The island of Lesvos is famous for its cinnamon colored beaches and emerald water, but it also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and nature. Ancient ruins, stunning museums, and quaint old villages are just a few of the things to do on this Greek island.
The new archaeological museum in Mytilene has some eye-catching exhibits, including mosaics and frescoes from Roman villas. The Petrified Forest of Lesvos is also worth a visit.
Mytilene Beach
Lesvos is a stunning island that has something for everyone. From secluded beaches to vibrant beach towns, the island’s natural beauty and authentic Greek culture make it an unforgettable destination for visitors of all ages.
For those looking to learn more about the island’s history, a visit to the New Archaeological Museum is a must. The permanent exhibition details life on the island from the Hellenistic Period through to the end of the Roman period. Highlights include mosaics from the villas on Mytilene’s Agia Kiriaki hill and incredible marble funerary reliefs.
If you’re a nature lover, the impressive bay south of Kalloni is a haven for migratory birds. It’s also a great place for hiking and biking, with a range of trails to suit all abilities. For those who want to take it a step further, the Aspropotamos waterfall is a must-see sight. The waterfall is a truly spectacular sight, as it sweeps down the side of a cliff near the Pethi area.
The pick of the island’s beaches, Skala Eresou Beach is a long stretch of volcanic sand that curves around a beautiful bay. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and there are plenty of cafes and tavernas to choose from.
The Teriade Museum is another of the island’s cultural treasures, housing an outstanding collection of artwork from globally renowned artists. It’s named after Stratis Eleftheriadis, a local artist known as “Teriade” and is a must-visit for art lovers.
Skala Eresou Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Skala Eresou is a long sandy beach with a few hotels and self-catering apartments. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also rent a boat or a yacht and go sailing around the island.
It is an ideal location for families as there are many facilities for children. There is a water park and a playground where kids can have fun all day. There are also lots of sports activities that they can participate in such as volleyball, water skiing and more.
There are many other attractions that you can do at Skala Eresou, such as visiting the ruins of an ancient pre-Hellenic wall and a small Roman cistern. If you want to have a peaceful walk, then you can hike in the mountains or walk along the footpaths. The area is also home to a wide variety of birds so it is an excellent location for nature lovers.
Limonos Monastery is a beautiful 16th century monastery that is located in the northern part of the island. It is open only in summer, so it is the perfect time to visit it. It is a great place to explore and admire the beautiful architecture of the monastery.
Lesbos is a beautiful Greek island with a lot of things to do. It is a place where myth, culture, and incredible landscapes come together. From unexpected hot springs to the largest petrified forest in the world, there are dozens of unique experiences waiting for you on this stunning island. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream trip to Lesbos today!
Mytilene Archaeological Museum
The Mytilene Archaeological Museum is one of the best places to get acquainted with the rich history of Lesvos. It consists of two buildings and displays impressive artifacts starting from the Final Neolithic Period up to the Late Roman period. Clay utensils, weapons and weaving weights and whorls are some of the most interesting exhibits here. In the new building sculptures, embossments, full-reliefs and mosaic floors of Roman mansions are also on display.
The 16th-century Limonos Monastery is one of the most beautiful religious sites on Lesvos. Travelers describe it as a work of art. It is located on a really scenic location and it is a great place to relax and find your inner peace. Limonos Monastery is open to visitors for a small fee.
It is also possible to take a day trip to Turkey from Mytilene. It is an affordable way to explore the shores of Asia Minor in a short timeframe. A lot of tour agencies offer a number of different packages for this purpose.
Another popular destination in Lesvos is the Petrified Forest of Lesbos. It is a unique phenomenon formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. The fossilized forest is under the auspices of UNESCO and it is considered to be one of the largest phenomena of its kind in the world.
The picturesque village of Molyvos is another must-see place on the island. Its narrow alleys are adorned with little craft workshops, cozy cafes and traditional local taverns. There is also a stunning church of Saint Therapon. The monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of Lesvos and it is believed that he saved the people from a Saracen raid.
Kalloni Bay
Whether you want to learn more about the island’s history with a stop at the Mytilene Archaeological Museum or take in a concert at the Municipal Auditorium, a visit to this picturesque village is well worth your time. The town center is dotted with narrow streets filled with small craft workshops, traditional local taverns and cozy cafes where you can enjoy some delicious delicacies.
In the nearby village of Dafia you can visit a church built on top of a rock that is regarded as a holy site by locals. This is the church of Theotokou (Kimisi), where the icon is said to have disappeared twice and then reappear at this location. Many people make pilgrimages to this place because they believe it will bring them good health.
Other things to do in Kalloni Bay include relaxing on the beach and swimming in the clear water of the sea. This village is also home to a number of touristic resorts and hotels that offer a variety of services. You can rent sun loungers, go for a swim or even enjoy a massage at one of the many spas in this area.
If you want to do something active, you can try playing volleyball or go water skiing at the pier. There are also several beaches with soft, golden sand where you can sunbathe all day. Those looking for some adventure can also hike to the top of a mountain to see the magnificent view of the village and the surrounding area.
The village of Skala Eresou is another popular destination for tourists because of its sandy beach and a range of services offered there. There are many hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from here, as well as a popular nightclub and café. The village is also famous for its locally caught sardines which are considered to be one of the best snacks on the island.
Petrified Forest of Lesbos
Located on the western side of Lesbos, the Petrified Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features an awe-inspiring spectacle of fossilised trees, with roots, branches, leaves and fruits. The site, which covers an area between the villages of Eressos and Sigri, is dense with ancient tree trunks – some of them resembling stones more than actual living trees – dating back to 20 million years ago. This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon is one of four of its kind in the world and even rivals the famed Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona for sheer size.
A visit to this remarkable natural monument can be paired with a tour of the nearby Petrified Forest Museum. Here, you can learn about the scientific processes behind this incredible natural phenomena, as well as the history of volcanic activity on Lesbos.
Northern Lesbos is almost made for boat trips and a cruise along the coast is a great way to explore the pretty port of Skala Sikaminia. You’ll enjoy the view, and also have the chance to go to the islet of St George – affectionately known as Rabbit Island – and Molyvos sea caves. A return cruise is about three hours and is a good way to take in the views of Lesbos.
Probably the most iconic village on the island, Molyvos is a don’t-miss destination. Narrow cobbled streets lined with authentic old houses are the heart of the picture perfect town, which is a hive of creative residents and enquiring travellers. Every ouzeri and cafe is a discussion forum and the castle is a place for contemplation. A trip to Molyvos is a must for everyone who visits Lesbos.