Lesvos , The Island of Ouzo
Introduction
Lesvos Travel Guide – Lesvos, else known as Mytilene, is the third biggest island of Greece located between the islands of Chios and Lemnos. With an area of 1,532 square kilometers, Lesvos definitely deserves a bungee of days to discover it. The hinterland of the island is blessed with beautiful sceneries, mountainsides and huge olive groves. If you want to explore the entire island, you might even need three weeks! Lesvos is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, religion and culture, extreme sports, gastronomy and thermal springs. As the size of the island is big, it does not feel like being in an island. Rather, it feels like a tiny universe. If you really want to discover the Lesvos, it is recommended to rent a car.
Indeed, Lesvos is a destination for spring and summer, autumn or even winter! The natural diversity of nature, the island literally has everything. It is a volcanic island, which has suffered from numerous earthquakes. Numerous mountains are scattered throughout the island. The highest peaks include Prophet Elias Mount (968 meters) and Olympus Mount (967 meters). In fact, the western side of Lesvos is dominated from the Petrified Forest that was formed out of intense volcanic activity. The north part is dominated from verdant plains and olive vineyards. Lesvos is admirable for its rich fauna, as numerous bird species found refugee on the wetlands of Kalloni. So, which season will you choose?
How to Travel to Lesvos
Ferries From Turkey
There are daily boats in the summer and several boats a week in the off-season between Mytilini and Avalik in Turkey . The schedule seems to change by the year, month, week or whatever. That means you need to contact one of the agencies in Lesvos and ask them if you want to get from Turkey to Lesvos. In high
season, ferries run almost daily between Ayvalik an Mytilini but less frequently at other times of year ; usually Thursday is quite busy for the big market (bazaar)and Saturday’s for the smaller version. There is currently just the 1 ferry route running between Turkey and Lesbos operated by 1 ferry company – Turyol. The Ayvalik to Mytilene ferry crossing operates weekly with a scheduled sailing duration from about 1 hour 30 minutes.Price for round trip ticket is : 25 Euro (schedule and prices are subject to changes)
Ferries from Athens and islands
You can easily reach Lesvos from Athens, since ferries depart from Piraeus port around 4 to 5 times per week. Lesvos is also connected by ferry with the port of Kavala on the northern side of the Greek mainland and with some islands, including Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, and Chios. The ferry to Lesvos from Athens takes about 10 hours.
Flights to Lesvos
Mytilene International Airport “Odysseas Elytis” receives flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round. The flight time from Athens is about 1 hour. During summer, the airport receives flights from Heraklion, Rhodes, Samos, Chios and from some European countries, too. The airport is located about 3 km away from the city center of Mytilene. Upon your arrival, you can reach your destination either by taxi, or using the public transportation of the island.
Let’s Discover Lesvos
Lesvos Greece is a beautiful island sitting on the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. One of the largest Greek islands, Lesvos is a popular destination for family holidays and relaxing holidays off the beaten tourist trail. Thanks to its close distance to Chios island, Lesvos is also a great base for island hopping! Lesvos island Greece is dotted with many picturesque villages, such as Molyvos, Petra, Kalloni, Skala Sykamias, and Mytilene. A drive around the island to explore these villages is a total must!
Except for quaint little villages, a drive around the island will also get you to many monuments. From Roman aqueducts to Byzantine monasteries and castles, you’ll have the chance to visit sites that date back to several historical periods! Some must-visit monuments are the Medieval Castles of Mytilene, Molyvos, and Sigri, which used to protect the island from pirates’ invasions. Another impressive site in Lesvos is the Petrified Forest in Singri, on the western side of the island. This forest had been petrified about 15 to 20 million years ago due to volcanic activity and is considered a rare geological monument. Don’t give it a miss! Another reason why Lesvos island Greece is a wonderful destination is its beautiful monasteries. The island is dotted with many monasteries, such as the Monastery of Ipsilou and the Monastery of Saint Raphael, the protector of the island.
If you love destinations with a long history and breathtaking natural beauty, Lesvos needs to be on your travel wish list!
