North Aegean Islands
The periphery of the North Aegean Islands is the least populous and third smallest among all 13 peripheries in Greece, comprising several archipelagos and islands in the Aegean Sea, close to Asia Minor. The most famous islands include Lesbos, Limnos and Chios. The vast majority of these islands are dominated by steep mountains and dry deep valleys. Vegetation is poor and mainly subtropical, due to scant rainfall and summer heat. Lesbos and Chios are lined with endless sandy beaches and busy resorts. Parts of the coastlines of the smaller islands are still home to idyllic fishing villages and yacht ports, indicative of the true spirit of Greece. A number of archaeological sites, some of which are included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attract many tourists.