Practical information : Move & Laze around NorThern Islands Of The Aegean Sea
Budget & Tips
The nature of the North Aegean islands is rich in possibilities: the majority of outdoor activities will not cost you a cent, whether it is swimming, hiking, snorkeling... For kayaking, diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, unless you come equipped, you will have to rent the equipment: many schools offer quality equipment for rent.
What's very local
The dance is practiced by all during the great celebrations that punctuate island life: you can learn some traditional steps by joining the circle on the occasion of these panigyria.
Your documents please
A boating license is required to rent a sailboat or a motorboat in Greece: normally, the coastal license is sufficient for the captain alone, but some rental companies will ask for an additional guarantee, with a second person who knows how to navigate on board. Scuba diving is regulated to avoid looting of ancient wrecks in particular: any archaeological find must be reported to the port authorities or to the police. The legislation has been revised in order to facilitate the creation of underwater museums, especially in the waters of Alonissos, and to develop tourism related to the practice of diving. Solo diving is forbidden, as well as underwater hunting (even if you will see locals with harpoons in their hands), but the visit of underwater wrecks is now allowed without the necessary accompaniment of an archaeologist. Finally, windsurfing and kitesurfing are forbidden to children under 16 years old, without a parent's agreement.
To be booked
For all kayaking, diving, kitesurfing or windsurfing courses, you will need to make reservations. There is no need to book weeks in advance, but the high season can be a bit crowded, so it's best to find out in advance.
Main events
There are all kinds of festive, sporting and cultural events that mark the calendar of the North Aegean islands. On the sports side, regattas are regularly organized in the numerous ports of the region while the chess tournament of Ikaria is a meeting of international level. Cultural festivals are organized all year round and even more often in summer: dance, film and music festivals, medieval folklore, religious or village celebrations... Not to mention national holidays and historical commemorations, as well as a large LGBTQ+ gathering in Lesbos.
Tourist traps
Some sports practices can be dangerous. This is the case for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Lemnos and Lesbos, or scuba diving in Alonissos. It is therefore essential to use professional schools and rental companies. We have indicated the best addresses in this guide.