Welcome to Lesvos, a captivating Greek island that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. As you step foot on this timeless paradise, you’ll be immersed in a world of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. With its endless olive groves, dense pine forests, majestic mountains, and stunning beaches, Lesvos offers a mosaic of unparalleled natural beauty that will leave you in awe. So, grab your ferry tickets for Lesvos and get ready to embark on a journey like no other.
- Explore Mytilene: Start your adventure in the beautiful capital of Lesvos, Mytilene. This enchanting city is built in the shape of an amphitheater across seven pine-covered hills. Lose yourself in its picturesque cobbled streets, where cultures blend seamlessly. Don’t miss the imposing Byzantine castle overlooking the port, the Hellenistic theater on the hill of Saint Kyriaki, and the fascinating Ottoman monuments. Take a leisurely stroll along the bustling seafront and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Discover the Petrified Forest at Sigri: Uncover the mysterious beauty of the world-famous Petrified Forest, a captivating natural wonder. Step into a colorful world of plant fossils and volcanic rocks frozen in time. This unique site has been declared a Protected Natural Monument and is part of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network. Immerse yourself in the 20-million-year-old geological history of the Aegean at the extraordinary Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest.
- Admire the Church of Saint Therapontas: Marvel at the iconic dome of the magnificent church of Saint Therapontas, which dominates the skyline of Mytilene. This impressive edifice, a blend of neoclassical, Gothic, and baroque elements, was inaugurated in 1935 and stands as a testament to the island’s rich architectural heritage.
- Explore the Enchanting Town of Molyvos: Make your way to Molyvos, one of the most beautiful listed settlements in Greece. Nestled beneath the imposing Byzantine castle of Mithymna, this town offers a picturesque maze of narrow cobbled streets adorned with magnificent stone-and-wood mansions. The vibrant colors of the houses add to the charm of this enchanting place.
- Discover Theophilos’ Art: Immerse yourself in the art of the famous folk painter Theophilos at the Theophilos Museum in Varia. Delve into a collection of 86 paintings depicting themes from history, mythology, and folklore. Experience the early 20th-century island life through his landscapes and everyday scenes.
- Indulge in the Local Cuisine: Treat your taste buds to the delicious flavors of Lesvos. Sample the island’s famous Kalloni sardines, paired perfectly with the traditional ouzo. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Lesvos Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Agia Paraskevi, where you can learn about the island’s olive oil heritage and its technological advancements.
- Marvel at Architectural Heritage: Wander through the neighborhoods of Mytilene, such as Aklidio, Sourada, Kioski, and Makris Gialos, and admire the island’s dazzling architectural heritage. The listed neoclassical houses and mansions, adorned with baroque, neo-gothic, and belle époque elements, reflect the prosperity of the 19th and early 20th-century shipowners, industrialists, and merchants.
- Relax in the Hot Springs of Eftalou: Experience a truly rejuvenating bath in the famous Hot Springs of Eftalou. These natural springs bubble up beneath the sea, offering a therapeutic and relaxing experience. Afterward, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Aegean Sea.
- Witness Stunning Sunsets: Make your way to the castle of Mithymna and witness the breathtaking sunset from one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Eastern Mediterranean. As the sun dips below the horizon, the castle provides an idyllic vantage point to soak in the beauty of Lesvos.
Top 5 Beaches for Beach Lovers:
- St Isidore: Located in Plomari, this picturesque beach offers small white pebbles, cool blue waters, and a charming church overlooking the sea. It’s a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.
- Vatera: With its 8-km stretch of coarse sand and crystal-clear blue waters, Vatera is the longest beach on the island. While one part offers tourist amenities, the majority of the beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and seclusion.
- Skala Eressou: Located on the southwest side of the island, Skala Eressou is the perfect destination for those looking to relax and enjoy vibrant nightlife. You can indulge in water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing or simply marvel at the magical sunset from the bar-restaurants overlooking the dark volcanic sand.
- St Hermogenes: Situated in east Lesvos, this enchanting bay boasts emerald waters, a small strip of sand, and pine trees that reach the water’s edge. The white church of Saint Hermogenes adds to the idyllic atmosphere of this beautiful beach.
- Petra: Considered one of the most beautiful and well-organized beaches on the island, Petra offers golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the sunset. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, water sports, and exploring the nearby islets.
Don’t leave Lesvos without…
- Visiting the Teriade Museum of Modern Art in Varia, dedicated to the renowned art critic and publisher Stratis Eleftheriades. Explore the unique collection of handmade albums and works by celebrated artists.
