12 Best Sights in The Northern Aegean Islands, Greece

Famous throughout Greece, this glittering volcanic black-pebbled beach is just next to the attractive seaside village of Emborio, where the waterfront is lined with tavernas serving seafood. The cove comprises three beaches, which are backed by jutting volcanic cliffs and fronted by calm dark-blue water colored by the deeply tinted seabed. Here, perhaps, was an inspiration for the "wine-dark sea" that Homer wrote about. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking.

The beach strip just east of Plomari is backed by low-key hotels and tavernas. Though the setting is hardly remote, the sea washing onto the long stretch of golden sand is sparkling clean. A bonus for swimmers and snorkelers is the bountiful sea life that flourishes on the rocky shelf just below the surface of the turquoise waters. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This remote spot, at the end of a well-marked road that leads southeast toward the coast from Mesta, is one of the best beaches on Chios. The clear waters lap against the sand and pebbles that make up this small stretch of coast. A canteen looks down upon the unspoiled beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Just to the east of Molyvos is this empty stretch of coastline, blessed not just with a beach but with thermal mineral baths. You can soak in the enclosed tubs for a small fee or find a spot just below the old baths where the hot water bubbles into the sea. An easy walk east from there takes you past a pleasant beachside taverna to a long expanse of sand and pebbles, remote enough in parts to attract nudists. Amenities: food and drink, parking (no fee). Best for: nudists; solitude; swimming; walking.

An end-of-the-world atmosphere prevails at this lovely stretch of sand at the far west of the island just north of Sigri, punctuated by a rocky outcropping and fronting a green river valley, where you're likely to see birds and turtles. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: nudists; solitude; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This popular and often-crowded beach fronts a shallow bay, and its golden brown sands and warm waters make it a good spot for young families. Many tavernas and hotels geared to package tours line the overbuilt shoreline, and in summer there's transportation to and from town. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports; parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; swimming.

Calm, turquoise waters wash onto this beach of sand and pebbles that is shaded by pine trees. Time here provides a quiet escape from the beaches near the more populated centers, and getting here involves riding into a pleasurable final stretch through some of the loveliest forested parts in eastern Samos. Tavernas on the beach dish out light summer salads, fresh seafood, and heartier magirefta (cooked dish) of the day, like pastitsio (a rich pasta bake). Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; swimming; walking.

Some of the best beaches on the island are in the vicinity, including Limia, with calm, turquoise waters. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunset; swimming.

Lemonakia, Tsamadou, and Tsabou all are just a few minutes' drive from one another, forming a continuous string of sand and pebbles separated by pine-clad headlands. They're all delightful places to lounge and swim, and well supplied with sun beds and concessions. The stretch is to be avoided when the summertime meltemi (northern winds) blow, unless you're a windsurfer. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.

One of the island's more popular beaches is pristine and sandy, protected from the wind by cliffs. There are two tavernas here, and the beach can get extremely busy during high season. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming.

The 4-km-long (2½-mile-long) town beach at Skala Eresou is a wide stretch of dark sand lined with tamarisk trees. A small island is within swimming distance, and northerly winds lure windsurfers along with the swimmers and sunbathers. There are many rooms to rent within walking distance of the beach, and in the section that skirts the town, many appealing bars and cafés front the sands. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This long stretch of sand could in itself put Lesvos on the map for beach lovers, yet it's often easy to find a patch all to yourself—the farther east you drive or walk from the settlement of Vatera, the more remote the setting becomes. The curving, southern exposure is idyllic, and swimming is good for water enthusiasts of all ages. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.