The island of Lesbos is located in the north-east of the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island in Greece and a popular resort. Lesbos was made famous by the poet Odysseas Elytis and the poetess Sappho, thanks to whom the island gained such an ambiguous reputation as a place where same-sex love is widespread. Lesbos is also famous for its high-quality olive oil, delicious olives, cheese and special anise tincture.
General information
Lesbos is an island of Greece with an area of 1,636 km2, the eighth largest among all the islands of the Mediterranean basin. Almost 115 thousand people live here. The capital is the city of Mytilene.
The economy of Lesbos is mainly agricultural in nature, and olive oil is the main source of income. Tourism in Mytilene, encouraged by its international airport and the coastal towns of Petra, Plomari, Molivos and Eresos, makes a significant contribution to the Greek island economy. Other sources of income include fishing, the production of soap and ouzo, the national Greek alcoholic beverage.
For many centuries, the island has been celebrated by talented people living and working on its shores — the poet Sappho, the writer Long, Aristotle (who lived and worked on Lesbos for some time).
Undoubtedly, the most controversial figure is the beautiful Sappho. Many call her the legislator of same-sex love between women, but this myth causes a lot of controversy. Sappho was not only a talented poet, she sought to develop her aristocracy and ability to perceive the beautiful in the souls of other people. In 600 BC, a woman led a community of young girls dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the muses. Here the pupils learned the art of living – good manners, the ability to attract and charm, to delight with intelligence. Every girl who left the community was a good conversationalist, and the men looked up to the girls as if they were earth goddesses. The situation of women on the island was radically different from the situation on other Greek islands, where women were rather reclusive. On Lesbos, women had their freedom.
Another attractive feature of the island of Lesbos in Greece is the fertile land, which has groves of olive trees, majestic pines, maples, and exotic flowers.
For tourists, there are many fascinating places – beaches, unique architecture, unforgettable cuisine, museums and temples, nature reserves.
How to get there
The island has an airport named after Odysseas Elytis, located in the south-east, 8 km from the capital. The airport accepts international charter flights during the holiday season and flights from other parts of Greece throughout the year.
Almost all major cruise companies offer sea travel between the islands of the Aegean Sea. The cost of such a cruise will cost an average of 40€ (third class without a berth), if you prefer to travel in comfort, you will have to pay approximately 150€. The route takes from 11 to 13 hours.
Ferries depart from Piraeus port in Athens once a day at 20: 00. Travel time is 12 hours. The price per person (including car) is 43,5€. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website www.ferriesingreece.com Here you can also find out other ferry routes in Greece.
Considering that Lesbos is located close to the Turkish coast (as you can see on the map), there is a ferry service between the island and the port of Ayvalik (Turkey). Ferries depart all year round, daily in summer and several times a week in winter. The route takes 1.5 hours, the price of a one-way ticket is 15€, and a round trip ticket is 25€, with a car — 55 and 80€, respectively. Website for booking tickets — www.feribot.net.
The most popular transport on this island of Greece is the bus, tickets are sold in all shops with the press and in cafes. The main bus station is located in the capital near Agias Irinis Park. Flights follow:
- to Skala Eresu, route 2.5 hours;
- to Mitimna with a stop in Petra, the route is 1.5 hours;
- to Sigri, route 2.5 hours;
- to Plomari, route 1 hour and 15 minutes;
- to Vater, the route is 1.5 hours.
Ticket prices vary from€4 to € 12.
It is important! There is a fairly cheap taxi service in Lesvos, so many people choose this particular transport. In the capital, cars are equipped with meters – a little more than one euro per 1 km, cars are bright yellow, in other cities the payment is usually fixed, cars are gray.
Cities and resorts
Mytilene (Mytilene)
The largest city on the island, as well as the main port and capital of Lesbos. It is located in the south-east, from here there are regular ferries to other islands and the port of Ayvalik in Turkey.
The city is one of the most ancient, already in the 6th century coinage was made here. Many talented famous people of Greece were born in the settlement.
The city has two harbors – north and south, they are connected by a canal with a width of 30 m and a length of 700 m.
