The Greek island of Lesbos is located in the Aegean Sea and is one of the larger islands of Greece. The island is volcanic in origin and has two faces. The barren barren north is mainly rocky, the green fertile south is partly wooded. Lesvos is nowadays a busy holiday destination.
Lesvos Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Mytilene
According to Whole Acronyms, Mytilini is the beating heart of the island of Lesvos. The port is important for tourists, but also for freight to and from Lesvos. Mytilini city has plenty to offer for tourists. There are several museums such as Theopholis Museum, Teriade Museum, Byzantine Museum, Municipal Art Museum and Archaeological Museum. In the north of the city of Mytilene you will find the remains of the castle of Mytilene. The castle is quite large and has several bathhouses and water cellars. An aqueduct runs from the town of Moria that leads to this castle, which provided the castle with water. There is also an antique theater from the 3rd century, from which you have a beautiful view of the castle. You can go shopping in the Ermoe street, which used to be a market square. The Geni Tzami Mosque now stands on that square. Today this mosque is used as an exhibition space.
#2. Agiasos
Agiasos is a picturesque village on the island of Lesbos. The narrow and narrow streets radiate a lot of Greek atmosphere. Apart from a number of museums and some historic buildings, there is not much more to do than enjoy the serene tranquility. The church Panagia ti Vrefokratousa is located in the center of the village. Agiasos is also known for its variety of shops with pottery and ceramics. Other special handicrafts such as decorated icons, wood carving and pottery are common in this village.
#3. Mithymna of Molyvos
The Boomers would rather hear the name Mithymna than our more familiar name Molyvos. This has to do with the use of the name Molyvos during the time of the Ottoman rule. Since the 8th century this city has been seen as one of the most powerful cities of Lesvos. The (natural) stone houses characterize the city of Mithymna. There is even a law that dictates this in order to preserve the authenticity of the character of this city. Many of these houses are rented out to tourists in the summer months. Furthermore, Mithymna has a castle, museums, shops, galleries, restaurants and a cozy harbor. Music and theater performances are still often recited at the castle.
#4. Kallonic
The village of Kalloni is not that big, but it has enough to see. In the southeast you will find the white salt pans, where salt is still extracted from the seawater. This area also attracts many species of birds including the flamingo, white heron and stork. Along the way is a bird observation tower. There are also some historical sights such as a Turkish bath house, towards Agra an old minaret, remains of windmills and remains of an old bridge. The sardines that come from the bay of Kalloni go all over the world. There is a monastery for men at Limonos and a monastery for women at Panagias Myrsiniotsis. At Skala Polichnitou you can also find salt flats.
#5. Moria
Moria is the village from which the aqueduct leads towards the castle of Mytilini. In the past, the aqueduct was 26 kilometers long and had various curves and heights. It is said that as much as 127,000 m³ of water was passed through per day. Some parts of this enormous structure can still be seen today. Of course there are several souvenir shops that are ready for the many tourists who come to this place for the aqueduct. In the village you will also find many colored houses and some places to eat and drink.
#6. Petrified forest of Lesvos
There are two petrified forests all over the world. There is one in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park and one on Lesbos Island between the villages of Esessons, Antissa, and Sigri. In an area of about 150 km² you will find petrified tree trunks with lengths of sometimes 22 meters. Some are still standing complete with roots. If you are curious about the explanation of the petrification process, you should definitely visit the museum ‘The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest’ in Sigri.
#7. Petra
According to various sources, there is evidence that the city of Petra has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are various finds such as tombs that are indications of this. The village is located in a fairly green area with olive trees, cypresses, oaks and pine trees. There are nice sandy beaches and in the center a volcanic monolith. The Panagia Glykofilousa church of this village is in a special location. A long staircase carved into the rock takes you to the church, which is 30 meters higher. The view from this church is definitely worth it.
#8. Polichnitos
In the place Polichnitos you will find special hot springs. About two kilometers southeast of Polichnitos, water comes out of the ground with a temperature between 76 and 91 degrees. When it has cooled down to an average of 43 degrees, you can bathe in it for a small fee. The village itself is not that special. There is a Folklore museum, military airfield and the monastery Dimandriou. Nearby is the village of Lisvori, where in the sea at Alikoudi lie the remains of a sunken city from 2000 BC.
#9. Plomari
Plomari is located in the south of Lesvos not far from the seaside resort of Agios Isidoris. There is a small park and here and there a small terrace. The village is not geared to many tourists, so you quickly feel like one of the locals. Sometimes music is spontaneously made and you have a cold ouzo with a local resident. Probably from the local distillery. The Barbayanni liqueur distillery is located in Plomari. Here you can learn everything about the history and production process of ouzo.
#10. Vatera
Close to the town of Polichnitou is the seven kilometer long sandy beach of Vatera. Vatera is a small tourist town, with plenty of restaurants and cozy family hotels. For snorkelers there is plenty to see and experience along the coast. The octopus will show itself regularly, just like other fish species. Nearby are the hot springs of Polichnitou and Lisvori.
