Travel Eye on Lesbos (North East Aegean Islands, Greece)

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Overview:

Lesbos in Greece is the largest island of the North-Eastern Aegean. It is a very attractive and beautiful island with wonderful beaches, picturesque villages, friendly inhabitants, thermal springs and interesting architecture.

After Crete and Evia, the third largest of the Greek islands is very green, with no shortage of water yet in constant danger of forest fires.

Despite tourism, the inhabitants of the island of Lesbos have kept their tradition and customs. Lesbos is famous for its excellent ouzo and for being the birthplace of the female poet Sappho.

Its old harbour and nearby market are pleasant, however. Most tourism is centred on SKALA KALLONIS, the most central town, PETRA and MOLYVOS (Mithimna) in the NW, PLOMARI in the S and ERESSOS to the SW. The people are friendly, and it would be fair to say that tourism has not yet spoilt the island; although it is a major business it is not the main source of income.

This island has everything from luxury hotel complexes to small family-run establishments, simple B&Bs, apartments, studios and basic campsites. This area appeals to all types and there is plenty to do for familes, couples and singles.

Locality:

Lesbos is in the north east Aegean Sea, only 7 miles off the Turkish coast (120 mls N of Samos and 165 mls E of Skopelos. Mitilini, the main town and harbour, is 5 mls NW of Lesbos airport) .

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to:

The beaches on Lesbos are mainly rocky, or gritty sand. Skala Kallonis and Skala Eressou are more sandy than others. Petra, Molyvos and Eftalou are mainly gritty. Other beaches at Mitilini, Plomari, Vatera, Skala Polychnitou and Sigri. Golden Beach beyond Eftalou is reached by footpath. Water sports available at most also with a choice of plentiful bars and tavernas and refreshment stals..

The shopping here is unsophisticated, offering a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts. Leather, jewellery, ceramics; olive oil, ouzo, traditional cheeses are all the local speciality goods.

During the daytime activities include water sports, sightseeing, abundant monasteries, historic churches, Roman rubble, museums, the famous petrified forest at Eressos on W coast, caves and medieval hilltop castle at Molyvos, bird-watching on salt plains near Skala Kallonis, taking the waters at the thermal springs. There are also other activities such as Horse riding, tennis and volleyball at most resorts.

The nightlife here more low-key than the more popular islands, although still with its own complement of discos, restaurants, bars and tavernas. There are one or two cinemas. There are traditional festivals from time to time.

Restaurants here are of high-quality, abundant seafood is more reasonably priced than on most islands. Emphasis on traditional Greek fare, plus international choices or fast food (including souvlaki, pizzas and hamburgers).