Chios

Chios (Greek: Χίος) is the fifth-largest Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea, just off the Turkish coast (only 7-8 km away). 

It is part of the North Aegean Islands region and forms the regional unit (province) of Chios, which includes smaller islands such as Psara and Oinousses. 

Capital: Chios Town (Chora), with its port and lively atmosphere. 

Known for: Mastic (mastic/resin) – a unique resin from the mastic tree that grows only in southern Chios (nickname: "the Mastic Island"). 

It is used in food, drinks (mastic liqueur), cosmetics, and medicines. 

Medieval villages (e.g., in the south, with black-and-white geometric patterns). 

Nea Moni Monastery (11th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Beautiful beaches, a mountainous interior (up to 1,297 m), and fertile plains (citrus, olive, fig). 

History: Rich past with a connection to Homer (possibly his birthplace), Genoese and Ottoman periods, the tragic Chios Massacre in 1822 during the Greek War of Independence, and reunification with Greece in 1912. 

Chios is an authentic, relatively undiscovered island with abundant nature, culture, and local traditions – ideal for those seeking the real Greece without mass tourism.

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Dodecanese

The Dodecanese (or Dodekánisa in Greek) is a Greek archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea, near the Turkish coast. 

The name literally means "twelve islands," but there are actually 12-15 larger inhabited islands plus more than 150 smaller islets and rocks. 

Until 2011, it was a separate department/province (nomós) of Greece, with Rhodes City as its capital. Since the administrative reorganization, it has been part of the South Aegean Islands region (Notio Aigaio), divided into regional units. 

Main islands: Rhodes (largest and most popular, medieval old town a UNESCO World Heritage site), Kos, Karpathos, Kalymnos (diving and sponge island), Patmos (religiously important, "Island of the Apocalypse"), Leros, Symi, Nisyros (volcanic), Astypalaia, Tilos, Chalki, Lipsi, Kastellorizo ​​(remote exclave). 

Characteristics in brief: Sunniest region of Greece (many hours of sunshine per year). 

Crystal clear water, beautiful beaches (sand and pebble). 

Rich history: medieval castles, Byzantine and Italian influences (Italian rule from 1912 to 1943), ancient ruins. 

Tourism is the main economy (especially Rhodes and Kos), along with fishing, sponge diving, and agriculture (olives, fruit). 

Ideal for island hopping with ferries (including Dodecanese Seaways). 

In short: a beautiful mix of history, culture, beaches, and turquoise sea – perfect for those seeking sun, heritage, and variety!

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Drama

Drama (Greek: Δράμα / Dráma) is a regional unit (formerly a prefecture/nomos) in Northeastern Greece, belonging to the region of East Macedonia and Thrace (Anatoliki Makedonia kai Thraki). 

It is the northernmost part of the geographical region of Macedonia and borders Bulgaria to the north.

Capital: The city of Drama 

Location and nature: Situated in a fertile plain at the foot of the Falakro Mountains, with abundant springs and water (hence the name, derived from Ancient Greek for "rich in water"). 

Mountains (including Rodopi, Menikio, Pangaio), forests, rivers (Nestos, Angitis), and a mix of plains and mountainous terrain. 

Economy: Primarily agriculture (tobacco used to be important, now mainly potatoes, beans from Kato Nevrokopi, cotton, grains, vegetables, fruit, and especially wine – Drama is known for its good wines). Also livestock farming, forestry, marble mining, and some industry. 

Sights: Historic city with Byzantine remains, medieval walls, churches (including Agia Sofia from the 10th century), archaeological and ecclesiastical museum, neoclassical buildings, old mansions. 

Nature tourism (mountains, skiing in Falakro, hiking). 

Known for festivals and a relaxed atmosphere. 

History: Inhabited since prehistoric times (from around 5000 BC), Byzantine fortress, Ottoman period, tobacco boom in the 19th and 20th centuries, liberated in 1913, population growth after 1922 due to refugees. 

Drama is a green, welcoming region with abundant nature, delicious food (especially wine and local produce), and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere – ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and mountains, not far from Kavala or Thessaloniki.

