mytilene Lesvos
Amazing view of the port and the city of Mytilene at sunset/ Photo 186575199 © Giorgos Kritsotakis | Dreamstime.com

Lesvos: The island of virgin olive oil and the world-famous ouzo

Cultural sites, unique natural monuments, rich biodiversity, countless beaches, unforgettable gastronomy

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OVERVIEW

Situated in the Northern Aegean Sea, with approximately 400 kilometres (249 miles) of coastline, making it the third largest island in Greece, Lesvos, is a separate regional unit with the seat in Mytilene, which is also the capital of the larger North Aegean region. The region includes the islands of Lesbos, Chios, Ikaria, Lemnos, and Samos. Lesvos, always held a unique position in the cultural history of the Mediterranean and is famed for being the birthplace of the 7th-century-BCE lyric poet  Sappho (also called the “Tenth Muse”) and the 4th–3rd-century-BCE philosopher Theophrastus, Aristotle’s successor. Olive groves, mountainous landscapes, and a selection of breathtaking beaches form a mosaic of unparalleled natural beauty that you can enjoy by choosing this regional unit.

AT A GLANCE

Capital: Mytilene Regional unit’s area: 1,632.8 km2 Population (2021): 83,068  Density: 51/km2 Climate: Hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.

.ADMINISTRATION

Since 2019, Lesvos consists of two municipalities: Mytilene and West Lesbos.

MUNICIPALITIES

MYTILENE     WEST LESVOS


.HISTORY

Full of history and culture, Lesvos, has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The island went by many prehistoric names such as Imerti (translating to ‘longed for’), Lassia (densely forested), and Antiope (sun-drenched island), only to end up with the current name of Lesvos, son of a Thessalian hero named Lapithos. The island was settled by the Pelasgians  who firstly named it “Pelasgia”, followed by the Achaeans in 1393 BC. The Aeolians made it their chief settlement around 1100 BC. During the 7th century BC, the island evolved into an important cultural, philosophical and maritime center. In 88 BC, Lesvos, fell under the rule of Romans. Following the fall of the Roman empire, Saracen and Latins successively occupied the island. Lesvos became a part of Byzantium in 1261. In 1354, the island fell under the rule of the Genoese which lasted until 1460. It remained under Ottoman domination (1462–1912) and then joined the Kingdom of Greece (1913). Lesbos was annexed into Germany until 10 September 1944, when Greece was liberated

.POINTS OF INTEREST

The Castle of Mytilene: One of the biggest castles in the Mediterranean, covering an area of 60 acres, is located on the top of a hill in the northern part of the town and offers a unique view of the city and the Aegean Sea.

Ancient theatre: One of the most significant architectural monuments of ancient times, the ancient theatre of Mytilene  used to hold up to 15,000 people. Built during the Early Hellenistic times and visited by the Roman Emperor in 62BC, it is regarded to be the model for the Pompey Theatre.

Petrified forest: This UNESCO-protected natural heritage monument  is one of the most important in the world. The forest consists of hundreds of fossilized trunks, standing or downed, coniferous or fruit-bearing, which are scattered over an area of 15,000 hectares in major concentrations within the protected region and at many other sites in the layers of volcanic rocks. The Petrified Forest constitutes a fossilized forest ecosystem. It flourished in the Aegis region during the Burdigalian Period, in the Lower Miocene, approximately 18.5 million years ago.

Makri Gialos, Sourada, Akleidiou suburbs: Admire the listed neoclassical houses and mansions with baroque, neo-gothic and belle epoque elements which testify to the wealth and prosperity of the shipowners, industrialists and merchants of the cosmopolitan upper middle classes of the 19th century and early 20th century.

Molyvos: Explore one of the most beautiful listed settlements in Greece, built in the shadow of the Byzantine castle of Mithymna. A walk in the town’s maze of narrow cobbled streets uncovers a variety of stone-and-wood mansions, medieval walls, verandas and gardens.

Roman Aqueduct: One of the most important technical works of antiquity. It was probably constructed at the end of the 2nd or the beginning of the 3rd century A.D. and supplied approximately 127 million litres of freshwater per day. 

