Experience the Real Greece on the Island of Lesvos
Lesvos, Greece is a lush island unspoiled by tourism.
The third largest of the Greek Islands (Crete and Evia are larger), Lesvos is an island perfect for those in search of a relaxing vacation, without crowds and the other trappings of Greece's popular islands.
Lesvos has just about everything one would hope for in a vacation destination including historic sights, great beaches, awesome scenery, cultural activities, excellent local cuisine, and much more.
A trip to Lesvos, Greece also tends to cost less than an excursion to the more popular touristy islands, making it the ideal place to experience real Greek culture and lifestyle for fewer dollars.
Things to See
Lesvos has three principal towns - Mitilini, Molivos, and Eressos – and lots of small ones in between. Each has a bit of a different personality so which ones you enjoy will depend largely on personal preference.
Mitilini is the capital city of the island and tends to be a bit rowdy, but with a little exploration, you'll find this to be quite a charming town. Take a shortcut down the small alleyways and you'll be treated to quirky shops, coffeehouses, art galleries, and other fun establishments worth exploring.
Be sure to make a stop at the Archaeological Museum of Mitilini - where you'll find a wealth of artifacts from days gone by, and the Theophilos Museum, housing the works of this famous Greek artist.
Molivos, at the northern tip of the island, is decidedly different from Mitilini. Pastel-colored houses line the streets and flowers are abundant. The Genoese Castle overlooks the town and is fun to explore.
Consider making a trip to the nearby Mandamados Monastery, once the site of a bloody massacre (pirates vs. monks). The faithful travel there to have a look at the monastery's famous icon, a relief of the face of Michael the Archangel, fashioned by the only monk to survive the slaughter.
If you're looking for beaches, head south towards the town of Eressos. The beach here is stunning and has won awards for safety and cleanliness. The town is charming, full of typical beach shops and cafes and plenty of friendly people, many of whom speak English.
Activities
Lesvos, Greece has long been famous for its thermal baths, so visiting them is a popular activity among both tourists and locals. The 5 healing springs of Lesvos are located amongst beautiful, restful scenery and are a great place to chill out, even if you're not seeking a cure for any particular ailment.
If you prefer to sightsee, you can locate castles and other interesting archaeological sites in just about every town on the island. Check out the ruins of the Church of Saint Andrew, near Eressos, which date back to the first half of the 5th century AD.
A great way to explore the island is via bicycle and the locals are quite respectful of cyclists who travel the paved roads. Many groups of cyclists pitch tents on the beaches near the Mediterranean and enjoy swimming in its warm waters.
You can also grab a seat on a Jeep Safari tour and explore the off-road portions of the stunning island of Lesvos. Don't forget your camera!
Getting to Lesvos
You can reach the island of Lesvos, Greece either by plane or by ferry. The ferry from Athens takes about 12 hours and is an overnight excursion. Major airlines fly to Athens airport and travelers can then connect to a flight heading to Lesvos.