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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! It is 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 measurement, wealthy number of issues to see and do, and genuine Greek vibes make Lesvos a great location to discover throughout your subsequent journey to Greece! There are direct flights from the UK in peak vacation season – and it’s simple to fly through Athens all yr spherical.
Lesvos has one thing for everybody – so listed here are a number of the prime issues to do if you go to the unimaginable island of Lesvos…
High Issues to do in Lesvos
1. Uncover the Wonderful Lesvos Seashores
It’s not potential to speak about Lesvos with out mentioning the wonderful seashores, and on this island, there’s one thing to do for everybody!
If you happen to 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.
Favor seclusion and peaceable isolation? Strive Tsonia, Chroussos or Antissa. The seashores at Petra and Gavathas are gently shelving, so that they make preferrred locations to go to with babies and non-swimmers.
There are white sandy bays at Tokmakia, which could be reached finest by boat, but additionally shingle seashores, purple sand seashores, rocky coves good for snorkelling, seashores preferrred for watersports, and hidden spots for nudists. With crystal clear, turquoise waters, everybody is ready to discover their comfortable place right here!
2. Drink Ouzo!
Sure, the well-known Greek spirit Ouzo is from Lesvos. In truth, 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 constructed from the by-products of wine-making, and distilled right into a drink, flavoured with anise, mastic and numerous herbs. Totally different manufacturers style subtly completely different so be sure to strive a number of varieties.
How you drink it is very important the Greeks – sip it slowly, with ice or chilly water. Don’t do pictures: ouzo is supposed to be savoured! You’ll be able to go to the distilleries and Ouzo museums on the island, and take dwelling a number of samples to strive at your leisure…
3. Go to the Petrified Forest on Lesvos
No, not frightened bushes, however a forest of bushes turned to stone by a volcanic eruption. This awe-inspiring lunar panorama is certainly one of solely two petrified forests on the planet and is a UNESCO Heritage website.
Remnants of big tree trunks, flowers, and crops are fossilised the place they fell over 20 million years in the past. Lesvos Petrified Forest has been known as the ‘Pompeii of the Plant world’!
You’ll be able to guide a tour around the park – don’t neglect to take water because it’s extremely popular and there’s no shade. And don’t miss the brand new fashionable museum in Sigri to be taught extra about this wonderful geological phenomenon.
4. Discover Lesvos’ Picturesque, Genuine villages
The standard villages of Lesvos ought to undoubtedly be in your journey record. The buildings are principally stone with purple roofs, however there’s a mixture of structure reflecting the island’s previous with Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and Turkish influences.
Probably the most well-known village is Molyvos, with its winding cobbled streets, fort and fairly harbour. Higher nonetheless, Molyvos is protected – so there aren’t any high-rise buildings or overdevelopment right here.
Petra, with its church on the rock, can also 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 positive to search out essentially the most hospitable native individuals, nice Greek espresso, and a welcoming ambiance. So be sure to get out and about to discover.
5. Eat Native Meals!
Probably the greatest methods to immerse your self in Greek tradition is to eat as a lot scrumptious Greek meals as potential! Lesvos’ location between East and West – in addition to the beneficial local weather – signifies that the meals right here is unforgettable.
If you happen to’re eager on travelling sustainably too, Lesvos is without doubt one of the locations with the bottom meals miles. So you may eat wonderful native meals, grown and produced proper by the place you’re consuming it. The whole lot 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 comfortable to inform you the origin of no matter you order. Ask what’s recent in the present day and also you’ll most likely hear what was picked that morning from the household’s gardens! There’s lots 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 far more to Lesvos than merely lovely seashores – the island has some wonderful 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, you may as well snorkel and scuba dive within the azure Aegean sea. The island’s northern aspect and the Bay of Gera are widespread diving spots
Like to get energetic? There are mountain climbing trails and mountain biking routes galore on Lesvos. Among the most breathtaking waterfalls in Greece are discovered on this island. If you happen to’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 when you love Greek historical past there’s lots to discover. Probably the greatest 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 nearly really feel the years of historical past as you stroll around the ruins.
Molyvos, Mytilene and Sigri all have historic castles value visiting. Mytilene Fortress is without doubt 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 wonderful 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 truth, it’s spelt Λέσβος in Greek: and the Greek letter ‘β’ is pronounced as a ‘v’.
Remaining Ideas
If you wish to go to an genuine Greek island, with lovely seashores, a lot of historical past and loads of issues to see and do, be sure Lesvos is a part of your vacation planning.
Identical 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 often known as different Greek islands however that’s a part of its enchantment. In any case, being a “hidden gem” means Lesvos is usually a lot better worth and far much less crowded – even throughout peak season!
Are you aware any extra nice issues to do in Lesvos? Scroll down to depart a remark together with your suggestions!
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