Efthalia, Thermes and Gera hot springs: These historically significant baths date back to ancient times. They are known for providing relief for medical conditions like rheumatism, arthritis and more.

Temple of Messon: Ancient Temple dedicated to Zeus. It was located close to the north border of the territory of the town of Ancient Pyrra.

Caves of Lesvos: The island has around 200 caves which are strongly associated with the Neolithic times. Several of them contain stalactites, whereas findings of significant value such as natural wells have been discovered in others.

Statue of Liberty: The bronze statue created by Greek sculptor Gregorios Zevgolis based on a design by local painter Georgios Jakobides, guards the shores of the North harbour.

Tarsı Hamam: The ottoman bath (hamam) of the city of Mytilene, after restoration works, is a monument of the ottoman period. The bath’s premises host a variety of cultural events. 

.TOP BEACHES

St. Isidore: On the south side of the island, the beach of the picturesque Plomari with its small white pebbles and cool blue offers a paradise for water sports lovers.

Vatera: On the south western side of Lesvos, this is he island’s longest beach (8km). It has crystal-clear blue waters and is ideal for all ages and tastes.

Petra: Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, umbrellas, sun beds, showers and changing cabins as it is one of the island’s most organized beaches.

Skala Eressou: A 3km-long and organized beach, bar-restaurants, water sports. In the morning the water is often flat and glassy which make it perfect for water skiing.

St Hermogenes: Α picturesque bay, a tiny beach with emerald waters and pine trees go down to the waters edge.

ACTIVITIES

Birdwatching: Lesvos has established itself as one of the best birdwatching locations in Europe as the island is home to over 300 species of birds. In spring (and autumn) you can observe migrant birds from Africa after (before) they cross the Eastern Mediterranean area.

Water: Explore and enjoy water sports. Scuba diving, sea kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddle (SUP), windsurfing, kitesurfing, carefree dive and many more.

.GASTRONOMY

The island has developed an outstanding culinary identity and produces its own cheese, wine, olives and exceptional extra virgin olive oil, as it is home to approximately 11.5 million olive trees. Try “sougania” (onion leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice), salted anchovies of Kalloni, “hahles” (cups made from dried food pulp, served with tomato, feta and olive oil), “sfougato” (omelette with zucchini and herbs), “giouzlemedes” (small cheese pies with mint). For cheese lovers, there is a variety of cheese products (PDO), such as “ladotyri” (hard cheese preserved in extra virgin olive oil), feta (hard cream cheese) Mytilini and “Kaseri (yellow cheese with a spicy flavor) Eressou”. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the mouth watering “plantzeta” (a syrupy pastry with almonds or walnuts sprinkled with cinnamon) and spoon-sweets, real diet breakers!

.WINES & DRINKS

Lesvos is famous for its ouzo, the strong alcoholic drink that is world-renowned and synonymous with the island and Greece. Over 50% of the country’s ouzo production comes from Lesvos where 17 distilleries produce it. Ouzo is an anise-flavored liquor produced from grape must (the remnants of wine-making).  Recipes are often closely-guarded family secrets. In 1989, the European Union gave Greece the right to label ouzo as an exclusively Greek product.  Two of the Ouzo brands from Mytilini and Plomari on the island have their own Protected Origin status. Enjoy it straight or with water, and pair it with meze (small, tapas-like dishes).

.SHOPPING

Discover small specialized stores selling goods of local production. Popular buys include pottery, jewellery, woodcarvings, textiles, religious icon art, leather and woven goods, aromatic soaps, beauty oils. Since Lesvos is well-known for its gastronomy, don’t leave without buying local cheeses,ouzo, wines, olives and olive oil, liqueurs, and sweets.

.FEASTS, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Bull’s Feast: With a heritage reaching back to Buphonia (“ox-slayings”), a sacrificial ceremony performed in Ancient Greece as part of the Dipolieia in the midsummer, Bull’s Feast in the village of Agia Paraskevi involves the slaughter of a flower-adorned ox and includes horse races and the preparation and consumption of kiskets’ (a meal of the ox’s meat and cereal).

July 24: The Feast of Ai Giannis Klidonas in Sigri where locals light fires in the streets and jump over the hot ashes.

