What if you go to the discovery of the island of emerald? Follow the guide to visit Lesbos, this land with a unique natural and multicultural heritage!
Lesbos is the third largest Greek island in terms of area, after the Crest and the Eubée. Also known as Mytilène, like its capital, it is located in the Aegean Sea, only about 15 kilometers from Turkey. Known as the island of emerald, it is covered by many trees, including more than 11 million olive trees.
In addition to its exceptional fauna and flora, Lesbos is also special in its history. Its architecture is the cultural witness of these many passages. Finally, impossible to visit Lesbos without the poetess Sappho. Muse de Platon, she has long inspired her poems, of which only fragments remain today.
So, if you ask Lesbos to discover the wonders, follow the guide to discover our must-sees!
1. The petrified forest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PNIK
Ecosystems symbols of the place, sites protecting the petrified Forest inaugurate our guide. It must be said that visiting Lesbos is necessarily going through this step out of time. It is enough to come back to the origin of these spectacular vestiges... We are 18 million years back, a part of the island is then covered with volcanic matter, leading to the petrification of all elements.
Today, fossils are listed on the UNESCO world heritage. The different places have been arranged so that tourists can discover this fascinating part of the history of Lesbos. There are three of them.
The forest of Sigri
Sigri spreads over 30,000 square meters. Revealing the roots discovered by petrified trees, it welcomes the Natural History Museum of the Pertrified Forest. An instructive parenthesis, which allows visitors to learn a little more about the history of this phenomenon.
The petrified forest of Plaka
On nearly 70,000 square meters, the Plaka Forest houses a surprising tree. A being frozen in time, with breathtaking dimensions! And for cause, its trunk of 13.7 metres of circumference would be the widest in the world to remain standing after such an event.
Nissiopi's petrified forest
This part of the petrified forest of Lesbos is located on an islet. You can walk there to admire the multiple fossils. In addition to these earthly remains, Nissiopi is also known for its seabed, accessible by boat. On board a transparent floor, visitors discover another world, also affected by the natural disaster of Lesbos. A unique visit of his kind!
2. Molyvos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PNIK
Molyvos, also known as Méthymna or Mithymna, is located about 60 kilometers from Mytilène, north of Lesbos. It is known as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece. His houses were built on a hill like an amphitheatre. Just above it, the famous Kastro reigns master. Visible to several kilometers around, the Kastro de Molyvos is known for its ramparts with breathtaking views.
3. Petr
Photo credit: Shutterstock – agean
Located west of the island, Petra invites to authenticity. Walk in its alleys in search of Vareltzidaina houses, typical of the Byzantine period. These can be visited for the modest sum of 2€ and promise to understand the reason for their presence on the island. Go to the Panagia Glykofinoussia. After 114 steps, the church awaits you for a small visit before enjoying a superb panorama of the surroundings of Petra.
A little hollow? Women's cooperative management. Perfect for a lunch and dinner, the address offers you to taste traditional and homemade dishes. A must-seeing parenthesis when visiting Lesbos!
4. The distillery of Uzbekistan
Photo credit: Facebook – Ouzo Barbayanni (✱Origeration)
Friend of the terroir, if you ask Lesbos to do this, know that the island is above all considered the homeland of Uzbekistan. So, if you go to the Plomari side, south of Lesbos, stop at the distillery. On the programme, museography, multimedia materials and guided tour around tradition. Cherry on the cake: no tasting is offered at the end of the visit.
5. Mytilène
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejdet Duzen
Capital of the island, Mytilène deserves the detour. His archaeological museums and his famous Kastro bring him a special singularity. This same cultural and cosmopolitan footprint, which is found all over the city. Walk through the streets of the ancient Byzantine capital, to the acoustic theatre, which is also a symbol of the place.
6. A boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejdet Duzen
If you are on the way to Lesbos, why not enjoy a nice boat ride? Indeed, boat rental in Lesbos you will discover the beautiful Greek coasts.
