Lesbos on the map of Greece in Russian.

home Lesbos gained its worldwide fame due to the fact that the legendary ancient Greek poet Sappho

(circa 630 BC), whose poetry expressed a passionate love for characters of both sexes.

The island will not please the imagination of tourists arriving for the first time with many magnificent and picturesque landscapes. However, over time, the rocky shores with many pine and olive groves will certainly win the heart of anyone. Local residents called Lesbos island more complex name Mytilene more complex name. This is the name of its central city and port. By the way,

is the homeland of many famous Greek poets, as well as the famous pupil of Aristotle, the philosopher Theophrastus.

Modern buildings and unique structures of the 19th century, charming parks and churches of the Byzantine period create the original appearance of the city, which attracts tourists from all over the world. City of Mytilene located in the shape of an amphitheater between two hills. One of the peaks is crowned by the largest castle in the entire Mediterranean -.

Genoese castle The island will surprise vacationers with an abundance of diverse excursion programs . For example, tourists rarely refuse to go to mineral springs, the springs of which are located near the crater of a volcano hidden under the water. The most popular route is definitely the village where she was born Sappho

. Here you can also see parts of a Roman aqueduct, perfectly preserved to this day, which was built more than three thousand years ago. Sigri District The island of Lesvos hides an extraordinary and quite rare natural history reserve. Here is located petrified forest

In addition to forests, tourists will also be pleased with more crowded, sun-warmed places. The island has a considerable number of excellent beaches for every taste - sandy and pebble, popular and uncrowded. Their golden sand and rich coastal vegetation with a literally intoxicating aroma are a wonderful addition. All this creates an exceptional atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility for all guests of the island without exception.

Since ancient times, the island has managed not to lose its beautiful natural heritage: pine forests, unique Mediterranean groves and medicinal springs. There was already a resort here during Roman rule. And in 1462 the Turkish invaders named it "Aegean Garden". However, many local residents were enslaved or deported to Constantinople during Turkish rule. Numerous earthquakes contributed to the destruction of monuments from the era of the Genoese and Byzantines. Lesbos Island became part of Greece again in 1912.

Today home however, he seems embarrassed by the glory given to him. And not only thanks to the legends about Sappho that have spread around the world. Therefore, the local islanders brought up the rest of the Greeks to call it by the name of the capital Mytilene - a city inevitably changed by the urbanization of the 60s. The beauty is Lesbos islands– in semi-desert beaches, ancient villages with tiled roofs and overhanging second floors.

The island of Lesbos is located in the northeast of the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island in Greece and a popular resort. Lesvos was glorified by the poet Odysseas Elytis and the poetess Sappho, thanks to whom the island gained such an ambiguous reputation as a place where same-sex love is widespread. Lesbos is also famous for its high-quality olive oil, delicious olives, cheese and special anise liqueur.

general information

Lesvos is a Greek island with an area of 1636 km2, the eighth largest among all the islands of the Mediterranean basin. Almost 110 thousand people live here. The capital is the city of Mytilene.

For many centuries, the island was glorified by talented people living and working on its shores - the poetess Sappho, the writer Long, Aristotle (for some time he lived and worked on Lesbos).

Poetess Sappho

Undoubtedly, the most controversial figure is the beautiful Sappho. Many call her the legislator of same-sex love between women, but this myth causes a lot of controversy. Sappho was not only a talented poetess, she sought to develop her aristocracy and ability to perceive beauty in the souls of other people. In 600 BC. e. a woman led a community of young girls dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the muses. Here the pupils learned the art of living - good manners, the ability to attract and charm, and delight with intelligence. Every girl who left the community was a good conversationalist; men looked at the pupils as if they were earthly goddesses. The situation of women on the island was radically different from the situation on other Greek islands, where women were reclusive. In Lesbos, women had freedom.

Another attractive feature of the island of Lesbos in Greece is its fertile lands, where there are groves of olive trees, majestic pine trees, maples, and exotic flowers.

There are many fascinating places for tourists here - beaches, unique architecture, unforgettable cuisine, museums and temples, natural protected areas.

How to get there

The island has an airport named after Odysseas Elytis, located in the southeast, 8 km from the capital. The airport receives international charter flights during the holiday season and flights from other parts of Greece throughout the year.

Almost all major cruise companies offer sailing trips between the islands of the Aegean Sea. The cost of such a cruise will cost an average of 24 € (third class without a berth); if you prefer to travel in comfort, you will have to pay approximately 150 €. The route takes from 11 to 13 hours.

