Lesbos, or Lesvos, island is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, as part of the Lesbos prefecture. It is the third largest of all the Greek islands, and the eight largest in the entire Mediterranean Sea and has its own airport. The Greek island of Lesbos is a relatively large island, close to the Turkish coast. It’s an island that has a lot to offer for people that love the real Greece.
Lesvos has strong cultural traditions and is quietly impressive. The main tourist attractions of Lesvos are the beautiful varied landscape, the picturesque hill villages and some splendid beaches.
It is believed that the poems of Sappho, which contained very powerful emotional content toward other women, held expressions of homosexual love. Because of this belief, Lesbos and the town of Erosos, which is the birthplace of Sappho, are frequently visited by lesbian tourists, and hence the word lesbian was derived.
Lesvos is a mountainous island, with two predominant peaks. Lepetymnos and Olympus stand at approximately 3176 feet each, and dominate the northern and central areas of the island. Due to the volcanic origin of Lesvos, there are several hot springs located on the island.
In the north you can find the beautiful place Molivos, all cultivation is regulated by monuments care here. It’s a great mix of tourism and local village life. A few kilometres from Molivos you’ll find a village called Petra with an excellent beach. Furthermore there’s a lot of nature on Lesbos Island. For instance in the area of Skala Kallonis: the bay overhere is a real paradise for bird watchers! Also the petrified forest is a visit worth. A beautiful place is Agiassos on the top of a high mountain and surrounded by impressive woods. You can find a beautiful church here and a lot of local taverns, Greek coffeeshops and small shops. In the south part of Lesbos you can find a small town called Plomari, with it’s own character. This place is also known because of the ouzo production. The main town of Mytilini is also a visit worth. Lesbos is an island where you can do a lot and where you can meet the real Greek life.
On the western side of the island lies the second largest petrified forest in the world consisting of Sequoia. The main economic source of income on Lesvos is in olive oil, with tourism also adding to the economy. The coastal towns of Petra, Plomari, Molyvos, and Erosos are very popular attractions for tourists, due to the wonderful beaches and the beautiful landscape.
Tour in the surroundings of Molivos
This tour starts in Molivos. You drive just five kilometres to the south and you’re already in Petra, where the local inhabitants invite you to do a wish in the church on the high rock. You’re wish might come true, at least, if you keep your mouth while you go upstairs! After visiting the beautiful resort of Petra (where you can take a swim too!) you drive via Stipsi to Ipsilometopo, will the priest of the towns church will invite you (when he’s awake!) and will give you an unforgettable guided tour. After that you follow the road via Pelopi in the direction of Skala Sikaminias, a small village with cute fisher boats where you can eat good fish in the picturesque harbor. Along the coast, you go further to Skala Eftalou with an excellent sand beach and an ancient warm water source. After that you’ll come back in Molivos again. An amusing journey that you make in a car or on a motor-bike.
More tips
There is a lot to see on Lesbos. From the petrified forest to the main town Mitilini. Don’t forget the monasteries. Sometimes it feels like you’re in the middle ages! If you want to combine your journey to Lesbos with another island, than we suggest Chios. This is also a very quiet and green island in this part of Greece!