Aegean Sea, Mediterranean sea between Greece and Turkey.
The sea lies between Greece to the west and Turkey to the east, connecting the Mediterranean with the Sea of Marmara through narrow waterways. The water surrounds hundreds of islands and ranges from shallow bays to deep basins with clear currents.
Ancient peoples settled its shores from around 3000 BCE and developed ports and trade routes there. Later, Athenians controlled large parts of the sea and connected the coasts through alliances and fleets.
Many islands dot the sea and form communities where locals live with ferry connections and maritime trade. Fishermen return with their catch each morning, while coastal settlements cluster around small harbors that have kept the same rhythm for centuries.
Major ports connect the mainland with the islands through regular ferry lines and provide docking points for yachts and ships. In summer the water can appear calm, but wind may pick up suddenly, especially between the islands and along the bays.
The deepest point reaches over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) down east of Crete, where the seabed drops suddenly. Volcanic islands like Santorini still show craters and hot springs that recall geological activity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
