Mytilene, Lesvos Island, North Aegean islands, courtesy of Marketing Greece
Lesvos, the island of harmony and beauty, is the third largest island in Greece after Crete and Euboea. It belongs to the Eastern Aegean cluster of islands, located at 180 nautical miles from Athens and very near the Turkish coastline.
The sites on the island are unique. The many and absolutely interesting museums, the monasteries and churches where tradition and legends are revived, the castles dating back to the times of the great conquerors, the towns and the villages preserving their rich architectural heritage, will definitely leave the visitor an indelible memory, full of contrasts, strong charm and glamour, long history and geological miracles.
Agios Ermogenis Beach, Lesvos Island, North Aegean islands
Archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of human settlements dating back to the Neolithic era.
In 60 BC the island was occupied by the Romans and later became part of the Byzantine Empire and a target for Saracens, Russians and Slavs, Venetians and crusaders. During the Ottoman era, the monasteries and the churches became educational centers where secret schools were held preparing the locals for their independence struggle. In November 1912, Lesvos was liberated and in 1923 it joined mother Greece.
Roman Aqueduct, Moria, Lesvos Island, North Aegean islands
Vast olive groves and pine forests, endless sandy beaches and the Petrified Forest in Sigri a unique natural monument created millions of years ago due to the intense volcano activity in the area – compose the unusual morphology of the island.
Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, North Aegean islands
Combining beautiful nature with culture, astonishing beaches and excellent infrastructure, Lesvos is a unique destination for alternative tourism. The mountain slopes form landscapes for very interesting escapades, walking or riding a bicycle on the cobblestone paths and over the old quaint bridges, through verdant valleys and olive groves, the Natura-2000 areas and quaint settlements, climbing the densely forested hills with their old windmills strewn throughout the area and innumerable Byzantine monasteries, relaxing at the hot spas or exploring the wild beauty of the volcanic formations and the petrified tree trunks. Rare bird species gather in the marshlands, attracting the interest of bird-watchers, mainly in Spring and Fall.
The Museum of Industrial Olive-Oil Production, Lesvos Island, North Aegean islands
Visitors have the intense feeling that this is an island standing out for the preservation of traditional features. Older generations, as well as younger ones, remain faithful to traditional diet habits, preferring home-made agricultural and dairy products, as well as meat items and cheese products, like the famous "Ladotiri" (oil-cheese) of Lesvos. The production of ouzo (local spirit), the cultivation of the olive tree and the production of excellent olive oil, the meat and seafood products constitute part of the island’s traditional gastronomy. The island is also famous for traditional sweets, pasta and bread made by the local women's collectives, but also wine, honey, condiments, jams and more.
Plomari, Lesvos Island, North Aegean islands