Adventure seekers, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts will find paradise on Lesvos, the third largest island in Greece. Whether you’re exploring the pottery-filled village of Agiasos in the south, the ancient towns of Petra and Mithymna in the north, the Petrified Forest in the west, or the neoclassical architecture of Mytilene in the east, Lesvos offers activities and sights for all types of travelers.
The island is also renowned for its delicious food, beaches, adventure opportunities, and wildlife. Recently, like its neighbor Chios to the south, Lesvos faced challenges due to the refugee crisis. The island’s close proximity to Turkey made it a primary destination for refugees seeking better lives in Europe. The residents of Lesvos were supportive, providing essentials like blankets, shelter, and food while helping with registration processes at administration centers. Unfortunately, this generosity led to economic hardship as many airlines, tours, and cruise ships halted services to the island.
Fortunately, the situation has improved, and more flights are now returning to Lesvos. When we visited in June, we noticed many tourists happily exploring the villages and enjoying seafood at local tavernas. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, the islands in the Aegean, especially Lesvos, are unique and stunning. The locals are incredibly welcoming and deserving of your tourism support.
Our journey through Greece ended at Lesvos, and while we couldn’t wait to discover the island, it was bittersweet knowing our adventure was nearing its end. We arrived in Mytilene, the colorful capital, after an easy ferry trip from Chios. The city is brimming with cafes, shops, and restaurants along cobbled streets. The harbor is surrounded by beautiful mansions, churches, museums, all in neoclassical style, and the grand Castle of Mytilene, which dominates the city and is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.
With a rental car, we explored Lesvos and drove an hour from the port to the picturesque Petra village, where we marveled at the church of Glykfylousa Panagia perched atop a rocky mound. Our boutique hotel, Archontiko Petras 1821, was charming and beautifully decorated, offering us a comfortable stay with its high ceilings, king-sized bed, and antique furniture. The hotel featured two common areas, a well-stocked community kitchen, and a lovely garden-view balcony.
Petra was built around a sandy bay lined with cafes, bars, hotels, and tavernas, providing free sunbeds for customers. While most tourists congregate around the sea, the quieter backstreets offer a peaceful retreat. Petra served as an ideal base for exploring Lesvos, and soon we visited neighboring Molyvos and the Eftalou hot springs.
Molyvos is captivating, with its castle overlooking the town. We wandered the back lanes, greeted by friendly locals along the way, and reached the impressive Byzantine Castle with breathtaking views. Although we missed the opening hours, the exterior views were stunning. After exploring the town, we headed to the healing hot springs of Eftalou. The hot springs, known for their therapeutic benefits, offered a unique and relaxing experience.
Lesvos continued to amaze us with its rich history, natural wonders, and charming villages. We decided to explore the sea, both on and under the water. Lesvos, shaped by volcanic activity, has unique landscapes both above and below the water. Nick, an experienced scuba diver, had his first Greek diving experience with George from Lesvos Scuba Diving Center and George from Alternative Sailing. The collaboration between these two companies allowed us to sail and dive in one incredible day.
Aboard the Salona 42′ boat, we enjoyed a thrilling sail with captain George and his wife Mirella. We moored behind a rocky island, where Nick embarked on a dive to explore ancient rock formations, while I helped prepare lunch. The dive was magnificent, even without abundant sea life. The volcanic rock formations were fascinating, and Nick spotted an octopus and a lobster.
Back on the boat, we savored a meal of fresh octopus, salads, pasta, and sea urchins, enjoying great conversation and the stunning scenery. Reflecting on our Lesvos adventure, we were grateful for the wonderful people we met and the memorable experiences we had. Lesvos was the perfect finale to our Greek journey, full of ancient charm, delectable cuisine, and new friends.
