Family trip to Lesvos with children. Ideas on where to go with your child

The island of Lesbos lost in the Aegean Sea is a wonderful place for a family vacation. It has beautiful beaches where you can sunbathe, swim and enjoy active sports (volleyball, handball, boating), beautiful bays and mountain ranges whose nature is definitely worth admiring, and a great many religious attractions (these include the Church of Agios Athanassios, Archangel Michael's monastery, St. Raphael Monastery).

On the same island, you can witness such a rare phenomenon as the Petrified Forest or Απολιθωμένο Δάσος Λέσβου Πάρκο Μπαλή Αλώνια. Needless to say, an unusually magical feeling arises when visiting this place. Many people are wondering how something like this can exist in the real world. It is here that one can come to believe that time can actually freeze. Be sure to show the forest to children so that they never lost faith in miracles that happen in our world. The Petrified Forest is near the west coast, not far from the village of Sigri where kids would be interested in such attractions as the castle of the same name and the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest.

An interesting natural attraction is a reserve located in the center of the island, near the town of Kalloni. It is remarkable for the fact that here one can find more than 252 bird species, many of which are unique in their kind. That is why the reserve is very much appreciated by European zoologists and, of course, tourists. Nearby is the Limonos Monastery, one of the city's main attractions. Among other things, forest landscapes fire the imagination - needless to say, it is unimaginably beautiful here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Mytilene, the capital of the island, children would be happy to explore the Archaeological Museum of Mytilene (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Μυτιλήνης). Among its exhibits, one can find many interesting archaeological artifacts collected throughout the ancient island of Lesbos. The museum's collection is constantly growing, demonstrating visitors a “find of the month”. It's hardly possible to get past the museum, as it is located in the tourist area where most of the city's attractions are gathered. It'd be equally amusing for kids to visit children's entertainment centers such as Παιδοτοποσ Καραμελα and Παιδική Χαρά where they can have plenty of fun.

As for beaches, it is worth highlighting some of the most family-friendly ones. The beach located in the village of Skala Eresou (Σκάλα Ερεσού) in the south-west of the island is appreciated above all. It is incredibly huge so everyone can find entertainment here. Feel free to enjoy windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, and, of course, sunbathing and swimming. Many bars with excellent cuisine operate on the beach. Many consider it the island's best beach for the whole family, calling it nothing but a "little paradise", even though it is considered "wild". On top of that, unrivaled views can be admired here during sunset.

In the south-east of Lesvos, there is another beautiful beach ideal for families. It's about the beach at Agios Isidoros (Αγιοσ Ισιδωροσ). The beach is very clean and well maintained, and the water is incredibly azure. Although the beach is quite large, it is never crowded, and there are places where one can feel like on a desert island. The beach is considered ideal for a relaxing holiday on the island of Lesvos, and the fact that you can find many shady places to hide from the summer heat contributes to this. There are many bars with excellent cuisine throughout its area.

One more must-have for visitors to Lesbos is horseback riding. Any child will certainly enjoy it, you can be sure of it. Such tours are organized by Ippos Horse Riding and Excursions in Mithymna (north of the island). Besides that, the city boasts a castle of the same name and Kastelia Agios Dimitrios Park (Καστέλια Άγιος Δημήτριος) located on the outskirts. It's also a good idea to stroll along the waterfront offering picturesque views of the Aegean Sea.

It is also worth pampering your kids with something finger-licking good. Fortunately, Lesbos has plenty of places to enjoy delicious desserts. So, in Mithymna, you can visit Blue Fox Cafe serving tasty pancakes. While in the capital of the island, be sure to visit Maskwtitsa Cafe to try amazing cakes and ice cream, and in the city of Petra, there are two places that will certainly please every sweet tooth - Mama's Little Bakery with its wonderful pastries and cakes, as well as Tsalikis with its Greek food, including desserts. While in Skala Eresou, look for original sweets in Margaritari.