A unique way to see the island
An excellent way to see the island is to divide it into sections, staying several days in area to sample its rare beauty at a leisurely pace.
So far, Lesvos has managed to keep package and mass forms of tourism at bay. And while it is hardly lacking in visitors, it still remains largely untouched, offering hidden treasures to those who seek them out. In the city of Mytilene and most other tourist spots, you’ll find a range of outstanding accommodations with small and mid-sized hotels to suite every budget. In addition, there are modern stylish hotels and old mansions that have been converted into atmospheric guest houses, offering quality year-round hospitality.
One suggestion would be to begin your holidays by staying the first few days in the city of Mytilene, then several more in Molyvos, Petra or Anaxos, followed by a visit to Kalloni or Plomari, and completing your acquaintance with Lesvos in Eressos or Sigri. If you stay in a place with good hotel infrastructure and use that as a departure point for excursions, you can leisurely discover and enjoy the sights and natural beauty of the surrounding area.
The inland regions, densely wooded with pines or endless olive trees, are ideal for mountain biking and trekking.
The island has retained the unique quality of its culture even in places invaded by tourism.
The most cosmopolitan part of Lesvos is its capital. Mytilene is a planned city that was built around its picturesque southern harbor. Adapted to contemporary maritime demands from the 19th century to present day, this, the island’s central port serves all aspects of commercial and passenger transport.
Molyvos, on the island’s northern coast, has more of a tourist profile, especially from May to October. And Plomari, Kalloni, Vatera, Petra, Skala Skamnia, Sigri, and Eressos provide interest primarily in the summer months.
Every village has something different to offer. You’ll encounter many local dialects, known the dopiolalies, along with different customs and traditions.
Don’t Miss
Venetian fortresses and abandoned monuments from bygone eras imperiously line the country roads that wind through farms, gardens and orchards, indelibly engraving themselves on the visitor’s memory like magical interludes in time.
The transitions in the landscape are spectacular. Mountains, scrublands, ravines, springs, cultivated fields, pine forests, chestnut and olive groves, deserted watermills, picturesque wooden bridges, unexplored caves and, right beside them, solitary little chapels, stately monasteries, Roman aqueducts, coves tranquil as lakes, and unique beaches with crystal-clear water will take your breath away.
Green mountains with broad plateaus and deep gorges coexist in harmony with pine-covered slopes, majestic firs, and the rugged barren, almost mystical volcanic landscapes.
The looming cliffs and steep mountains of Olympos, Ordymnos and Lepetymnos are only a stride away from coastal fishing villages and hillside settlements.
The vast sandy beaches and tiny picturesque leeward coves, which remain tranquil even in the heart of the summer, offer relaxation, sunbathing, paddle ball, yoga, and of course thrilling sunsets.
Whatever you do, be sure to take some nature-loving hikes through amazing gorges and along shady trails. And then bathe in the island’s thermal springs, to revive yourself you after your meanderings along the cobbled paths and narrow alleyways of the island’s picturesque.