Considering that Lesbos is located near the Turkish coast (which can be seen on the map), a ferry service is organized between the island and the port of Ayvalik (Turkey). Ferries depart all year round, daily in summer, and several times a week in winter. The route takes 1.5 hours, the price of a one-way ticket is 20 €, and a round trip ticket is 30 €.

The most popular transport on this Greek island is the bus; tickets are sold in all newspaper shops and cafes. The main bus station is located in the capital near Agias Irinis Park. Flights follow:

to Skala Eresu, route 2.5 hours;
to Mithymna with a stop in Petra, route 1.5 hours;
to Sigri, route 2.5 hours;
to Plomari, route 1 hour 15 minutes;
to Vatera, route 1.5 hours.

Ticket prices range from 3 to 11 €.

It is important! Taxis are quite cheap in Lesvos, so many people choose this transport. In the capital, cars are equipped with meters - a little more than one euro per 1 km, cars are bright yellow; in other cities, the payment is usually fixed, cars are gray.

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Cities and resorts

Mytilene (Mytilene)

The largest city on the island, as well as the main port and capital of Lesvos. Located in the southeast, ferries regularly depart from here to other islands and the port of Ayvalik in Turkey.

The city is one of the most ancient; minting was done here already in the 6th century. Many talented famous people of Greece were born in the settlement.

The city has two harbors - northern and southern, they are connected by a canal 30 m wide and 700 m long.

The most significant attractions are the Mytilene fortress, the Archaeological Museum, the ruins of an ancient theater, the Ethnographic Museum, temples and cathedrals, and the Eni Jami Mosque.

The most visited beach of Mytilene is Vatera. The length of the coast is more than 8 km. There are many hotels, sports grounds, restaurants and cafes. Vatera is recognized as the most organized beach in Lesbos, Greece.

It is located in the north of Lesbos, 2-3 km from the settlement of Petra and 60 km from the capital. In archaic times, the city was considered a large, developed settlement. The first name - Mithymna - was given in honor of the royal daughter; the name Molyvos appeared during the reign of the Byzantines.

This is one of the most beautiful cities where festivals, concerts, and holidays are often held. There is an ancient fortress on the top of the hill. Visitors love to relax in the picturesque harbor with boats. On the streets of the settlement there are many jewelry shops and shops, restaurants and cafes.

Molyvos has one of the most popular beaches on the island of Lesvos. Here tourists find everything they need for a comfortable stay - sun loungers, showers, cafes, areas for active games.

This cozy miniature settlement in the north of the island is located approximately 5 km from Molyvos. The tourism sector is well developed here; this is the main source of income for the settlement. Everything is provided for a comfortable stay - hotels, shops, restaurants and a beach recognized as the best on the map of Lesvos. Petra is a traditional place for families with children. The length of the coast is almost 3 km, along the entire length there are sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, souvenir shops and a diving center.

The most significant attractions are the huge rock rising in the center of the city, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Nicholas, the local winery and the Valerdzidenas mansion.

Skala-Eressu

A small resort in the west of the island. Tourists note the developed infrastructure; it is located 90 km from the capital. Skala Eressou is the harbor of the city of Eressos.

In ancient times, there was a large shopping center here, where prominent scientists and philosophers lived.

Skala Eressu has the best beach where you can find everything you need for a comfortable holiday. The coastline stretches for 3 km. There are many hotels, cafes and restaurants near the beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag several times. Sports equipment is available to guests.

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Attractions

The most famous fortress on the island in the city of Mytilene is located on a hill between two ports - northern and southern. The structure was presumably built in the 6th century on the site where the ancient acropolis was previously located.

In 1462, the fortification was captured by the Turks and suffered serious damage. After restoration, the fortress was restored, but in the year of the war between the Ottomans and the Venetians, it was destroyed again. In the period from 1501 to 1756, the fortress was rebuilt, strengthened, and additional towers, ditches and walls were added. On the territory of the fortress there was a mosque, an Orthodox monastery, and an imaret. Today part of the fortress is destroyed, but remains one of the most interesting attractions of the island. The royal tower and the Turkish tower and numerous underground passages are perfectly preserved. In summer, various festivals and concerts are held here.

The Orthodox church is located near the settlement of Mandamados. The last reconstruction took place in 1879. The church is named after the patron saint of the island, Archangel Michael.

The first mention of the monastery was found in 1661; later, in the 18th century, the church was reconstructed.

