(* 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.

Give your love to Lesvos and it will give it to you back double and triple. Open your heart, leave your senses and be swept away by the beauties of this place.

The post Lesvos island: the beauty of the Aegean Sea appeared first on TouristSpot .

Halkidiki has a unique nature, with secluded coves, clean sea, beautiful islands and villages with remarkable traditional architecture. It combines mountain and sea, serenity and intense nightlife, ancient history and modern life. Each city has its own history and its own ancestral glory.

The level of tourism quality in Chalkidiki is at a high point, with luxurious hotels, beautiful apartments and rooms, camping, country cottages and a lot of fun. Despite the large number of tourists, the visitor can enjoy all kinds of tourism. Cosmic beaches and beaches waiting to be discovered. The sun, the sea and natural beauties harmoniously blend in the peninsula of Halkidiki in the southeast of Thessaloniki.

Magnificent beaches, expanded general organization, archaeological treasures and historical monuments, all these make Halkidiki an ideal choice for your vacation.

Beaches

Kalithea

A crowded beach with white sand and crystal clear waters, while a verdant hill is in the background. It features bars, restaurants and water sports facilities. From here starts Toronaios Crossing, the well-known bathing games.

Nea Fokea

The beach, in front of the settlement, is sandy and idyllic. It has restaurants and taverns. The picturesque harbor of Nea Fokea while imposing stands on the hill by the Byzantine tower of St. Paul, built in 1407.

Kryopigi

The beach in front of the village, also called Pigadakia, has fine sand and crystal clear waters. There is a refreshment room and water sports facilities.

Fourka

Large sandy beach stretching in front of the cosmopolitan village. The Scala of Fourkas during the summer months is full of life! The beach is sandy, fully organized, which hosts some of the most in beach bar of Halkidiki. And when the decibels rise, the joy takes off!

Siviri

Huge beach with sand in the homonymous picturesque settlement. You will find crystal clear water that smooths up.

Huge beach, one of the most beautiful in Kassandra, with fine sand and gravel. At the end of it there is a lagoon. The beach has a refreshment room.

Pefkohori

Large, sandy and fully organized beach, in front of the homonymous village. During the summer it gathers a host of visitors. It has all kinds of restaurants, bars and facilities for all water sports.

Kavourotripes

Perhaps the most exotic coast of the second leg, with white sand that is in complete contrast to the turquoise sea. Her trademark is a huge mermaid that an anonymous artist has cast out on the rock.

Kalamitsi

Lovely sandy creek, in front of the seaside settlement, with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, two three bars, taverns, mini markets, rooms to let, camping and a few hotels. At the end of the beach, if you pass the rocks, you reach another cove, which is preferred by nudists.

Sarti

Beach in the settlement, with sand, organized and clean waters, beach bars, taverns, parks, sea shops etc. At 4.2 km from Sarti dirt road leads to a picturesque bay with a wonderful view of Mount Athos. There is a beach bar club.

Hotels in Halkidiki

There are plenty of options for your accommodation. One relatively cheap choice is Heraion Hotel in Nea Kalikratia. (http://www.heraionhotel.gr/en/index.htm)

If you wish a 4 star, luxurious hotel, you can choose Mendi Hotel in Kalandra (https://www.mendi-hotel.gr/) or Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Kriopigi (https://alexanderthegreat.reserve-online.net/about).

Enjoy your time in Halkidiki,

TouristSpot team.

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