The Aegean Islands to the east of the Greek mainland are diversely charismatic, with varied landscapes but the same tradition and cultures of friendliness and hospitality. Encompassing 'our' Aegean Islands are the three Sporades Islands in the north, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skiathos, together with their mainland neighbour, the unique Pelion Peninsula. Heading south we take in the breathtaking Cycladic Islands of Santorini and Mykonos as well as the city that defines the region, Athens. The Island of Reefs because of its offshore islets and rocks and magnificent craggy coastline. Secluded bays fringed by its famous pine forests and olive groves, it could also be called the Green Island. Skopelos is remarkably undeveloped with networks of traditional paths and tracks joining scattered settlements.The islands eponymous capital is a bustling port on a spectacular bay with a maze of narrow streets linking tavernas and churches. The remotest of the Sporades Islands entering through its small port and main town, Patitiri. This narrow, wooded island is a haven all about relaxation and tranquillity. there are many old trails criss-crossing the island, often leading down to its fantastic uncrowded beaches. Its offshore Marine Park is a sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal The smallest of the Sporades Islands yet the most popular due to its airport, sandy beaches, clear waters and waterspouts. The west coast is spectacular and almost undeveloped with the interior rural and packed with olive groves and mule tracks. The Pelion Peninsula on the Greek mainland is truly unique. With the Aegean on one side, the sheltered 'inland' sea of the Pagasitikos Gulf on the other with the mountains of the Pelion forming a high green land barrier in the North, the peninsula has defended its secrets well and relatively few outside Greece have visited this fascinating region. Fascinating to explore by car, the Pelion is unsurpassed for exploration on foot. Popular, sophisticated and the subject of a thousand postcards. Mykonos is mostly characterised by two colours, blue and white. With its immaculately whitewashed houses and tiny churches, separated by a labyrinth of cool cobbled lanes leading to the famous windmills and spectacular beaches, this is a microcosm of all the Greek islands. The eruption of the dramatic volcano island 3500 years ago has created the great sea filled crater and one of the great experiences of the Aegean, and makes the legend of Atlantis seem entire plausible. The huge cliffs of banded pumice hide the extremely fertile interior and the unusual black beaches. The sensitively whitewashed cliff top villages enjoy the most spectacular sunsets in the Aegean. Athina's greatest gift to the world of mortals was a single olive tree on the summit of a rock overlooking the Saronic Gulf. From its roots sprung a civilization and city unparalleled in the ancient world. It is hardly surprising that the Athens of today, with many of its ancient remains still intact, continues to be one of the world's most popular destinations.