Lesvos Destination Guide
Lesvos is paradise of wonders and once discovered it becomes a popular tourist destination even amongst those who have already had their first experience. There are many leisure activities to keep you occupied on your visit or tenth visit. Hikes and treks in the forests, long drives along the scenic roads, water sports, jeep, bicycle and walking treks and bird watching are a few of the activities that are quite popular. You could also explore the rich historical sights of the island or just laze your days away on one of its beautiful beaches on one of the Jeep safaris organised by NIrvana Travel or by hiring a car of your own.
Once on Lesvos it is much cheaper than other popular destinations in Greece, and where food and local cuisine is concerned - it over sines all the other islands in all sense of the word!
Use this Lesvos destination guide to give you ideas about what there is to see and do during your Lesvos holiday. More general information about what there is to do throughout Greece can be found in our Greece country guide, or check out some of the local highlights of Athens, Thessaloniki or Rhodes. You could also take one of our exciting Lesvos tours to one of the sights listed below.
Things to See & Do on Lesvos
PETRIFIED FOREST - Sigri
A natural wonder of the world. Perhaps not in the top 7 but definitely top 10. Over 20 million years old with fine examples of fossilized trunks and leaves. It has been categorized as a GEOPARK and welcomes visitors from all over the world as there are only 2 in the world.
HOT SPRINGS - Eftalou / Gera / Polichnitos / Lisvori / Thermi :
Whether you have health problems or not these amazing natural hot springs do wonders. A visit to at least one is definitely worth it.
ROMAN AQUADUCT - Moira
An amazing site from a distance and even more unbelieveable up close. Tucked behind the small village with some signs to point it out, you will be amazed how on earth it was built and how it supplied water to several areas on the island, spanning some 25km.
LOCAL WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVES: Parakila / Mesotopos / Asomatos / Agiassos
Over the last 20 years the women in the villages have become more active in something they know best: cooking. They make products ranging from pasta, biscuits, to sweets and jams in jars and sell them to make some pocket money. This idea has been assisted by funds from the government and European Community and has helped the women to think more commercially and increase their profit making through marketing their products. Parakila and Mesotopos even have shops in their villages where they sell their products to passers-by.
MONASTERIES: Various locations
The island is most fortunate to have a large amount of monasteries all over it.
All with their own character and unique location- if you are at all fascinated by the Greek Orthodox religion then take time during your stay to visit some.
Limonas, Perivoli, Ipsilou, Metoxi, Myrsiniotisa, Pithariou and Taxiaches are more traditional than Agios Rafael where miracle work has been known to happen.
The Petrified Forest of LesvosTop
A visit to the Petrified Forest in Lesvos is actually a good way to digest a rather heavy lunch at the Remezzo's located in Sigri. A long walk in the afternoon sun amidst petrified trees is bound to stir you out of the ‘ouzo' effect.
The forest extends from Eressos to Sigri along the shores of the Nissiopi Island. The woodland area is even bigger than the much famed forest of the same kind in Arizona; however, not much effort has gone into promoting the region as a tourist or geographic location. The trees, though petrified, are intact and still standing due to a thick coat of volcanic ash once spewed by Mount Ordymnos. The forest was apparently created 20 million years ago. Adequate sign posts are present along the route and you can easily find this place on the road to Sigri. Want to visit the petrified forest of Lesvos? We can pick you up and take you on our Tour of Lesvos Petrified Forest!
Healing Mineral Springs of Lesvos Top
The volcanic terrain of Lesvos is home to quite a few natural geysers that have been in use for many centuries. Located in remote, picturesque settings, the geysers are the best way to relax in the company of nature. Shower and changing room facilities are also available here. Our local agency offers some interesting Lesvos tours to experience these stunning examples of mother nature!
Bird Watching on the Greek Island of LesvosTop
Lesvos is situated right in the middle of the migratory route that leads from Africa to Europe. Many spring migratory species stop over at Lesvos enroute to Europe. The island has a rich and diverse terrain, which makes it an ideal location for the birds to rest before their onward journey. Spring also heralds the flowering season for all wild flowers on the island. Lesvos is at its natural best in spring. Set up a base camp at Vatera, Skala or Kalloni to observe these birds up close.
The beaches of Lesvos are an ideal location for a family trip and for couples or groups that want to discover that 'something else'.
This is possible even in August. Vatera and Skala Eressos are the best and largest on the island allowing you to enjoy a secluded tourist area with the facilities and a good atmosphere.The well known semi-precious pebbles of Vatera with its amazingly clear sea are just bliss.
Other beaches off the beaten track are ones to ask about from our MPO expert.