Highlights of Lesvos
Mytilene
The Town of Mytilene is the beautiful capital and harbor of the island located on the east side of the island. Considered as one of the most ancient cities of the country, Mytilene is built amphitheatrically between seven verdant hills. The entire area consists from old neighborhoods and picturesque suburbs with exquisite archaeological and religious monuments. Mytilene is the artistic, commercial and industrial center of Lesvos with interesting museums, historical buildings, Ottoman monuments and archaeological sights. However, the jewel of the city is the Castle of Mytilene standing on the highest spot of the area. Every summer, the Festival of Lesvos is held in the city while the Ouzo Festival takes place in August.
The Village of Agiassos
The Village of Agiassos is a picturesque village located on the west side of the island. The settlement is t he main center of handicraft tradition of Lesvos and it is one of the most beautiful villages of the island nestling on the verdant mountainous slopes of Olympus with panoramic views of the endless blue. The village has been declared a s a traditional settlement, as it has managed to retain its traditional and customs along with the traditional character of the area. Agiassos is famous for the Church of Panagia Vrefokratousa where the biggest religious festival of L esvos is held on August 15. The biggest part of the area is offered for hiking adventures owing to the enchanting landscape of olive and pine trees. An exciting trail with one of the most beautiful routes of the island begins here passing through the beautiful chestnut forest of Agiassos.
The Village of Eressos
The Village of Eressos is one of the most beautiful villages of the island located on the west side of the island.The village has managed to retain its authentic character embellished with traditional houses and narrow alleys. However, the most intriguing part is the haven of Eressos, known as Skala Eressos. It has one of the best beaches of country stretching over a length of two kilometres. The birthplace of poetess Sappho is an ideal place for those looking for tranquillity and relaxation. W ander around the area, watch a movie at the open-air cinema and enjoy the local specialties at the seaside cafeterias and taverns with the beautiful sunset views. A few miles away from Eressos is the Petrified Forest of Sigri, one of the most interesting natural wonders of Greece and the Monasteryof Pithari surrounded from beautiful surroundings.
The Village of Molyvos
The Village of Molyvos is one of the most beautiful medieval settlements of Greece located on the north side of the island. Declared as a preserved village from the State of Greece, the settlement distinguishes for its with mansions and stone roof houses between the labyrinthine cobblestone alleys crowned from the Castle of Mythimna. The charming harbour of the area offers breathtaking sceneries with panoramic views to the Aegean. Molyvos hosts an important archaeological collection as well as a municipal art gallery. Every summer, numerous cultural events are held inside the castle. A few kilometres away lies the settlement of Eftalou boasting the famous thermal springs with its therapautic properties. After enjoying your dive in the sandy secluded beaches, taste the local delicacies in the surrounding taverns.
The Village of Plomari
The Village of Plomari is t he ouzo capital of Lesvos located on the south side of the island. The village is built amphitheatrically among verdant hills around the natural bay with magnificent views to the Aegean. Plomari has a traditional character with stone houses and colorful courtyards, cobblestone alleys and beautiful churches. The settlement has rich cultural and musical traditional organizing festivities all year round. The shipyard of Plomari is considered as one of the best ancient shipyards of the Aegean. One of the main attractions of Plomari is the Barbayiannis Ouzo Museum that presents the production process of ouzo, the traditional alcoholic beverage of Lesvos. The museum emphasizes the tradition related to one of the first rate quality products of the country. Also, the beach of Agios Isidoros lies off the town. The beach is considered as one of the cleanest and biggest beaches of the island. The most notable cultural event is the Ouzo Festival held every August.
The Village of Sigri
The Village of Sigri is a fishing village located on the west side of the island. Known for the Petrified Forest that was created from the intense volcanic activity of the Aegean twenty million years ago, Sigri is one of the main attractions of Lesvos. Travellers can follow the special sign-posted footpaths on the entire hillside to discover the mysteries of the Petrified Forest. Sigri is the largest natural harbour of the island sheltered from the islet of Nisiopi. The islet can be explored through short boat tours with main attractions of the big lighthouse, the chapel of Agios Georgios as well as the famous trunks of the petrified tees lying in the sea. At last, it should be mentioned that Sigri is known for its exquisite fish taverns.
