This is a mysterious land that attracts a more alternative crowd of Greek artists and writers.
According to Greek mythology, the island was the birthplace of the mythical hero Lesvos. The island features in the Trojan War story of Homer’s Iliad, when Agamemnon offers Achilles seven women from Lesbos skilled in handicrafts, in order to persuade the hero to rejoin the conflict. There is also a famous story connecting the island with Orpheus (the famous musician, poet and prophet from Ancient Greece) and visitors can visit the ‘Oracle of Orpheus’ while on their Greek holiday. Most famously, is the Lesvos/lesbian association. Inspired by the erotic poetry of Sappho, who was born on the island 2,600 years ago, many languages—including English (“lesbian”), Greek (“lesvia”) and Japanese (“rezubian”)—use the demonym of her birthplace to describe sexual attraction between women.
Lesvos is the third-largest island in Greece, and has a very distinct historical and cultural identity. Being geographically less accessible from Athens, this is a mysterious land that attracts a more alternative crowd of Greek artists and writers.
Lesvos is a character-filled island famous for Ouzo, and blessed with beautiful beaches, romantic villages, and forested mountains. It might just be the most laid-back Greek island of them all!
Millions of years ago, intense volcanic eruptions covered a section of woodland, preserving the trees all the way from their roots to their leaves and seeds. At this unique natural monument, you’ll see hundreds of standing and fallen red, yellow and black conifer tree trunks, including the tallest petrified tree in Europe. A visit here is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get an insight into 20 million years of history.
The beautiful town of Mytilene is the island’s capital, built amphitheatrically between seven hills. It is the artistic and commercial center of the island, with historical buildings, interesting monuments and tasty restaurants. The jewel of the town is the Castle of Mytilene which was built in the 6th Century. Every year, the capital hosts the Festival of Lesvos and the Ouzo Festival in the summer.
The Saint Ignatios Monastery, located outside Kalloni, is known as Limonos Monastery. Dedicated to Archangel Michael, this monastery was established in the Byzantine times and it worked till the Ottomans conquered the island in 1462. Today, the monastery hosts an important library with 5,000 books that date back from the 15th century.
Parasol, in Skala Eresou, is a pretty heavenly bar serving delicious cocktails. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, listening to chilled music, under one of the three big umbrellas on the beach. If you get peckish, they also serve very tasty Thai/Mexican food for something a little different when you’ve reached your horiatiki quota for the day 😉
This beach-ringed island has a sandy spot for all, from pretty Petra beach in the north to the darker sands of Vatera Beach in the south. There are quiet coves for you to soak in the serenity, as well as more popular spots. Picturesque Skala Eressos beach holds the much-coveted Blue Flag status and is a must-visit. Backed by a lush green valley, this is a spectacular sunbathing spot!
Lesvos is known to be ‘the home of Ouzo’, and enjoying this drink is something of a ritual in Greece – There are many ‘rules’ when it comes to drinking this beverage – for example, do not put it in the fridge but rather with a few ice cubes in a small glass, do not drink it on an empty stomach, etc. However, don’t let these ‘rules’ deter you from partaking in this cultural aspect of Greece… unless you hate licorice; in that case, try it if you want, but you’ve been warned.
Lesbos is famous for its churches, monasteries and religious character. Our favourite (although it wasn’t easy to choose!) is the Meteora-esque Petra rock church. Every year hundreds of people climb the imposing 40 meter high rock in the village of Petra (114 steps overall) to kneel before the miraculous image of Panagia Glykofilousa (Mother of Jesus). From the church you can enjoy spectacular views of the community of Petra too.
The fantastic thing about Lesvos is, (due to its size and the fact it has, so far, escaped Mass Tourism), are the number of hidden gems you will find. Lesvos is considered to be one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Greece and the best spots are never busy. Check out the Myrmigi reef on the northwest side. Before you leave the island of Lesbos, take a day trip to the little neighbouring islet of Aspronissi. It is a small piece of paradise located less than three kilometers west of Lesvos, considered to be the best place to snorkel as the water is crystal-clear.
The Women’s Cooperative is a seafront restaurant in Petra which offers traditional greek food made with local fresh ingredients. It was originally created in 1983 from an initiative of the Ministry for Sexual Equality, with the purpose to help local women earn their own income and become more independent. Today, Women’s Cooperative is one of the most popular restaurants in Lesbos and offers a beautiful location to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.