Lesvos , The Island of Ouzo
Introduction
Lesvos Travel Guide – Lesvos, also known as Mytilene, is Greece‘s third largest island and lies between Chios and Lemnos. Covering an area of 1,532 square kilometers, Lesvos is worth bungee days to discover it.The hinterland of the island is blessed with beautiful landscapes, mountain slopes and vast olive groves. If you want to explore the whole island, it can take up to 3 weeks. Lesvos is the ideal place for lovers of nature, religion, culture, extreme sports, gastronomy and spas. The island is so big that you don’t feel like you’re on an island. Rather, it feels like a small universe. A rental car is recommended if you really want to discover Lesbos.
In fact, Lesvos is a destination in spring and summer, autumn and even winter! Natural diversity, the island literally has it all. It is a volcanic island that has been hit by earthquakes many times. The island is dotted with countless mountains. The highest peaks are Mount Prophet Elias (968 meters) and Mount Olympus (967 meters). In fact, the western side of Lesbos is dominated by petrified forests formed by intense volcanic activity. The north is dominated by green plains and olive groves. Lesvos is celebrated for its rich fauna, with many species of birds finding refuge in the Karoni wetlands. Which season will you choose?
How to Travel to Lesvos
Ferries From Turkey
Between Mytilini and Avalik in Turkey there are daily boat trips during the summer months and several times a week during the low season. The schedule seems to change from year to year, month to month, week to week, or whatever. This means that he in the Lesvos agency should contact one and ask if he wants to travel to Lesvos from Turkey. high
Ferries between Ayvalik and Mytilini run almost daily during the season, but less frequently the rest of the year. Thursdays are usually the big markets (bazaars) and Saturdays are pretty busy with smaller markets. Currently, there is only one ferry route between Turkey and Lesvos, her route operated by her one ferry company, Turyol. Ayvalik Mytilini ferries sail weekly and take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Ferries from Athens and islands
Getting from Athens to Lesvos is easy, with ferries leaving from the port of Piraeus about 4-5 times a week. Lesvos is also connected by ferries to the port of Kavala in the north of mainland Greece and to many islands such as Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria and Chios. The ferry from Athens to Lesvos takes about 10 hours.
Flights to Lesvos
Mytilene International Airport (MJT code) “Odyssey Erytis” operates year-round from Athens and Thessaloniki. Flight time from Athens is about 1 hour. During the summer months, the airport also receives flights from Heraklion, Rhodes, Samos, Chios and some European countries. The airport is located about 3 km from the center of Mytilene. Once you arrive, you can reach your destination by taxi or by using the island’s public transport.
Let’s Discover Lesvos
Lesvos Greece is a beautiful island in the eastern Aegean Sea. One of Greece’s largest islands, Lesvos, is a popular destination for family vacations and relaxing getaways away from the tourist traps. Lesvos is also a great base for island hopping due to its close proximity to Chios. The Greek island of Lesvos is dotted with picturesque villages such as Molyvos, Petra, Karoni, Skala Sycamias and Mytilene. A drive around the island to explore these villages is a must! Besides the quaint little villages, driving around the island leads to many monuments. From Roman aqueducts to Byzantine monasteries and castles, you’ll have the opportunity to visit sites dating back to multiple historical periods. Some must-see attractions are the medieval castles of Mytilene, Molyvos and Sigri, which once protected the island from pirate invasions. Another impressive site on Lesvos is the Petrified Forest of Thingri on the western side of the island. Petrified by volcanic activity about 15-20 million years ago, the forest is considered a rare geological monument. Do not miss it! Another reason the Greek island of Lesvos is a great destination is its beautiful monasteries. The island is dotted with many monasteries, including Epsilou Monastery and the Monastery of Saint Raphael, Guardian of the Island.
If you like destinations steeped in history and stunning natural beauty, Lesvos must be on your travel wish list!
