A walk in the cobbled streets of Mytilene, Agiasos and Molivos, a swim in the blue waters of Vatera and Eresos, a ouzo carnation in the famous Plomari, are just some of the basic ingredients that make Lesvos an ideal destination.
(* The island is called Lesvos and its capital is Mytilene. The capital is so imposing and unique that it has managed to “name” the entire island).
The rich history of the island, combined with its modern use, keeps the interest of visitors alive. Being the third largest island in Greece, it is easy to see how it can offer a wide variety of different scenes and activities.
But why should a visitor make so many miles to reach the northeastern Aegean Sea? What does Mytilene have that makes it special?
The first and main are the beautiful villages, with the picturesque streets, the impressive mansions, the three well-preserved castles in Mytilene, Molyvos and Sigri and the benches with the traditional handmade objects.
Mytiline has been given the status of “Archontissa” and not unfairly! The city is made up of elaborate mansions, while its beautiful waterfront, its smells and colors, magnify the eyes of every visitor! The imposing church of Agios Therapontas that dominates, the imposing castle, the statue of freedom that welcomes you to the port, makes the city an idyllic place for exploration!
Ouzo, whichever brand you choose, will introduce you to the culture of the locals.
The process of drinking ouzo requires a specific ritual. Never to drink ouzo without its so-called meze. It needs salad, sardines, beans, greed, pickles and various other appetizers. Trust the local cooks and indulge in the magic of ouzo. In the famous Plomari you can visit the Ouzo Museum and learn the secrets of its production:
http://www.theworldofouzo.gr/en/ouzo-plomari/ouzo-museum.php
Moving from the capital of the island to the center of the island, you will notice that the scenery is green and full of beautiful trees, something that changes radically from Kalloni and beyond. If half the island is dressed in green, the rest is like a lunar landscape and this combination gives also a unique characther to the island.
The volcanoes that existed thousands of years ago in the area, exploded and the volcanic material produced in combination with the weather conditions followed, favored the creation of a unique phenomenon, the fossilization of the forest that lay in the area.
In the Sigri Natural History Museum, you can learn more about tree fossilization and see radically systems, trunks and seeds.
http://www.lesvosmuseum.gr/site/home/ws/primary+menu/the+forest.csp
Lesvos is still famous for its many miraculous performances. Numerous seekers arrive on the island each year to visit the Taxiarches, Saint Raphael and the Virgin Mary of Agiasos. These monasteries offer an unrealistic tranquility to those who visit them.
Next stop, beaches! The island has many beaches to choose from. The most popular are in Vatera, Skala Eresos, Tsonia, Agios Isidoros and Tarti. The blue waters of the Aegean and the endless blue give peace, tranquility and a sense of freedom. Caution! The waters of the island tend to be frozen than those you may have used to swim. Do not be fooled! Arm yourself with courage and dive!
Other places that deserve your attention are Skala Skoukanias with Panagia Gorgona, Petra with its own distinct Virgin Mary perched on the rock, Karini, which houses Theofilos tree and the thermal springs of the island in the village called Polichnitos.