There is a legend associated with the monastery, according to which in the 11th century it was attacked by pirates and killed all the priests.

One young monk Gabriel managed to escape; the pirates chased the young man, but Archangel Michael blocked their path. After this, the attackers disappeared, leaving behind all the loot. From the earth soaked in the blood of the murdered, Gabriel sculpted a sculpture of the Archangel, but there was only enough material for the head. Since then, the icon has been kept in the temple and is considered miraculous. Many tourists note that the face has a unique energy; when looking at the icon, goosebumps run down the body.

The courtyard is very cozy, filled with flowers. Candles in the church can be placed for free.

Panagia Glykofilus (Church of Our Lady of the Sweet Kiss)

This is the main attraction of the city of Petra. The temple, named after the icon, is located in the center of the settlement on a cliff 40 meters high. There are 114 steps leading to the entrance, so tourists note the difficult path to the temple.

The observation deck offers an amazing view of the town and its surroundings. Previously, there was a convent on the site of the church; the last reconstruction was carried out in 1747. Inside there is a beautiful wooden iconostasis, a throne and a unique icon. The guide will tell you amazing legends associated with the icon.

Not far from the foot of the mountain there are other attractions - the Church of St. Nicholas, the Vareldzidena mansion.

An amazing landmark that received the status of a natural monument in 1985. The petrified forest is located in the west of the island, between the villages of Eressos, Sigri and Antissa. Fossilized plants are scattered throughout almost the entire island - this is the largest accumulation of petrified trees in the world.

20 million years ago, after a powerful volcanic eruption, the island was completely covered with lava and ash. The result was a natural monument. More than 40 species of plants have been identified - birch, persimmon, maple, alder, lime, poplar, various palm trees, willow, hornbeam, cypress, pine, laurel. In addition, there are unique plants that have no analogues in the modern plant world.

The tallest petrified tree is over 7 m high and over 8.5 m in diameter.

The bay is the sunniest place on the island of Lesvos; there is a shallow, warm beach suitable for family holidays, where in addition to noisy, crowded places you can find secluded corners. But the main purpose of visiting the bay is observing rare birds and leisurely walks among exotic vegetation. Perhaps the best photos of the island of Lesbos can be taken here.

Byzantine fortress, Mithymna (Molyvos)

The town is located in the north of the island, just a few kilometers from the settlement of Petra and 60 km from the capital. Scientists believe that people lived in this area during the prehistoric period.

The Byzantine fortress is built on a mountain and towers majestically above the city. It is clearly visible when approaching the settlement. If you are traveling with your own transport, please note that there is no parking at the entrance to the fortress.

Sightseeing buses come here regularly; tourists are dropped off near the entrance and picked up a few hours later at the exit from Molyvos.

There is enough time to explore the surrounding area, towers and ancient buildings. Not far from the fortress there is a restaurant that serves delicious traditional Greek dishes. If you go down to the shore, you can admire yachts and boats, stroll through the narrow streets of the town and visit miniature shops.

Weather and Climate

The island of Lesvos in Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate - dry, hot summers and mild, rainy winters.

Summer begins in mid-May, the highest temperature - +36 degrees - is recorded in July and August. At this time, strong winds blow, often developing into storms.

From spring to autumn, the sun shines brightly on the island for 256 days - this is an excellent reason to choose Lesvos for a holiday. The highest water temperature is +25 degrees. There are also a lot of vacationers here in October, but they spend most of their time by the pool.

The air on the island is healing - saturated with the aroma of pine, and there are thermal springs next to Eftalu.

The island of Lesbos (Greece) is an amazing place where good weather and a unique atmosphere create ideal conditions for any vacation - romantic or family.

Watch the video to see what the beaches of Lesbos look like.

Description

Lesbos, Mytilene(Greek Λέσβος, Lezvos, or Μυτιλήνη) is a Greek island in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Area - 1632.81 km². It is the third largest island in Greece and the eighth largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, Corsica, Crete, Majorca and Euboea. The main city of the island is Mytilene.

Story

Lesbos in ancient times

The oldest sites of ancient man on the island date back to 500-200 thousand years ago. n.

The first known settlements (Fermi) on the island date back to the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC. e.

The oldest known native of the island is the poet Terpander (8th century BC).

At the end of the 7th and first half of the 5th century. BC e island of Lesbos was the place of life and creative work of several famous poets, including Sappho, Alcaeus and the semi-legendary Arion. Thanks to the work of Sappho, the name of the island is associated with the origin of the term “lesbian love,” meaning female homosexual passion.