There are numerous beaches to relax on the shore, take a stroll or go for a swim. You just need to discover them. Many other lovely beaches adorn the 200 mile coast of Lesvos.
Rent a vehicle and explore the beaches at leisure.
Monasteries and Churches of LesvosTop
Lesvos has many old monasteries and churches that are still functional today. The island has also become a pilgrimage centre. A few monasteries allow visitors while others remain cloistered.
Leimonos Monastery, located between Filia and Kalloni, has been actively involved in service to society since its establishment in 1523. The monastery has its own library and museum and has many buildings on its premises. It is considered a religious landmark of the island. Visitors are allowed to stay overnight. Celebrations in the memory of AG Ignatius are held during the second week of October each year.
The Perivoli Monastery, true to its name, is located in a picturesque valley stretching from Antissa to Vatoussa. The church was built as early as the 1300s, and houses a few significant sixteenth century wall paintings. The caretaker of the premises is happy to accompany visitors around the calm monastery. Beyond the walls of Perivoli (meaning garden), you can stroll through an orchard set with picnic tables.
There are a few other places of religious interest like Panagia, Myrsiniotissa, Pythariou and Petras. Local churches organize festivities in the name of their patron saints. The Church of Taxiarches, situated in Mandamados, houses a unique icon created from a mix of a blood and mud. The Saracen pirates once saved a monk, who then carved in this icon using their blood. Third Sunday following Easter marks a festive occasion. Celebrations are held in the church in which a consecrated bull is sacrificed and the meat served to worshippers. The miracle saint of Lesvos is worshipped here.
Ypsilou Monastery, established in the year 1101, lies on a dormant volcanic crater. The monastery is located on the main road en-route to Sigri, just beyond the side road that leads to Eresos. You can see some exquisite gold embroidery work on the bible covers and stoles here. The pieces date back to 1588. You can catch a wonderful view of the entire Asia Minor coast and western part of Lesvos from the monastery.
Mytilini is famous for two of the best archaeological museums in the region. The older of the two can be found close to the harbour at the end of Argyri Eftalioti. Look out for a statue of liberty once you reach the harbour; the museum is just near it. All major archaeological findings from the region are on display in this museum.
Archaic remnants from ancient villages like Molyvos, Mytilini and Andissa, old manuscripts and treatises, golden artifacts from burial sites, and mosaics from an erstwhile Roman villa, among other things, are a part of the collection. The mosaics in this museum reflect the trends of fashion throughout the ages. The museum also has a garden where a few items are exhibited.
The new museum is housed in a contemporary structure at Melina Merkouri Street. However, only temporary exhibitions are organised in this building.
Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos, has a few interesting locations steeped in history. A castle is from the fourteenth century and it is one of the largest in the Eastern Med. The Roman Theatre that dates back to the third century BC offers a glimpse into the past.
At the Museum of Archaeology, you can browse through many ancient artifacts unearthed from the island. There is also a folklore museum in Mytilene.
The Teriade and Theofilos museums in the area of Varia are definitely worth a visit. Even if you aren't an art lover - you will be pleasantly surprised.
Lesvos offers an active nightlife just as other Greek Island destinations. The towns of Skala, Mithymnia, and Mytilene are your best bet for Lesvos clubs. If you are staying in a small village, don't expect anything too wild, other than the nature of course!
Traditional Greek Mountain VillagesTop
The real charm of Lesvos is probably hidden away in the remote villages where even today life moves at a very slow pace. Age old traditions are still in place with modern amenities improving the quality of life. The villages are now well connected by road and are illuminated. Television has also made its way into the households here.
The layout of a conventional village is pretty standard and comprises a busy central square around which one can find the essential shops and cafes. During the day the villagers go about their routine tasks but then they gather at the cafes whenever they find time.
Kallanis Bay in central Lesvos offers the best views of the island. Molyvo and Kalloni villages located in the bay area have quite a scenic setting. The old town is famous for its Byzantine castle and also stone walls built during the eighth century.
In the village of Petra you can visit the church of Panagia Glykofilousas that was built during the 18th century. The church is situated on top of a cliff, close to Kallanis Bay.
At the Church of Saint Taxiarchon in the village of Mantamado, you can catch a glimpse of a rare icon made from blood and clay.
Another equally rare sculpture is housed in the Panagia Sion Church. This sculpture carved by Lucas, the famous evangelist, is known to radiate a healing touch.
Travelling north along this route, you can reach the coastal village of Mithymna. Like all coastal villages, it is set in scenic surroundings with long meandering streets lined with traditional houses. An ancient Kastro is located in Mithymna.
The birth place of Sappho and home to Theophrastus, Eresos naturally is a popular destination.
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