Lesbos: its authentic landscapes and unique flavours and aromas are waiting to be discovered.
Discsover Greece offers a unique experience, inviting you to fall under the spell of the hidden beauty of the island of Lesbos.
Lesbos (also known as Mytilene) is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, and was the birthplace of the poets Sappho and Alcaeus, as well as the painter Theophilos and the novelist Myrivilis. Greece’s third-largest island offers architectural wonders, medieval towns and olive groves. It encircles two deep, almost enclosed bays, teeming with fish.
The island is also alive with traditional villages, beaches stretching for miles, “Ouzo” distilleries that can be visited and exquisite specialties.
It’s a fascinating island compared to “a plane leaf thrown into the sea” described by Nobel Prize winner Odysseas.
1- The “Ouzo” brings balm to the heart
The story goes back to the 15th century, when the Greeks of Alexandria and Smyrna made this drink using ancient distillation techniques. Centuries later, the “Rakitzides” (producers of raki) appropriated it, adding flavors of anise and fragrant herbs to charm the influential class of the Ottoman Empire. Then the “Rakitzides” migrated to Greece and discovered Lesbos as a pleasant island to live on, thanks to its vineyards and exceptional quality of aniseed.
Ouzo can be enjoyed neat or diluted with water. It can also be combined with mezedes of all kinds, including freshly caught fish, local olives with Mytilini oil, and delicious sheep’s milk cheese. The village of Plomari is famous for its Ouzo, of which there are two museums. The ” Ouzo Barbayanni ” museum (of the Ouzo Barbayanni brand) and the“The World of Ouzo” museum (of the Ouzo Plomari brand) are two of the island’s must-see attractions.
2 – Molyvos, the one and only
Molyvos is a typical Greek village with stone and wooden houses, small stores of all kinds, cafés and “ouzeries”, and cobbled streets. Overlooking the island, you’ll see the Byzantine castle, one of the best preserved in the eastern Mediterranean. Take a stroll along the village’s main street and the local market, which will lead you to the castle and its spectacular view.
You can stay in a charming hotel that has been built in an old olive oil factory, giving it all its character. Another place to discover is the picturesque fishing port of Molyvos with its trawlers, where you can admire the various activities of the islanders, while sampling traditional local dishes accompanied by the famous Ouzo.
3 -The city of Mytilene
Mytilene is the main town on Lesbos. With a history dating back to the 10th century B.C., it is a restitution of the past. Memorable landmarks include the “Statue of Liberty”, the church of Agios Therapontas with its magnificent dome, the metropolitan church of Agios Athanasios, important Ottoman monuments such as Geni Tzami (Mosque) and the adjacent Tsarsi, as well as the castle dating from the reign of Emperor Justinian. Enjoy a stroll through Prokymaia, with its impressive neoclassical buildings, restaurants and cafés, the cobbled streets of the old town and Ermou Street with its contemporary stores, restaurants and tavernas. In nearby Vareia, you’ll find the famous museum of Greek folk painter Theofilos, as well as the Museum of Modern Art, with works by some of the world’s greatest artists, including Matisse, Miro, Picasso and Tsarouhis.
4. Bird Observatory
Thanks to its ideal position in the eastern Mediterranean, the island benefits from a wide variety of climatic zones offering suitable habitat for migratory birds from Asia, Africa and Europe – at least 134 different types! Discover Agia Paraskevi, Dipios-Larsos and Kalloni, where you can observe the nests of rare and endangered birds. Nature lovers and scientists alike can admire black and white storks, Ruddy, Avocets, Jackdaws, Shags and pink flamingos. The islets of Glaronisi and Myrmingi are ideal areas for protected wild birds, as is Agios Georgios. An ecological observatory has been set up.
5. Wonderful beaches
Lesbos boasts 259 kilometers of coastline, eleven beaches voted “Blue Flags” (eco-label) in 2017 with its crystal-clear waters, deep enough for scuba diving.
– In Molyvos, you’ll find beaches with beach bars, and you can feast on fresh fish in the nearby tavernas.
– At Eftalou, you’ll enjoy the thermal springs and crystal-clear water of its famous beach.
– In Tarti, on the Gulf of Gera, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood in small tavernas.
– At Skala Kalloni, near its beautiful beach, you can drink “Ouzo” and taste the famous sardine of the same name.
– On the west side of the island, at Sigri, you can swim under the castle, while surfers can opt for the nearby beach of Faneromeni.
– Youth groups gather on the beaches of Skala Eressos, Kanoni and Agios Ermogenis near the capital.
– For a family vacation, head for Petra, Vatera beach with all the facilities for water sports, Anaxos with its tavernas and view of Molyvos castle, and Tsamakia beach, near Mytilene.
– Those who prefer tranquillity will choose the beaches of Tsonia, Chrousso, Chryssi Akti and Antissa.
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