Alcaeus, who dedicated love poems to Sappho, was included in the Nine Lyricists in the Alexandrian era. He introduced a special poetic meter into versification (Alcaeus stanza), later borrowed by Horace. Along with Horace, Cicero was an ardent admirer of Alcaeus' talent. The popularity of Alcaeus was greatly facilitated by the aphorism of his language when conveying poetic images (“They recognize a lion by its claws,” “Truth is in wine,” etc.). In addition, Alcaeus was known as a resistance fighter against Athenian rule and local tyranny.

Aristotle lived on the island of Lesbos for some time before he became a courtier to the Macedonian king Philip.

Presumably in the 2nd century, the writer Long lived on the island, who glorified the island in his novel Daphnis and Chloe.

In the Middle Ages, the island was captured by the Genoese and came into the possession of the Gattilusio family, whose representatives took the title of Archons of the Island of Lesvos (1355-1462).

In 1462, the island was captured by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. One of the participants in the Turkish conquest of Lesbos, the Turk or Turkified Albanian Jakub Agha, received land in the Lesbos village of Bonova. He became a merchant shipowner (known as Yakub-reis) and the father of the famous Turkish pirates Aruja Barbarossa and Khair-ed-din Barbarossa (natives of Lesbos).

At the end of 1912, during the Balkan Wars and the Greek liberation movement, the island was recaptured by the Greek Aegean fleet under the command of Pavlos Kountouriotis. After the First World War, according to the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, Lesbos was to go to Greece. However, as is known, the Treaty of Sèvres, which never actually came into force, de jure completely ceased to operate after the revision of its terms at the Lausanne Conference of 1923 (Treaty of Lausanne). Therefore, the island remained a disputed territory.

Some famous natives

Patriarch Benjamin (Psomiadis) - Patriarch of Constantinople.
Alcaeus is an ancient Greek poet, a representative of monodic melic (musical and song) lyrics.
Sappho is an ancient Greek poetess, a representative of monodic melika (song) lyrics.
Khair ad-Din Barbarossa (1475-1546) - Ottoman naval commander and Sultan of Algeria.
Iakovidis, Georgios (1853-1932) - Greek artist, founder and first director of the National Gallery of Greece.
German (Karavangelis) (1866-1935) - Metropolitan of the cities of Kastoria, and then Samsun, one of the main leaders of the struggle for the reunification of Macedonia with Greece, 1900-1908, led the self-defense of the Greeks of Pontus [southern Black Sea region] from Turkish persecution in 1908−1917 gg.
Geralis, Apostolos (1886-1983) - Greek artist of the 20th century.
Samaridis, Georgios (1911-1949) - Greek officer, chief of staff of the 1st and 2nd divisions of the People's Liberation Army of Greece during the Second World War, staff officer of the general staff of the Democratic Army of Greece and chief of staff of the Western Macedonian division during the Greek Civil War .

Temples and monasteries

Cathedral of Saint Athanasius in Mytilene. The temple is famous for its decoration, made in the post-Byzantine style of wood carving. The cathedral contains the relics of the martyr Theodore of Byzantium.
Monastery of the Archangel Michael. Known for the miraculous icon of the Archangel Michael.
Monastery of Saint Raphael. The monastery contains the relics of the martyrs Raphael, Nicholas, Irina and Olympias.
Limonos Monastery. During the years of Turkish rule, the monastery was the spiritual and educational center of Lesbos.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ayasos. In the temple there is the Ayas icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to legend, painted by the Apostle Luke.

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The main beaches are located at Skala Eresu, Mithymna and Petra.

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Nearest hotels (hotels, hostels, apartments, guest houses)

View all hotels in the area on the map

Five nearby hotels are shown above. Among them there are both regular hotels and hotels with several stars, as well as cheap accommodation - hostels, apartments and guest houses. These are usually private economy class mini-hotels. The hostel is a modern hostel. An apartment is a private apartment for daily rent, and a guest house is a large private house, where the owners themselves usually live and rent out rooms for guests. You can rent a guest house with an all-inclusive service, a bathhouse and other attributes of a good holiday. Check with the owners for details here.

Usually hotels are located closer to the city center, including inexpensive ones, near the metro or train station. But if this is a resort area, then the best mini-hotels, on the contrary, are located further from the center - on the seashore or river bank.

