Lesbos (Midilli)

🏝️ Lesbos (Lesvos) – The Authentic Greek Island Escape 🇬🇷

📍 Location: Northern Aegean Sea, just a few nautical miles from Ayvalik, Turkey
🌿 Famous for: Olive oil, ouzo, unspoiled nature & traditional Greek villages

🌟 Why Visit Lesbos?
✔️ Greece’s 3rd largest island with 370 km of stunning coastline 🏖️
✔️ Untouched by mass tourism – Experience authentic Greek culture 🎭
✔️ Ancient history & culture – Home of Sappho & Alkaios 📜
✔️ Famous for olive oil & ouzo – Some of the world’s best! 🫒🍾
✔️ Petrified forest & unique natural beauty 🌲🌅

🏛️ Top Attractions on Lesbos Island

1️⃣ Mytilene – The Island’s Capital & Cultural Heart 🎭
✔️ A lively city built on 7 hills with stunning sea views 🌊
✔️ Gateluzzi Castle – 14th-century Venetian fortress overlooking the harbor 🏰
✔️ Ermou Street – The main shopping district, filled with handmade crafts, textiles & spices 🛍️
✔️ Byzantine Churches & Neoclassical Mansions – A mix of Greek, Turkish & Venetian architecture
✔️ Maritime & Archaeological Museums – Uncover Lesbos’ rich history 🏺
✔️ Vibrant nightlife, seafront tavernas & coffee houses ☕🍷

📍 Best for: History lovers, shopping, nightlife
⏳ Best time to visit: Late afternoon for the sunset along the promenade

2️⃣ Molyvos (Mithymna) – The Fairytale Town 🏰
✔️ Ancient city dating back to the Bronze Age 🏺
✔️ Byzantine Castle of Mithymna – Stunning panoramic views of the Aegean 🌅
✔️ Charming stone-paved alleys & wooden houses 🏡
✔️ Local markets selling handmade crafts & olive oil
✔️ Fishing port with traditional seafood tavernas 🦞

📍 Best for: Romantic walks, history, photography

3️⃣ Petra – The Seaside Paradise 🏖️
✔️ Golden sandy beach with crystal-clear waters 🌊
✔️ Perfect for swimming, snorkeling & sunbathing ☀️
✔️ Scenic cobbled streets & traditional tavernas
✔️ Home to a historic Ouzo Distillery – Try authentic Greek ouzo! 🍾

📍 Best for: Beach lovers, couples, foodies

4️⃣ Kaloni – Sardine & Nature Capital 🐟
✔️ Known for its world-famous sardines & fresh seafood 🦞
✔️ Kaloni Bay – Stunning landscapes surrounded by olive groves
✔️ Birdwatching paradise – Flamingos, herons & rare migratory birds 🦩
✔️ Annual Sardine Festival in August – Free ouzo & sardine tastings! 🍷🐟

📍 Best for: Foodies, nature lovers, birdwatching

5️⃣ Petrified Forest – A UNESCO Geological Wonder 🌳
✔️ Fossilized trees dating back over 20 million years 🌲
✔️ One of the world’s most significant petrified forests
✔️ Nature trails, breathtaking cliffs & rare flora 🌿

📍 Location: Western Lesbos, near Sigri Village
⏳ Best time to visit: Morning (to avoid the midday heat)

6️⃣ Eressos – Birthplace of Sappho 🏝️
✔️ Charming seaside village with laid-back vibes
✔️ Known for being the birthplace of poet Sappho
✔️ Long sandy beaches, fresh seafood & bohemian atmosphere

📍 Best for: Poets, writers, & those looking for a relaxing retreat

🏖️ Best Beaches on Lesbos Island
🌊 Vatera Beach – The Longest Beach in Lesbos
✔️ Over 8 km of golden sand & turquoise waters
✔️ Best beach for water sports & swimming

📍 Location: Southern Lesbos

🌊 Agios Isidoros Beach – Crystal Clear & Tranquil
✔️ One of the cleanest beaches in Greece
✔️ Ideal for families & snorkeling

📍 Location: 3 km from Plomari

🌊 Skala Eresou Beach – Bohemian Vibes
✔️ Surrounded by mountains & nature
✔️ Popular with artists, writers & free spirits

📍 Location: Near Eressos

🍽️ What to Eat on Lesbos?
🫒 Olive Oil & Olive-Based Dishes – Lesbos is known for its high-quality olive oil
🐟 Grilled Sardines – Famous Kaloni sardines 🐟
🍋 Ouzo – Greece’s best ouzo is made in Lesbos! 🍾
🧀 Ladotyri Cheese – A sheep’s milk cheese aged in olive oil 🧀

📍 Best Restaurants on Lesbos:
✔️ Taverna Vafios (Molyvos) – Traditional Greek dishes with a sea view
✔️ Octopus Restaurant (Petra) – Fresh seafood & meze
✔️ To Steki (Mytilene) – Famous for grilled sardines & ouzo

🚢 How to Get to Lesbos?

🚢 By Ferry:
✔️ From Ayvalık, Turkey – 1-hour ferry ride ⛴️
✔️ From Athens (Piraeus) – 10-12 hours 🛳️
✔️ From Thessaloniki, Greece – 9-10 hours

🛫 By Air:
✔️ Mytilene International Airport (MJT) – Direct flights from Athens, Thessaloniki & some European cities ✈️

🚖 Getting Around Lesbos:
✔️ Car Rental – Best for exploring remote villages 🚗
✔️ Public Buses – Connects major towns & beaches 🚌
✔️ Taxis & Boat Tours – Ideal for short distances & island hopping 🚖⛴️

🏨 Where to Stay on Lesbos?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ Elysion Boutique Hotel (Mytilene) – 5-star comfort & stunning sea views
✔️ Olive Green Villas (Molyvos) – Traditional stone villas in olive groves

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Theofilos Paradise Boutique Hotel (Mytilene) – Stylish & centrally located
✔️ Hotel Defkalion (Petra) – Cozy, beachfront hotel

🏡 Budget:
✔️ Gera’s Olive Grove (Plomari) – Rustic & peaceful stay 🏡
✔️ Vatera Beach Hotel (Vatera) – Affordable & right on the beach

🏆 Why Lesbos is a Must-Visit
✔️ Authentic Greek island untouched by mass tourism 🏝️
✔️ Incredible history – from Sappho to medieval castles 🏛️
✔️ Diverse landscapes – mountains, beaches, & petrified forests 🌳🏖️
✔️ World-famous olive oil & ouzo production 🫒🍾
✔️ Easy access from both Greece & Turkey 🚢