- Climbing up to the church of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa in Petra to admire rare Byzantine icons and a beautifully carved wooden episcopal throne. The panoramic view from the top is truly rewarding.
- Exploring the Gulf of Kalloni wetland, a paradise for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Spot rare and protected bird species, including white storks, swans, and pink flamingos.
- Visiting the traditional pottery and wood-carving workshops in Mandamados and Agiassos. Take home unique ceramic pieces and exquisite olivewood artworks.
- Learning the secrets of ouzo at one of the historic distillery-museums in Plomari, the birthplace of this famous Greek aperitif.
- Exploring the picturesque mountain village of Agiassos, known for its cobbled streets and magnificent chestnut trees. Follow hiking trails and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
- Discovering the impressive tower houses around Thermi, symbols of the island’s rich history and the prosperity brought by olive oil production.
- Visiting a Women’s Cooperative to taste and purchase traditional preserves, homemade sauces, liqueurs, amygdalota (almond sweets), and pasteli (honey and sesame bars).
Tasty Experiences:
- Learn to drink ouzo like a Greek by pairing it with famous mezes such as giouzlemedes (fried cheese pies filled with mizithra cheese and mint) and giaprakia (dolmades made with vine leaves, rice, onion, and courgettes).
- Indulge in fresh fish and seafood mezes in Sigri, Kalloni, and Sykamnia. Sample the island’s renowned salted seafood, including Kalloni sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Don’t miss delicacies like Lesvos octopus and scallops with rice pilaf.
- Try the local specialty, sfouggato, a delicious baked omelette with courgettes, feta cheese, and eggs.
- Savor Lesvos’ famous PDO cheeses: feta, ladotiri, and kasseri.
- Delight in selinato, a dish of pork with wild celery, and stuffed goat, showcasing the island’s culinary traditions.
- If you visit in autumn, indulge in the delicious wild mushrooms found in the island’s mountains, such as bloody milk caps and oyster mushrooms.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with platzenta, a local baklava made with filo, walnuts, and syrup, and gemata, delightful almond sweets.
- Experience hachles, a unique Lesvian delicacy made of trachanas (fermented grain and yogurt) shaped into bowls. Enjoy them in a dakos salad or crumbled into soup.
Lesvos offers an unforgettable holiday experience, where natural beauty meets rich history and culinary delights. So, plan your trip, immerse yourself in the wonders of this unique island, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Read more about Greece here
Ελλάδα, Ελλάδα νησί, Ελληνικά, Λέσβος, Μόλυβος, Μυτιλήνη, Μουσείο Φυσικής Ιστορίας Απολιθωμένου Δάσους Λέσβου, Άγιος Θεράποντας, Σκάλα Ερεσού, Άγιος Ισίδωρος, Βατερά, Παναγία Γλυκοφιλούσα, Γιουνανιστάν, Grèce, île de Grèce, grec, Lesbos, Molyvos, Mytilène, Musée d’histoire naturelle de la forêt pétrifiée de Lesbos, Saint Therapontas, Skala Eressou, St Isidore, Vatera, Vierge Marie Glykofilousa, yunanistan, اليونان ، جزيرة اليونان ، اليونانية ، ليسفوس ، موليفوس ، ميتيليني ، متحف التاريخ الطبيعي للغابات المتحجرة ليسفوس ، سانت ثيرابونتاس ، سكالا إريسو ، سانت إيزيدور ، فاتيرا ، فيرجين ماري جليكوفيلوزا ، يونانستان, grecia, isla de grecia, griego, Lesbos, Molyvos, Mitilene, Museo de Historia Natural del Bosque Petrificado de Lesbos, San Therapontas, Skala Eressou, San Isidoro, Vatera, Virgen María Glykofilousa, yunanistan, греция, остров греция, греческий, Лесбос, Моливос, Митилини, Музей естественной истории окаменелого леса Лесбоса, Святой Ферапонтас, Скала Эрессу, Святой Исидор, Ватера, Дева Мария Гликофилуса, Юнанистан, Griechenland, griechische Insel, Griechisch, Lesbos, Molyvos, Mytilene, Naturhistorisches Museum des versteinerten Waldes von Lesbos, Heiliger Therapontas, Skala Eressou, Heiliger Isidor, Vatera, Jungfrau Maria Glykofilousa, Yunanistan, ギリシャ、ギリシャ島、ギリシャ語、レスボス島、モリボス島、ミティリーニ、レスボス化石の森自然史博物館、聖セラポンタス、スカラ・エレッソウ、聖イシドール、ヴァテラ、聖母マリア・グリコフィロウサ、ユナニスタン