Nearest airports

Type	Name	Code	City	Code	Distance
Airport	Mytilene International Airport	M.J.T.	Mytilene (GR)	M.J.T.	7 km.
Airport	Edremit/korfez	EDO	Edremit (TR)	EDO	71 km.
Airport	Chios	JKH	Chios (GR)	JKH	94 km.
Airport	Cigli AB	I.G.L.	Izmir (TR)	IZM	106 km.
Airport	Adnan Menderes Airport	A.D.B.	Izmir (TR)	IZM	107 km.
Airport	Canakkale	CKZ	Canakkale (TR)	CKZ	115 km.
Airport	Ikaria	JIK	Ikaria (GR)	JIK	161 km.
Airport	Samos	SMI	Samos (GR)	SMI	161 km.
Airport	Balikesir	BZI	Balikesir (TR)	BZI	147 km.
Airport	Limnos	LXS	Lemnos (GR)	LXS	159 km.

The island of Lesbos became famous thanks to the poetess Sappho. What is interesting about Lesbos today, where to stay and what to see. Photos and reviews about the island.

Lesvos Island is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is known as the birthplace of the great Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess. Since ancient times, Lesbos has preserved the most beautiful Mediterranean groves, mysterious pine forests and healing thermal springs. And also a fairly mild climate, which many have.

Where to stay in Lesbos? There are tons of affordable housing options on the island!

Resort towns of Lesvos

The capital of Lesbos is the city of Mytilene, which is also the main port. Mytilene was formed on the site of the ancient city of the same name.

Not far south of the capital is the small town of Varia, famous for its collections in the Theofilos and Teriad museums, which are dedicated to the famous natives of Lesvos - the artist Hadjimikhail Theofilos and the philanthropist and publisher Stratis Eleftheriadi.

The amazing town of Vrefokratus is widely known for its miraculous icon, which, according to legend, was painted by Luke the Evangelist. And here, every year, in August, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is widely and noisily celebrated: musicians and pilgrims from all over the world are invited. The celebration of the Maslenitsa carnival is no less popular.

The town of Molyvos is famous for being the birthplace of the legendary ancient Greek poet Arion. According to legend, the ship on which he sailed was wrecked, and Arion was saved by dolphins who heard his singing. The ancient Byzantine fortress of Kastro, built by Francesco Gatellusi, rises above the city. Now it has been completely restored. In summer, it regularly hosts concerts and performances by local actors.

What else to see in Lesbos

The southern regions of the island of Lesbos are very colorful, and especially the peninsula located between the bays of Eras and Kaloni. These bays have very calm and warm water, due to the fact that the exit of the bays into the sea is impeded by narrow straits. The peninsula is home to the most beautiful mountain ranges, with the well-known highest mountain range, Olymbos, reaching 967 meters.

In the western part of Lesbos there is a bird nest and famous horse farms. Buses do not go to this region, so you will have to visit this picturesque side of the island by car, which, by the way, can be easily rented. One of the attractions of this area is the Ipsilu Monastery, located at the very top of the long-extinct Ordymnos volcano.

Since ancient times, the island of Lesvos has preserved the most beautiful Mediterranean groves and mysterious pine forests, healing thermal springs and a fairly mild climate.

The largest village in the west of Lesbos is Andisa, which was completely destroyed long ago by Roman troops, but has now been completely restored.

The northern part of Lesbos is much more picturesque than other areas. Olive groves stretch for many kilometers, green expanses of fields, pine forests and mountain ranges amaze with their pristine beauty.

In the ancient town of Mithymna there is the stunningly beautiful Molyvos Castle. To the east of the town of Mithymna stretches the Lepetimnos ridge with dozens of colorful small villages. It is worth stopping here to visit the Loutra Eftalou springs and the pebble beach at the settlement of Ayi Anaryri, the cute village of Klio, the magnificent pink volcanic sand beach and the village of Ypsilometopon, famous for its beautiful gardens.

On the island of Lesbos you can also see interesting natural monuments. For example, the famous stone forest near the village of Eresos. In it, the trunks of ancient trees, baked in the ashes of the volcano, are scattered throughout the surrounding area in fantastic poses.

You can have a great time in Lesvos, especially for those who dream of peace and relaxation in harmony with nature. After all, not many tourists visit it, so here you can find stunningly beautiful wild beaches and secluded places.

Traditional streets of Greek cities

Lesbos island on the map of Greece

Where to stay in Lesbos

Where to Stay in Lesvos: Cheap Hotels and Other Accommodation Options