Lesvos General Intro
 Welcome to Lesvos, the typical Greek Island that you are NOT accustomed to!
Lesvos, the island of lush greenery. The island of award winning beaches, traditional ceramic-roofed villages, and of friendly locals ever ready to share with you a glass or two (or three!) of the best ouzo produced in Greece!
Lesvos, or Mytilini, the third largest island in the Aegean, just behind Evia and Crete, is so close to the Turkish coastline that you can waive to our neighbors on a clear day!
Lesvos, full of history and a natural, topical beauty that is breathtaking! Like its magical Petrified Forest with 22 million years of history hidden among its tree barks, the charm of Lesvos is impervious to time. The mass tourism that has spoiled other islands has not affected Lesvos in the least bit. Lesvos, the perfect island getaway for people who want a real slice of Greek life! The traditional villages, with the friendly locals, will warm your soul, as will the medieval castles, scenic harbors, abundant fish taverns, and typical cafes. There’s a flavor for every palate here! In addition, Lesvos boasts of two of the finest art museums in Greece! For Art enthusiasts, a chance to meet the birth village of Theophilos, the precious “primitive art” painter. The infinite olive groves, pinewoods, crystal clear waters, and the hot spring spas of Eftalou or Polychnitos will enchant you so much that you’ll have to drag yourself away at the end of your vacation.
Lesvos hotels are mostly family owned and friendly. There are also numerous self-catering apartments on the island.
 Mytilini, the capital, has been blessed with many impressive attributes. Mytilini, like Athens, Thiva (Thebes), and many other important cities, is surrounded by or built on seven hills. It is a culturally rich city because it is ancient and Greek, and also because of its close proximity with Turkey. There was much trade between Turkey and Mytilini, and this has allowed the city to house museums with various relics and works of art, dating as far back as 3,000 years B.C.! As rich as Mytilini’s history, it is the Mytilini of today that holds the most appeal for visitors.
They have a very progressive nightlife, wonderful caf?s, a modern local population, and top-class restaurants as well. This island town is more like a city, and anything and everything can be found here.
The ancient theater, the castle on top of the pine-filled hill, the ruins of the classical wall surrounding the town, and the ruins of the ancient settlement are all amazing must-sees! The church of Agios Therapondas serves as an impressive example for all the other various churches and monasteries throughout the town. Plus, Mytilini is the birth place of Pittakos, one of the seven top ancient Greek Philosophers, as well as and where the famous Greek lyric poet Sappho lived and operated her ‘school,’ where women often congregated and shared Poetry among other social activities. |
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