August 15: The largest feast for the Assumption of Virgin takes place in Agiasos village, the village many consider the Jerusalem of Lesvos.

October 14: The Feast of Agios Ignatios, at the Limonos Monastery, takes place. On the eve of the Feast the night service at Limonos revives the entire Byzantine religious rite.

.RELIGIOUS SITES

Saint Therapontas (Healer): Although this is not the cathedral of the city, it is the most famous and emblematic landmark of the island. Built in 1850 and completed in 1935, the church has a 40 metre tall dome. The monument constitutes a combination of architectural elements; Byzantine, Gothic Baroque.

Cathedral of Agios Athanasios: This 17th-century church is one of the most remarkable examples of post-Byzantine architecture and is located at the center of Mytilene. the bell tower has Gothic elements.

Monastery of Saint Raphael: Situated on Karyes hill – known as the hill of the Monk- it is
one of the most important religious sites in Mytilene where  faithful people from all over the world come seeking for spiritual solace and miraculous cures.The holy Martyrs Raphael (whose name the monastery bears), Nicholas and Irene suffered martyrdom by the Turks on the island of Lesvos, on Bright Tuesday (April 9, 1463) a decade after the Fall of Constantinople.

Monastery of the Taxiarches: Located in the village of Madamados, the monastery constitutes one of the most significant places of pilgrimage on Mytilene. It is  dedicated to Taxiarchis, the Archangel Michael, who is the official protector of the island.  The monastery is mentioned for the first time in an ecclesiastical document from 1661. In the church’s interior the wrought-in-relief icon of Taxiarches is kept, which -according to tradition- was made with clay and the blood of the monks who were brutally slaughtered by Saracen pirates.

Monastery of Limonas: Founded in 1523, the Saint Ignatios Monastery (or the Limonos) was used as a spiritual center during the Ottoman occupation. It contains many important relics, manuscripts and icons. It now has over 2,500 volumes of books and 450 manuscripts and Greek and Ottoman documents.

Ipsilou Monastery: Dedicated to Saint John the Theologian, this Byzantine Monastery was founded in the 9th century AD. It is located in the western part of the island on top of Mount Ordymnos, at an altitude of 511 m.

.KEY MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES

Archaeological Museum: Located in the Kioski area, the museum houses a wonderful collection dedicated to Hellenistic and Roman era of Lesvos when the island flourished. Mosaic floors, murals, frescoes, and other finds from Roman villas as well as sculptures are some of the exhibits help you get oriented in the local history.

Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum: Encompassing a remarkable collection of Byzantine civilization. Wood carved artefacts, icons dating from the 13th to the 19th century, sacred vessels silversmithing artwork, illuminated manuscripts and antique chalices.

Museum of Theophilos: Five rooms showcasing over 80 famous paintings of Theophilos Chatzimichail, the recognized 19th century folk painter and major contributor in modern Greek art. 

Museum – Library Stratis Eleftheriadis – Tériade: Hosts, preserves and displays all the works of Stratis Eleftheriadis – Tériade, writer, editor and great supporter of art. Within the museum you can see some superb works by significant international artists, such as Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Léger, Braque.

Mytilene Municipal Gallery: Located in the heart of the city, the gallery is featuring works (paintings, sculptures, and photographs) of both Greek and international artists.

Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Lesvos: Founded and designed by the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation (PIOP), which is also responsible for its operation, this museum is housed in the premises of the old communal oil-mill.

The World of Ouzo Museum of Isidoros Arvanitis: This distillery, which is in use since 1894, has created a museum in a wonderful olive grove just a few minutes from the village of Plomari. It shows its long tradition of ouzo production and explain the ouzo distillery process.

.MAJOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

University of the Aegean: Spread across six scenic islands, the University of the Aegean’s central administration is situated in the hills of Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos.

.TRANSPORT

Mytilene International Airport “Odysseas Elytis”:  During summer, there are direct flights from Europe and some Greek cities and islands.  The airport also receives flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round.

Port: You can reach Mytilene by ferries departing from Piraeus port.

.ACCOMODATION

The island offers a vast array of accommodation options. From indulgent 5-star opulence to budget-friendly basics, depending on the kind of experience you’re seeking you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.


TO DO & TO GO