From the mediterranean, you can then observe the sublime flora of the island and its two mountains (Olympe and Lepetymnos), while sailing on a turquoise sea that will revive your seabed. As you ride alone or accompanied by a skipper, don’t hesitate and enjoy a relaxing day off the Greek coast.
Find a boat for rent in Lesbos
7. The region of Eressos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – yiannisscheidt
The legend says that Eressos would have been the birthplace of the poet Sappho. It is also here that one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Skala Eresos. If you’re wondering that doing Lesbos’ feet in the water, go to this little nut appreciated for its snorkeling sessions.
8. The monastery of Iera Moni Limonos
Photo credit: Flickr – Britt-Marie Sohlström
A witness to the religious heritage of Lesbos, Iera Moni Limonos is undoubtedly one of the island’s must-sees. Built in 1526 in the Kalloni region, it is known to be a local pilgrimage site with important relics. But Iera Moni Limonos, it is also and above all a true Pandora box... And for cause, the monastery houses a rich library of over 2,500 books and 450 manuscripts. Real Byzantine and Ottoman treasures!
9. The Mounts Olympe and Lepetymnos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andreas Katifes
What to do in Lesbos if you are a hiker? Do not hesitate to explore the Mounts Olympe and Lepetymnos. Mount Olympe, with more than 900 metres of altitude, will offer you one of the most beautiful views of the island. As for Mount Lepetymnos, there are hot water sources.
10. Bird observation post
Photo credit: Shutterstock – tony vintages
What to do in Lesbos to discover local wildlife? Visit the bird observation post located in Iera Moni Leimonos, Kalloni Bay. In the spring, you can take the time to study bird migration in this area, known for its eco-responsible tourism.
11. Museums
Photo credit: Facebook – Tériade Museum of Modern Art
To visit Lesbos, it is to enhance the discovery by a few cultural places. Like the museums that tell the history of the island under multiple facets! Here is a selection:
- The Byzantine Museum Mytilène.
- The Tériade, also in Mytilène, highlights the drawings and lithographs of Le Corbusier, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse and many others.
- The Theophilos Museum When he takes back the works of the eponymous artist, from Lesbos.
How to get to Lesbos?
That's it, you're convinced, Lesbos will be your next destination. Just find out how to get there.
By plane from France or Athens
The first solution: you go by plane. Lesbos has an international airport. Depending on your departure city, you will be able to land directly. Otherwise, it will be enough for you to stop in Athens. Whatever your destination, think to anticipate your departure, especially to save some money in terms of flights. For that, appointment Ulysses : depending on your starting dates/place and other predilection criteria, the comparison selects the best offers of the moment.
By ferry from Greece
If you prefer to opt for the sea, know that there are different ferry connections to Lesbos. For example, if you leave Athens (Piraeus), you have a good ten hours of travel to Lesbos.
You are on another Greek island and would like to join Lesbos? The island of emerald is served from Chios, Kavala, Agios Kirikos, Evdilos, Fournoi, Karlovassi, Mykonos, Syros .
See the ferries between Greece and Lesbos
How to move to Lesbos?
To be able to visit Lesbos at your own pace, the car rental or a scooter is absolutely essential. To do this, visit one of the many rental agencies located at Mytilène Airport.
Where to stay in Lesbos?
Loging to Lesbos is a relatively simple thing. The offer of accommodation is large and relatively well distributed throughout the territory. If you’re planning to go around the island, don’t hesitate to book several feet on the ground throughout your stay. This will prevent you from making long distances by staying in one place. To be done, think about using one Compare hotels or a typical rental site Airbnb : a good way to gauge the places and prices practiced!
The most famous and touristic cities are Mytilène and Molyvos. If you want a festive atmosphere at night, the capital is all indicated. For a little more calm, prefer Petra in Molyvos. All south of the island, Plomari is a quiet seaside resort that will welcome you for a few days of relaxation.
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