The most significant sights are the Mytilene Fortress, the Archaeological Museum, the ruins of the ancient theater, the Ethnographic Museum, temples and cathedrals, the Eni Jami Mosque.
The most visited beach in Mytilene is Vater. The length of the coast is more than 8 km. There are many hotels, sports grounds, restaurants and cafes here. Vatera is recognized as the most organized beach on Lesbos in Greece.
Molivos
It is located in the north of Lesbos, 2-3 km from the settlement of Petra and 60 km from the capital. In archaic times, the city was considered a large, developed settlement. The first name – Mithymna-is given in honor of the king’s daughter, the name Molivos appeared during the reign of the Byzantines.
This is one of the most beautiful cities where festivals, concerts, and holidays are often held. There is an ancient fortress at the top of the hill. Visitors like to relax in the picturesque harbor with boats. On the streets of the settlement there are many jewelry shops and shops, restaurants and cafes.
Molivos has one of the most popular beaches on the island of Lesbos. Here tourists find everything they need for a comfortable stay-sun beds, showers, cafes, playgrounds for active games.
Skiathos — why you should see the Greek island
Petra
This cozy miniature settlement in the north of the island is located about 5 km from Molivos. The tourism sector is well developed here, and this is the main source of income for the settlement. Everything is provided for a comfortable stay – hotels, shops, restaurants and the beach, recognized as the best on the map of the island of Lesbos. Petra is a traditional place for families with children. The length of the beach is almost 3 km, along the entire length there are sun beds, umbrellas, cafes, souvenir shops and a diving center.
The most significant sights are the huge rock rising in the city center, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Nicholas, the local winery and the Valerdzidenas mansion.
Skala-Eressu
A small resort in the west of the island. Tourists note the developed infrastructure, located 90 km from the capital. Skala Eressou is the harbour of the city of Eressos.
In ancient times, it was a major shopping center, where prominent scientists and philosophers lived.
Skala Eressu has the best beach, where you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay. The coastline stretches for 3 km. There are many hotels, cafes and restaurants near the beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag several times. It offers guests sports equipment.
It is important! Travelers are advised to book accommodation in Skala Eressu in advance, as the resort is very popular.
Attractions
Mytilene Castle
The most famous fortress on the island in the city of Mytilene, is located on a hill between two ports – north and south. The structure was built presumably in the VI century on the site where the ancient acropolis was previously located.
In 1462, the defensive structure was captured by the Turks and suffered serious damage. After the restoration, the fortress was restored, but in the year of the war between the Ottomans and the Venetians, it was again destroyed. In the period from 1501 to 1756, the fortress was rebuilt, strengthened, and additional towers, moats, and walls were completed. On the territory of the fortress there was a mosque, an Orthodox monastery, and an imaret. Today, part of the fortress is destroyed, but remains one of the most interesting sights of the island. The royal Tower and the Turkish Tower, as well as numerous underground passages, are perfectly preserved. In the summer, various festivals and concerts are held here.
Archangel Michael Monastery
The Orthodox church is located near the settlement of Mandamados. The last reconstruction was carried out in 1879. The church is named after the island’s patron saint, Archangel Michael.
The first mention of the monastery is found in 1661, later, in the XVIII century, the church was reconstructed.
A legend is connected with the monastery, according to which in the XI century it was attacked by pirates and killed all the priests.
One young monk Gabriel managed to escape, the pirates chased the young man, but the Archangel Michael blocked their way. After that, the attackers fled, leaving all the loot. From the earth soaked in the blood of the dead, Gabriel fashioned a sculpture of the Archangel, but the material was only enough for the head. Since then, the icon has been kept in the church and is considered miraculous. Many tourists note that the face has a unique energy, when looking at the icon, goosebumps run through the body.
The courtyard is very cozy, full of flowers. Candles can be placed in the church for free.
Panagia Glycophilus (Church of the Virgin “Sweet Kiss”)
This is the main attraction of the city of Petra. The temple, named after the icon, is located in the center of the settlement on a rock 40 meters high. There are 114 steps leading to the entrance, so tourists mark the difficult path to the temple.
