If you are looking for a vacation where you will be full of green and experience all the peace that island life has to offer, Lesvos Island is for you. With its abundance of cultural and artistic activities on the one hand and its healing waters on the other, Lesvos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. When you first step into Lesvos, you will realize that every shade of green is present on this island. Its geography covered with olive and fruit trees has an inspiring side that has been home to many important poets, writers and intellectuals since the history of the island. Terpandros, the creator of lyric poetry, Pittakos, one of the 7 sages of the ancient world, Sappho, whom Plato referred to as the 10th muse, and many more were born on this island. Even Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, the famous sailor of the Ottoman period, was from Lesvos.
If you have plans for Lesvos, we have a small reminder. The island is quite big because it is mountainous. Therefore, if you are planning to go for a day trip or if you are traveling for the weekend, it will not be enough. Our recommendation is to spend at least 4-5 days.
How to get to Lesvos Island, which flavors to taste, what places to visit; all in this guide! Let us remind you before we start our article: To explore Zurich step by step with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide!
Where is Lesvos Island?
Levbos Island is an island of Greece in the Aegean Sea. It is located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, very close to the western coast of Turkey. Mytilene, a mountainous island, is very close to Ayvalık and Burhaniye.
How to Go to Lesvos Island?
You can reach Lesvos from Turkey by ferry from three different places. Especially from the center of Ayvalık, there is a ferry every day, regardless of summer and winter. Let’s make a small warning here. There are many people coming from Mytilene every Thursday to the market in the center of Ayvalık. We recommend that you buy a ticket with this information in mind, especially in the summer months. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes. Apart from that, ferries also depart from Küçükkuyu and Dikili in the summer months. You may be wondering if a visa is required to the island of Lesvos. Lesvos is one of the islands that apply visa at the door. Therefore, it is relatively easier to go.
Another method is to fly directly from Athens to Lesvos. If you prefer to travel by sea, there are also sea buses from Athens. However, the journey can take a very long time compared to Ayvalık.
What to Eat İn Lesvos Island?
The island of Lesvos stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich culinary culture. The exquisite olive oil obtained from the island’s lush olive groves turns every dish it touches into a feast of flavor. The island is also the birthplace of the famous Greek drink Ouzo. Especially the Ouzo factories in the Plomari region have made a name for themselves with their quality production.
You can find a journey of flavor starting with seafood and continuing with olive oil dishes in Lesvos. At the same time, the cheeses of the island are among the flavors you should definitely try. Gravier cheese made from goat and sheep’s milk, Kashkaval cheese, Feta, Mitzithra and Anthotiro reflect the richness of Mytilene’s cheese. Trying these cheeses with Mytilene’s unique seafood is a way to fully explore the flavors of the island. Another flavor you must try is Kalloni sardines. Served as an appetizer and unique to Lesvos, this delicacy has a worldwide reputation.
The Origin of Lesvos Island's Name
There is more than one story about the origin of the English (Lesbos) and Ancient Greek (Lésbos) names of Lesvos. The earliest reference to Lesvos in Greek texts comes from the poetry of Homer, who described Lesbos as ‘well built’.
Another rumor is that the name of the island comes from the poems of the Mytilene poet Sappho. The word ‘Lesbian’ means from the island of Lesvos. There are those who think that the word ‘lesbian’ we know also comes from here. The reason they use this word is Sappho, who wrote about her love for women in her poems. Unfortunately, most of Sappho’s poems were burned and have not survived. But this is what most historians believe.
Places to Visit in Lesvos
Mytilene
The town of Mytilene is the capital of the island and is built amphitheatrically between seven hills. The unique texture of the town makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1950s Greece. It is the artistic and commercial center of the island with its historic buildings, monuments and delicious restaurants. The jewel of the city is Mytilene Castle, built in the 6th century. The castle is also one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean region. Ermaou Street and Sappho Square, built for Sappho, are among the places you should definitely visit. The capital also hosts the Mytilene Festival every year and the Ouzo Festival in summer.
Archaeological Museum of Lesvos
The Archaeological Museum of Lesvos is divided into two parts, the new and the old building. The old building is near the harbor and once served as the home of the Achilleas Vournazos family. It houses tombstones, fragments of ancient temples, relief sculptures, marble or stone statues, coins, heavy objects of daily use, jewelry and finds from excavations in the cave of St. Bartholomew.
The new building is within walking distance of the old one. Among the artifacts on display are mosaic floors of ancient Roman villas, everyday objects and sculptures of a religious character.
Ancient Theater of Lesvos
Another place you should see in Lesvos is the Ancient Theater of Lesvos. The ancient theater was once one of the largest in Greece during the Hellenistic period. Big enough to hold 15,000 spectators, the theater was built on a hill between 300 and 100 BC. It is not known exactly when and by whom the theater was built.
Moni Limonos
Moni Limonos is the largest and most important monastery in Lesvos. Close to the village of Kalloni, the monastery is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and was founded during the Byzantine period. Today, the monastery houses an important library with 5,000 books dating back to the 15th century, rare manuscripts, religious objects, reign edicts, sacred icons, jewelry and many other exhibits. The monastery also hosts a festival every year on October 8.
Molivos
The town of Molivos is one of the most special towns on the island. This medieval town stands out for its beach, Greek tavernas, natural beauty and preserved texture. The narrow streets winding around traditional stone houses, Ottoman-style fountains and beautiful mansions make it a delightful town to walk through. When you visit the town, be sure to see Molivos Castle, the symbol of Molivos. The castle was built on the ruins of the ancient Mithymna Castle from the 13th century. The view overlooking the Aegean Sea is especially impressive. There are also numerous archaeological collections on display in the castle. You should also visit Sigri Castle, which dates back to Ottoman times. Finally, a few kilometers outside Molivos is Eftalou, with beautiful isolated beaches. We recommend it if you are looking for a quiet place to swim.
Bonus: An Overlooked Experience - Myrmigi
Lesvos is considered one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Greece. It offers a more enjoyable experience as it is usually less crowded with tourists than other places. Especially Myrmigi in the northwest is ideal for diving.
If you are looking for more Greek island inspiration, check out our guide on the best Islands in Greece.
