Sightseeing in Lesvos - what to see. Complete travel guide

Lesvos is an island in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. This is the third largest island of the region after Crete and Evia, and the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

The population of the island reaches 108 thousands of people. The capital of Lesvos is Mytilini – a port with a large fish market and a noisy bazar. All free lands in the island are used for olive farming.

Lesvos is the motherland of a great ancient Greek poet Sappho. She was the head of a school for girls and she jumped down from rock into the sea because of her tragic love. The rock’s name is Eresu and it is located in the western part of the island. Starting from ancient times this island is full of thick pine groves and tropical tress. Because of this fact the air on Lesvos is healing and climate conditions are mild.

Lesvos attracts people by its abandoned beaches and large villages made of stone. The settlements in Lesvos have much from Arabian towns with their compact towns with upper floors hanging above the street. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among the most famous sights of Lesvos are Mytilini with its narrow streets, an antique theatre, and Museum of Archeology. Akrotiri village is the location of the museum of Theofilos Hadzimihail - a great Greek primitivism adept. Theriade Museum exhibits many precious works of art. In this museum you can see pictures created by Chagall, Matis and Picasso. Madamados town is famous for its ceramics; Molivos is the motherland of the ancient Greek poet Arion (born in VII century BC). Tourists may also find much interesting in Plomari and Agiassos towns. Finally, you can visit the ancient Byzantine monastery that has a unique collection of icons. The Petrified Forest is a true miracle of nature. In this forest you will see ancient trees that have been petrified in lava. The giant sequoias lay in elsewhere, resembling huge stones.

In the capital you can visit the castle of Mytilini that is located on the top of a hill. The exact history of the construction of the castle is unknown. According to one of the legends, the Byzantines began to build the fortification on this place. Not so long ago, researchers established that earlier on this place was located the ancient acropolis. The last major reconstruction of the castle took place at the end of the 17th century and since then it has remained practically unchanged. Within the walls of the castle, there is a very interesting archaeological museum. In it you can see the most valuable artifacts found during the exploration of the city.

An important trade for locals is the production of olive oil. You can learn more about it in the thematic Museum of industrial production of olive oil. The main exhibits of this museum are old equipments that were used to produce olive oil many years ago. The museum is quite large. In addition to the industrial exhibits, it also contains interesting ethnographic collections that introduce visitors to the culture and traditions of locals.

Fans of walks in picturesque places are invited to visit the charming Bird Island. Its main feature is the diversity of birds; there are more than 270 species on this island. The coast near the island is shallow, with cane growing on it. Such conditions are ideal for some waterfowl. This miniature islet is visited by researchers and ornithologists from all over the world. The Bird Island is very popular among photographers.

In the capital of the island is located the beautiful St. Athanasius Church, which was built in the 17th century. For more than three hundred years, it manages to maintain its historical charm. This church is a true example of a religious monument of the past. Within its walls are many unique icons, with which locals connect amazing stories.

On the island, there are several interesting archaeological areas. One of the most popular among tourists is located near the Skala Eressos Beach. The ancient city of Eressos, which ceased to exist in the early Christian period was once located here. Not far from the archaeological area, there are several ancient churches, which will also be interesting to visit as part of the excursion.