Greek Summer 2016: Lesvos

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Lesvos is situated in the northeastern Aegean and is the third largest Greek island. It will take you several days to see everything but one thing is for sure; you won't get bored. Starting from Mytilene, the island's capital, you will discover traditional villages, archaeological and cultural sites, industrial heritage monuments, a rich flora and fauna, geological sites (the entire island has been included in UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network), hot springs and its vast religious heritage (over 110 churches, temples and monasteries), that act as poles of worldwide attraction for ecotourists as well as people travelling for thermalism and religious tourism.

Staying in Lesvos

You will catch your first glimpse of Lesvos in Mytilene. Both the port and the airport of the island are situated in its capital. Mytilene is also the hometown of Odysseas Elytis (Nobel laureate Greek poet), a city filled with eclectic mansions built by the local tradesmen back in the 19th c. when Lesvos acquired vast wealth through the export of olive oil and natural soap.

Take a walk downtown, across the main market in Ermou st. and the waterfront full of cafes and shops offers you a never-ending variety of images and quality moments. The waterfront is also the heart of nightlife; as daytime cafes turn into first class bars at night and stay open untill 3 a.m.

Gastronomy is of paramount importance in Lesvos, and ouzo probably its best-known representative. One could say that apart from aniseed, the tradition and lifestyle of the inhabitants of Lesvos are also distilled and bottled in this strong yet ethereal alcoholic drink, linking the gastronomical past with the present in an unbroken chain. The world-renowned sardines of Kalloni bay and salted seafood are also a must-try and enjoy a high status in local cuisine. In summer don't forget to taste courgette flowers stuffed with rice and herbs, a simple yet utterly delicious dish.

Sightseeing, Attractions and Villages

The byzantine castle of Mytilene is an impressivly preserved fortification that offers unobstructed views to the town and the sea and must be included in your sightseeing tour. It's also a great place to enjoy the sunrise! In the city you should also visit the gothic cathedral of Agios Athanasios and the temple of Agios Therapontas, whose characteristic dome is a Mytilene landmark. The Archaeological Museum (+30 22510 40223) is also worth dropping by, as well as the Museum/Library of Stratis Eleftheriadis-Teriade, (+30 22510 23372, www.museumteriade.gr), in Varia. The Teriade Museum has a vast collection of drawings and paintings of world-class painters like Picasso.

Time to visit the island's countryside and there is no better point to start from than the preserved settlement of Molyvos (or Mithimna), in the northeastern part of the island (60 km northwest of Mytilene). It is a village built in stone and wood, famous for its views and for attracting artists from all over the world. The neighboring villages of Petra and Sykamia are also worth a visit.

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Skala Sykamias

If you are in the lookout for tradition, then Agiasos is the place to be. Situated approximately 27 km west of Mytilene, it is a traditional village surrounded by orgiastic nature, full of picturesque corners, musical culture with a woodcarving tradition and the great church of Virgin Mary, which attracts hundreds of visitors and pilgrims.
Eressos (89 km from Mytilene) is the birthplace of the ancient lyrical poetess Sappho and philosopher Theophrastus, and a meeting place of people with different cultural and social backgrounds from all over the world. The town of Skala Eressos is permanently in summer mood and you'll spend most of your time here laying on the beach or enjoying a cocktail in the Caribbean style bars.

You must also visit the village of Sigri and see the famous Petrified Forest and the Natural History Museum (+30 22510 47033, Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-17:00) that highlights the unique geomorphological evolution of the Aegean. In the picturesque village of Agia Paraskevi, you'll find the Industrial Oil Museum (+30 22530 32300, every day except Tuesdays 10:00-18:00), which unfolds the rich heritage of Lesvos in olive oil production.

In Thermi and Mantamados are located two of the most important monasteries on Lesvos, the Agios Rafail monastery (+30 22510 71259) and the Monastery of Taksiarchis (+30 22530 61214). Don't forget to include in your To-Do list the thermal springs in Gera Bay, Eftalou and Polichnitos.

Sea Treasures

The organized beach Tsamakia and its beach bar are a good choice if you choose to stay in the town of Mytilene. Moving southeast and away from the capital, you find the beach of Agios Ermogenis with calm waters and Charamida, a shore with small pebbles, very popular among young people. In the southern part of the island, near Gera Bay, is Tarti, a wide shore, and just before the town of Plomari is situated Agios Isidoros, a popular beach with trees, shade and crystal clear waters. Vatera is probably the most famous beach on the island, several kilometers long and therefore with plenty of space for everyone and every kind of touristic services. The sandy beach of Skala Eressos has sunbeds and sea umbrellas on a big part of it, but it is so wide that you can have your own space at any time. The westernmost part of the beach is popular with nudists. In the north, close to Molyvos you find the village of Anaxos with an awesome sandy beach, Chrissi Akti with its white sand and deep blue waters (but no services), while other quality choices are considered the quite beach of Tsonia, and Kagia with its reddish pebbles and cool waters.

Getting There: Lesvos can be reached by plane or boat. Daily flights are scheduled from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as ferries from Piraeus.

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