people forget to die”.

Besides the island’s sandy beaches, running waters, mountains and green hillsides its name, Ikaria, is intertwined with Greek mythology and Ikarus. The unparalleled local lifestyle, along with the one of a kind work-rest schedule, the famous festivals and traditional dances, the local customs, are just some of the reasons why you should explore this impressive destination. Savour fresh fish and sip fragrant wine, while you let yourselves become an Ikarian, as they are connoisseurs of the secrets for longevity!