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A fast information to the highest issues to see and do within the Greek island of Lesvos (aka Lesbos)….
Lesvos – it’s not essentially the most well-known of the Greek islands, or the most well-liked, however that simply provides to its enchantment! This can be a true hidden gem.
Located within the North Aegean sea, near Turkey, Lesvos is definitely the third-largest Greek island. Right here, you’ll discover over 300 km of gorgeous, unspoilt shoreline.
Its giant dimension, wealthy number of issues to see and do, and genuine Greek vibes make Lesvos a perfect location to discover throughout your subsequent journey to Greece! There are direct flights from the UK in peak vacation season – and it’s straightforward to fly through Athens all 12 months spherical.
Lesvos has one thing for everybody – so listed below are a few of the high issues to do if you go to the unbelievable island of Lesvos…
High Issues to do in Lesvos
1. Uncover the Wonderful Lesvos Seashores
It’s not doable to speak about Lesvos with out mentioning the superb seashores, and on this island, there’s one thing to do for everybody!
When you like organised seashores with solar umbrellas and loungers, then you definitely’re nicely catered for everywhere in the island from Molyvos and Anaxos, to Agios Isidoros, Skala Eressos and Skala Kalloni.
Choose seclusion and peaceable isolation? Attempt Tsonia, Chroussos or Antissa. The seashores at Petra and Gavathas are gently shelving, so that they make supreme locations to go to with babies and non-swimmers.
There are white sandy bays at Tokmakia, which will be reached finest by boat, but in addition shingle seashores, crimson sand seashores, rocky coves good for snorkelling, seashores supreme for watersports, and hidden spots for nudists. With crystal clear, turquoise waters, everybody is ready to discover their blissful place right here!
2. Drink Ouzo!
Sure, the well-known Greek spirit Ouzo is from Lesvos. In reality, over 50% of the Ouzo produced worldwide is made right here: there are over 15 distilleries on the island.
Ouzo is a candy and powerful alcoholic drink constituted of the by-products of wine-making, and distilled right into a drink, flavoured with anise, mastic and varied herbs. Completely different manufacturers style subtly completely different so ensure you strive a couple of varieties.
How you drink you will need to the Greeks – sip it slowly, with ice or chilly water. Don’t do pictures: ouzo is supposed to be savoured! You possibly can go to the distilleries and Ouzo museums on the island, and take dwelling a couple of samples to strive at your leisure…
3. Go to the Petrified Forest on Lesvos
No, not frightened timber, however a forest of timber turned to stone by a volcanic eruption. This awe-inspiring lunar panorama is certainly one of solely two petrified forests on the earth and is a UNESCO Heritage website.
Remnants of giant tree trunks, flowers, and crops are fossilised the place they fell over 20 million years in the past. Lesvos Petrified Forest has been referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the Plant world’!
You possibly can e-book a tour around the park – don’t overlook to take water because it’s extremely popular and there’s no shade. And don’t miss the brand new trendy museum in Sigri to be taught extra about this superb geological phenomenon.
4. Discover Lesvos’ Picturesque, Genuine villages
The normal villages of Lesvos ought to positively be in your journey listing. The buildings are largely stone with crimson roofs, however there’s a mixture of structure reflecting the island’s previous with Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and Turkish influences.
Essentially the most well-known village is Molyvos, with its winding cobbled streets, fortress and fairly harbour. Higher nonetheless, Molyvos is protected – so there are not any high-rise buildings or overdevelopment right here.
Petra, with its church on the rock, can be nicely value a go to. And don’t miss Plomari with its vibrant harbour, or Matamados with its well-known monastery and conventional handmade, painted pottery.
Wherever you cease, you’re certain to search out essentially the most hospitable native individuals, nice Greek espresso, and a welcoming ambiance. So ensure you get out and about to discover.
5. Eat Native Meals!
Top-of-the-line methods to immerse your self in Greek tradition is to eat as a lot scrumptious Greek meals as doable! Lesvos’ location between East and West – in addition to the beneficial local weather – implies that the meals right here is unforgettable.
When you’re eager on travelling sustainably too, Lesvos is likely one of the locations with the bottom meals miles. So you may eat superb native meals, grown and produced proper by the place you’re consuming it. All the pieces from native olives, honey, and cheese to freshly caught fish or seafood (Kalloni is known for sardines!) and kitchen gardens bursting with tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes.
The locals are justifiably pleased with this native produce and are all the time blissful to let you know the origin of no matter you order. Ask what’s recent at the moment and also you’ll most likely hear what was picked that morning from the household’s gardens! There’s loads for all tastes together with vegetarians and vegans in addition to meat and seafood lovers.
6. Discover the Wonderful Nature
As a bigger island, there’s rather more to Lesvos than merely stunning seashores – the island has some superb nature to find.
Lesvos is especially well-known for bird-watching. Even when this isn’t your concept of enjoyable, there’s something magical about seeing pink flamingos on the plains close to Kalloni!
For marine life, it’s also possible to snorkel and scuba dive within the azure Aegean sea. The island’s northern aspect and the Bay of Gera are well-liked diving spots
Like to get lively? There are climbing trails and mountain biking routes galore on Lesvos. Among the most breathtaking waterfalls in Greece are discovered on this island. When you’re up for a brief hike, strive visiting the one at Vathylimno – it’s breathtaking.
Lastly, unwind with a visit to one of many 5 pure thermal springs on the island, the place waters attain 40°C. There are stated to be quite a few well being advantages, particularly if you mix dipping within the scorching mineral water with cooling off within the sea!
7. Historical past and Tradition
There are ruins in Lesvos relationship again to 2100 BC – so in the event you love Greek historical past there’s loads to discover. Top-of-the-line websites to go to throughout your keep is the Temple of Messon – apparently constructed for the Greek Gods, Dionysus, Hera and Zeus within the 4th century BC. It’s surrounded by nature and you may virtually really feel the years of historical past as you stroll around the ruins.
Molyvos, Mytilene and Sigri all have historic castles value visiting. Mytilene Citadel is likely one of the largest within the Mediterranean and has been destroyed and rebuilt by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks.
These days, Molyvos and Mytilene castles are used for cultural performances. The open-air concert events are merely superb in such historic settings! There’s additionally a Roman Aqueduct and a sizeable historic theatre, in addition to some spectacular mosques and temples to discover.
Is it Lesbos or Lesvos?
Though many Brits write Lesbos, the official title of the island is Lesvos. In reality, it’s spelt Λέσβος in Greek: and the Greek letter ‘β’ is pronounced as a ‘v’.
Closing Ideas
If you wish to go to an genuine Greek island, with stunning seashores, plenty of historical past and loads of issues to see and do, ensure Lesvos is a part of your vacation planning.
Similar to close by Paros, this island has a gradual tempo of life, tons of gorgeous nature, and by no means feels too over-touristy!
It won’t be as nicely referred to as different Greek islands however that’s a part of its enchantment. In any case, being a “hidden gem” means Lesvos is commonly significantly better worth and far much less crowded – even throughout peak season!
Have you learnt any extra nice issues to do in Lesvos? Scroll down to depart a remark together with your suggestions!