Limnos, (Lemnos) with its castle, Efstratios: the Greek Ventotene, and then Panangia, Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiatos these are the islands that we will touch on this fast, fascinating journey.

Starting from the large, deep bay of Limnos and leaving the beautiful bay of Mirina, we will stop in the small, solitary Agios Efstratios , now a rare example of authentic Greece not yet influenced by mass tourism. Due to its distance from the mainland, it was chosen by the Greek dictatorial regimes as a place to deport political "dissidents", especially communists or trade unionists, but also intellectuals, journalists, writers, since the 1920s, and which remained a place of political confinement until the early 1960s. Exactly like in the Italian Ventotene during fascism. At least 5000 people, perhaps many more, suffered that fate. The visit to the Museum of Democracy was touching, recalling that terrible past.

With a bit of nostalgia, we'll cross the stretch of sea that separates it from the Sporades, a magnificent archipelago in northern Greece. We will discover some of the many wonderful beaches and bays of Kira Panagia, Alonissos, Skiatos and Skopelos where woods plunge into the sea. Many of which were made famous by the film Mamma Mia.

Kira, Panagia and Peristera are the first islands of the Northern Sporades archipelago that we will encounter. Alonissos, which we will visit immediately after, is the wildest of the archipelago: a true paradise for lovers of nature, unspoiled bays and traditional cultures. Patiriri, which means wine press, is the main center.

In its museum full of ancient nautical charts and traditional costumes there is also a rare collection of pirate weapons. Skopelos: a mosaic of pine forests, olive groves, vineyards has kept the view almost intact and the quiet and welcoming rhythm that has made it delightful and a favorite set for film directors. Skiatos, with its beautiful white sandy beaches framed by hills covered with pine trees and olive groves, is wonderful.