Lesvos

Lesvos is one of the biggest islands in Greece. It is mountainous with lots of history and many picturesque villages. It is located very close to the Turkish coast and has regular connections with the Turkish town of Ayvalik, which is also a recommended daily excursion. The island was very important in the classical antiquity with a reputation in poetry and literature, the birthplace of the Greek poetess Sapho and the contemporary Greek Nobel Prize laureate Odysseas Elitis.

Attractions

Start your day with the capital Mytilene, a very beautiful university town with neoclassical architecture. Near Mytilene, is the village of Varia, where you can visit the museum of painter Theofilos, one of the most influential Greek painters of the 19th century.

In Lesvos it’s worth hiring a car because the island is big and there are many things to see. Visit the picturesque mountainous village of Ayiasos, where you can admire the local architecture and visit some of the most beautiful churches in the island. Make sure you stop for a traditional Greek coffee in one of the small coffee shops or kafeneia as they are known in Greek.

Next stop should be Molyvos, the beautiful town in the north of the island, where you can visit the medieval castle and if you are lucky catch a classical music concert or theatre play in these fabulous surroundings.

Near Molyvos is the beautiful village of Petra with a small church on top of a small hill and a very nice long beach with water sports and cafes and bars. After Petra it’s worth taking a bath in the very well preserved hot thermal spring baths of Therma.

Finally, a daily excursion to the Petrified Forest, a unique setting in the east of the island, offers a unique experience. From there you can visit the beach at Eressos where one half is a popular lesbian hang out and the other half is open to visitors regardless of their sexual orientation.

Shopping

Lesvos is the third biggest island in Greece and it has a population of over 100,000, therefore, you can buy everything from contemporary high street clothing to local souvenirs, like very good wine and ouzo to traditional sweets like baklava and kantaifi. The island is a religious centre too, with a couple of large monasteries, so if you are interested in Greek Orthodox icons, this is probably one of the best places to purchase some.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Every village in Lesvos has a traditional taverna and the food is very good whether you opt for seafood or meat. The taverna in the village of Skala Sykaminias is very nice and comes highly recommended. Most of the bars and clubs are either located in the capital Mytilene or the picturesque towns of Molyvos and Plomari. Make sure you visit Gatelouzi club at Molyvos for its views over the sea and choice of music.

Tourist Information

Tourist Information Office James Aristarchou 681100 Mytilene

• Tel: +30 22510 42512-42513
• [http://www.gnto.org www.gnto.org]

Airport

The airport is located in the south eastern part of the island, just a few kilometres from the capital Mytilene and has regular connections with European airports, including Gatwick, as it is served by a number of charter flights. The main port is in Mytilene with several ferry connections with other islands and Piraeus. Local taxis and buses are available in both the airport and the port.