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Evros

Evros (Έβρου) is a regional unit (formerly a prefecture/province) in northeastern Greece, part of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace. 

Capital: Alexandroupoli (Αλεξανδρούπολη), a port city with approximately 60,000 inhabitants and a growing economic and tourism center. 

Boundaries: East: Turkey (along the Evros/Meriç River, the natural border) North/Northwest: Bulgaria South: Thracian Sea (Aegean Sea) West: Rodopi Region Nature & Special 

Features: The Evros Delta is an important wetland and bird sanctuary (Evros Delta National Park), with many rare birds and biodiversity. 

The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest (National Park) is known for its birds of prey and unique flora and fauna. 

It is heavily agricultural (grain, cotton, sunflowers) and relatively sparsely populated/rural. 

Special features: Evros is the northeasternmost region of Greece and serves as the "gateway to the east" (EU border with Turkey and Bulgaria). 

It has a rich history (Thracian roots, Ottoman period) and is strategically located, but is often in the news due to migration and border issues. 

In short: a region with beautiful nature, historical depth, and geopolitical significance, but less touristy than the islands or Athens.

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Evrytania

Evrytania is a Greek regional unit in the Central Greece region. 

It is the most mountainous, smallest (in terms of area), and least populated part of Greece. 

Capital: Karpenisi (approximately 8,000 inhabitants) – a picturesque mountain town at the foot of Mount Velouchi/Timfristos. 

Known for: pristine nature, dense pine forests, rivers, lakes (including Kremasta), gorges (such as Mavri Spilia and Pantavrechei), traditional stone villages, and an alpine atmosphere. 

It is an authentic, wild, and unspoiled region with many hiking and skiing opportunities (especially in winter), monasteries (such as Proussos), a rich history (from antiquity to the resistance struggle in WWII), and delicious local cuisine. 

Often cited as one of Greece's most beautiful and least touristy mountain regions—a kind of "hidden paradise" in the heart of the country. 

In short: mountains, nature, tranquility, traditional villages, and true Greek hospitality.

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Evia

Evia (also called Euboea) is the second largest island in Greece (after Crete). 

It is located just off the east coast of Attica (near Athens), in the Aegean Sea, and is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait (Euripos, near the capital, Chalkis). 

Thanks to bridges and short ferry crossings, it is very easily accessible from Athens (often within 1.5–2 hours). 

Evia is elongated (approximately 180 km long), mountainous with forests, but also offers fertile plains, beautiful beaches, thermal springs, and picturesque mountain villages. 

It is much less touristy than the traditional Greek islands and therefore popular with Greeks themselves for a peaceful, authentic holiday. 

The main towns are: Chalkis (the capital, with the famous reverse tidal current in the Euripos); 

Eretria (archaeological site and ferry port); Karystos and Limni. 

In short: a diverse, green, and authentic island with nature, history, beaches, and little mass tourism – ideal if you're looking for "real Greece" close to Athens.

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Kavala

Kavala (Greek: Καβάλα) is a region (περιφερειακή ενότητα) in Northern Greece, part of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace. 

It is located in the northern Aegean Sea, opposite the island of Thasos. 

Capital and most important city: Kavala itself – a beautiful port city rising amphitheatrically from the sea (often called "the blue city"). 

History: Over 2,700 years old. 

It began as the ancient Greek colony of Neapolis (7th century BC), later Byzantine Christoupolis, Ottoman until 1912, and Greek since then. 

The apostle Paul landed here in 49 AD (the first Christian footstep in Europe). 

Sights: Byzantine castle, Ottoman architecture, Roman aqueduct, old town, nearby archaeological site of Philippi (a UNESCO World Heritage site). 

Economy: Major port, tourism, fishing, olive oil, tobacco (formerly very large), agriculture (rice, fruit, vegetables), and nearby oil activities. 

Nature: Beautiful beaches, mountainous hinterland (including Mount Pangaion), near the Nestos River and Thasos (ferry connection). 

In short: a charming mix of history, beautiful coastline, authentic Greek life, and tourism without mass tourism – one of the most beautiful (but lesser-known) places in Northern Greece.

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