Mytilene
The city of Mytilene is the beautiful capital and port of the island, located on the eastern side of the island. Mytilene is considered one of the oldest cities in the country and is built like an amphitheater between seven green hills. The whole area consists of the old town and beautiful suburbs, with elaborate archaeological and religious monuments. Mytilene is the artistic, commercial and industrial center of Lesvos, with interesting museums, historical buildings, Ottoman monuments and archaeological sites. But the jewel of the city is Mytilene Castle, the highest point in the area. Every summer the town hosts the Lesbos Festival and in August the Ouzo Festival.
The Village of Agiassos
The village of Agiasos is a picturesque village on the western side of the island. This settlement is the center of the handicraft tradition of Lesvos and he is one of the most beautiful villages on the island. Surrounded by the green slopes of Mount Olympus, it offers panoramic views of endless blue. The village has been declared a traditional settlement due to its success in preserving traditions and customs along with traditional features of the region. Agiassos is famous for the Church of Panagia Vrefoklatousa, the site of Lesvos’ biggest religious festival on August 15th. Most of the area is suitable for hiking adventures due to its enchanting landscape of olive and pine trees. From here begins an exciting trail, one of the island’s most scenic routes. This route passes through the beautiful chestnut forest of Agiasos.
The Village of Eressos
The village of Elessos is one of the island’s most beautiful villages and is located on the western side of the island. The village has managed to maintain its authentic character, decorated with traditional houses and narrow streets. But the most attractive part is the port of Elessos, known as Skala Elessos. Stretching for two kilometers, he is one of the best beaches in the country. The birthplace of the poet Sappho is an ideal place for those seeking peace and relaxation. Take a walk, watch a movie in the open-air cinema or enjoy local cuisine in a seaside cafeteria or tavern while admiring the beautiful sunset. A few kilometers from Elessos is the Petrified Forest of Sigri, one of Greece’s most interesting natural wonders, and the Pitali Monastery, surrounded by beautiful surroundings.
The Village of Molyvos
The village of Molyvos is one of Greece’s most beautiful medieval settlements on the north side of the island. Declared a preserved village by the State of Greece, the settlement features villas and stone-roofed houses surrounded by a labyrinth of cobbled streets crowned by Mithymna Castle. The region’s charming harbors offer breathtaking landscapes with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Molyvos has important archaeological collections and the Municipal Museum. The castle hosts numerous cultural events each summer. A few kilometers away is the settlement of Eftaro, with its famous therapeutic hot springs. After diving on a secluded sandy beach, sample local cuisine in the surrounding taverns.
The Village of Plomari
The village of Plomari is the Ouzo capital of Lesbos on the south side of the island. The village is built in an amphitheater between green hills surrounding a natural bay with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Plomari has traditional features such as stone houses, colorful courtyards, cobbled streets and beautiful churches. The settlement hosts a wealth of cultural and musical traditional festivals throughout the year. Plomari Shipyard is considered one of the oldest shipyards in the Aegean Sea. One of Plomari’s main attractions is the Barbayanis Ouzo Museum, which showcases the manufacturing process of ouzo, the traditional alcoholic drink of Lesbos. The museum highlights the traditions associated with one of the country’s finest products. The beach of Agios Isidoros is also outside the town. This beach is considered he one of the cleanest and largest on the island. The most notable cultural event is the Ouzo Festival held each August.
Ouzo Festival Video
The Village of Sigri
Sigli Village is a fishing village on the west side of the island. Known for its petrified forests formed by intense volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea 20 million years ago, Sigli is one of Lesvos’ main attractions. Travelers can follow his trails, specially marked hikes throughout the hills to discover the mysteries of the petrified forest. Sigli is the largest natural harbor on the island, sheltered from the tiny island of Nishiopi. The island can be explored on a short boat tour, with major attractions such as the large lighthouse, the chapel of Agios Georgios, and the famous sea trunk of petrified tea. Finally, it should be mentioned that Sigli is known for its exquisite fish taverns.
