The Eastern Aegean islands group is, like the Dodecanese, much closer to Turkey than to the Greek mainland. They are composed of: Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos(Mytilene), Limnos, Thassos and Samos. This group is less popular than the Cyclades but not the less interesting from a point of authenticity. There are characterized by mountainous landscapes, dense forests of pine-trees and beautiful golden sandy beaches.