The observation deck offers an amazing view of the town and its surroundings. Previously, there was a convent on the site of the church, the last reconstruction was carried out in 1747. Inside there is a beautiful wooden iconostasis, a throne and a unique icon. The guide will tell you the amazing legends associated with the icon.
Not far from the foot of the mountain there are other attractions – the Church of St. Nicholas, the Vareldzidena mansion.
Petrified Forest
An amazing landmark that received the status of a natural monument in 1985. The petrified forest is located in the west of the island, between the villages of Eressos, Sigri and Antissa. Fossilized plants are scattered almost all over the island-this is the world’s largest cluster of fossilized trees.
20 million years ago, after the strongest volcanic eruption, the island was completely covered with lava and ash. The result is a natural monument. More than 40 plant species were identified – birch, persimmon, maple, alder, lime, poplar, various palms, willow, hornbeam, cypress, pine, laurel. In addition, there are unique plants that have no analogues in the modern plant world.
The tallest petrified tree with a height of more than 7 m and a diameter of more than 8.5 m.
Those who have been here recommend coming here early in the morning, because it is hot in the afternoon. Take water with you and visit the island’s Natural History Museum in Sigri if possible.
Kalloni Bay and rare bird species
The bay is located in the center of the island and covers an area of 100 km2. The land is crossed by 6 rivers, there are many vineyards, ancient monasteries. This part of the island has hardly changed since ancient times.
Translated from the local language, Kalloni means Beautiful. The pearl of the bay – Skala Kalloni Bay-is the center of ecotourism, it is here that the famous sardines are grown-small fish with unsurpassed taste.
The bay is the sunniest place on the island of Lesbos, with a shallow, warm beach suitable for families, where in addition to noisy, crowded places, you can find nooks and crannies. But the main purpose of visiting the bay is to observe rare birds and take a leisurely walk among exotic vegetation. Perhaps the best photos of the island of Lesbos can be taken here.
Byzantine Fortress, Mithymna (Molivos)
The town is located in the north of the island, just a few kilometers from the settlement of Petra and 60 km from the capital. Scientists believe that people lived in this area in the prehistoric period.
The Byzantine fortress is built on a mountain and rises majestically above the city. It is clearly visible at the entrance to the settlement. If you are traveling by your own transport, please note that there is no parking at the entrance to the fortress.
Sightseeing buses regularly arrive here, and tourists are dropped off at the entrance and picked up a few hours later at the exit from Molivos.
There is enough time to explore the surrounding area, towers and ancient buildings. There is a restaurant near the fortress that serves delicious traditional Greek dishes. If you go down to the shore, you can admire yachts, boats, walk the narrow streets of the town and visit miniature shops.
Travelers recommend visiting the fortress in the warm season, with strong winds blowing here in autumn and winter. For romantic couples, the best time is in the evening, because the sunsets here are amazing.
Weather and Climate
The island of Lesbos in Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
Summer starts in mid-May, and the highest temperature — +36 degrees-is recorded in July and August. At this time, strong winds blow, often turning into storms.
From spring to autumn, the island has 256 days of bright sunshine – this is a great reason to choose Lesbos for a holiday. The highest water temperature is +25 degrees. In October, there are also a lot of vacationers here, but most of the time they spend by the pool.
The air on the island is healing – saturated with coniferous aroma, and there are thermal springs near Eftalu.
The island of Lesbos (Greece) is an amazing place where good weather and a unique atmosphere create ideal conditions for any holiday – romantic or family.
Interesting facts
- On Lesbos, in Mytilene, there is the church of St. Valentine, the patron saint of all lovers, whose day is celebrated on February 14 all over the world. His relics are kept in the church.
- In 2016, Pope Francis visited Lesbos and blessed it as an Island of Peace.
- This island of Greece often hosts a variety of festivals: sardines, ouzo, love (The Island of Love), etc. When traveling to Lesbos, ask the locals where to go and what to celebrate, they will definitely tell you.
