The Aegean or that Aegean sea (Greek: Αιγαίο Πέλαγος), is part of the Mediterranean. It lies between Greece and Turkey and is bordered in the south by the Greek island Crete. This article deals with that too Greece belonging to islands in the Aegean Sea, the southwestern region of the Turkey with their islands is in the article Ege discussed.
Regions
- North Aegean Islands (Νησιά του βορειοανατολικού Αιγαίου).
in the Thracian Sea and off the Turkish coast. The islands are characterized by their wild beauty and a unique cultural heritage. They are perfect for individual explorers who want to experience a piece of original Greece far away from mass tourism. Each of the islands has its very own character. - Northern Sporades (Σποράδες).east of central Greece. The northern Sporades are still one of the real insider tips among the Greek islands, as they have not yet been of great importance in international tourism. In contrast to the islands of the southern Aegean, they have lush vegetation. There are beautiful bathing bays and wonderful hiking trails through untouched nature.
- Cyclades (Κυκλάδες).they lie east of the Peloponnese in the Myrtoic Sea. The Cyclades immediately enchant you with their bright white, closely spaced houses, which give the places a special atmosphere. Each island has its own character and no two are the same. Lonely bays and picturesque beaches can be discovered everywhere on the Cyclades and on the smaller islands you are still quite undisturbed even in the main season. Since the Cyclades are all close together and are well connected by a reliable ferry network, they are ideal for island hopping. The starting point is often the island of Mykonos or Santorini with their international airports.
- Saronic Islands (Νησιά του Αργοσαρωνικού).in the Saronic Gulf between Attica and the Argolis peninsula. The relatively populous islands have so far hardly played any role in international tourism. It is a popular weekend destination for the Greeks from Athens.
- Dodecanese (Δωδεκάνησα).this archipelago comprises a large part of the Southern Sporades in the Icarian Sea. The archipelago comprises more than 25 islands, but only 20 of them are inhabited. They have an eventful past, as they have been occupied several times by different peoples in their long history. Since they are not far from the Turkish mainland, many traces of the Ottoman past can be found in the architecture and in the food. The Italians (Venetians) also left their influence here during the occupation. This region in the Aegean Sea is very multifaceted, so that every type of vacationer will find his suitable island here. Especially Rhodes and Kos are among the most popular Greek islands.
- Cretan island arch. The islands of the Aegean Sea form the end of the Aegean Sea Cretan Island arc. Crete is one of the main tourist destinations in Greece as it has a lot to offer for everyone because of its size. The southernmost island is Gavdos, which is hardly developed for tourism.
background
Sea transport in the Aegean goes back to a very long time, more precisely to the beginning of the Neolithic. Clear evidence and recent studies confirm that trade in commodities in the Aegean region has been very widespread since that time. Aside from the trade between the islands and their opposite and even the most remote coasts, there has also been cultural exchange over the centuries.
The life of the islanders, seafarers and traders was determined by this very contact. Close ties connected every aspect of their lives with that of the people of Asia Minor and its coasts. In 1922 these connections were suddenly broken and the lines of communication blocked.
The Aegean region has the unique property of being entirely made up of islands, which gives the entire area a uniqueness that results precisely from the island's location. The islands of the Aegean Sea, like islands around the world, seem to share certain common geographical, ecological, social and developmental characteristics despite their heterogeneity. All of these similarities can be ascribed to the term "island location". In a few words, one could say that the island location is defined by the small size, regionality and isolation, the peculiar and fragile natural environment and the specific cultural and experiential identity of the area.
getting there
By plane
Some of the larger islands can be reached by plane. International airports are on the island Kós, Samos, Rhodes and Crete (Heraklion and Chania). There are also a number of national airports, e.g. Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios, Karpathos, Mykonos and Santorini. The other islands can then be reached by ferry.
By boat
Most of the islands can only be reached by ferry. In mainland Greece is Piraeus by far the most important ferry port, other ferry ports are in Rafina, Volos and Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupolis.
mobility
The archipelagos are perfect for island hopping, as the individual islands are well connected by ferry connections.
Where are you going to Chora?activities
kitchen
see also: Eating and drinking in Greece.
Wine and wine are an integral part of Aegean history and have played an important role in the development of the islands' economy and flourishing trade. Reports by Homer and finds from the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri in Thera bear witness to the archipelago's long winemaking tradition, a tradition that has been revived on many islands in recent decades. Rhodes and Santorini top the list, followed by Paros. Viticulture is also developing on Leros, Kos, Mykonos, Tinos, Sifnos and Milos. Wine was part of the life of the ancient Greeks, who worshiped the god of wine, merrymaking and theater, Dionysus, and represented him in many vessels with a grape or a cup of wine. At their festivals, which lasted for hours or days, the wine flowed in abundance. It was a way to facilitate communication between the guests and the philosophical debates, always accompanied by a good meal.
nightlife
security
climate
The climate in the Aegean is called Mediterranean. The basic characteristics of the Mediterranean climate are winter rainfall, summer drought, the relatively large fluctuation in annual rainfall, mild to hot summer (with intense sunlight) and cold winter. The cold and rainy period of winter lasts from November to March, while the hot and dry period of summer lasts from June to August. The transition months in the climate April to May and September to October show great differences in weather conditions every year. An important element for the island climate in the Aegean Sea is the sea, which modulates the humidity, determines the winds and acts as a regulating factor that mitigates the temperature fluctuations.
literature
Web links
Some of the main ferry companies with lines in the Aegean
| Aegean Speed Lines | Agoudimos Lines | Anek Lines | Fast Ferries |
| Hellenic Seaways | Blue Star Ferries | Minoan Lines | Sea jets |
