Lesvos or Mytilini as it is referred to by Greeks, is known as the ouzo and olive oil island. The treasures produced here have surpassed the expectations of the producers and have spread their fame worldwide. The island of Lesbos is the largest in size in the Aegean Sea and attracts many tourists in the various seaside resorts that have been developed on the island with lovely hotels and restaurants. A respectable number of the visitors are lesbians who visit Skala Eressou, poetess Sappho’s birthplace.
The rich past of the island is evident. The past volcanic activity in the area has left on the island a treasury of prehistoric fossils and Lesbos is the only place outside of the USA with a petrified forest. Lesvos is a subject to Persians until their defeat by the Greeks at the Battle of Salamis (480 BC). Being involved in the Peloponnesian War as an ally to Athens and then to Sparta, the major cities of Lesbos have suffered several damages. In the Middle Ages Lesvos is part of the Byzantine Empire but passed to the Latin Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Lesbos was conquered again by the Byzantines and in the end was granted to the Gattilusi family of Genoa for economic and political reasons. The island went under Turkish rule in 1462 and remained so until 1912 when it was taken by Greek forces during the First Balkan War.
Lesbos spans an area of 1.632,8 sq. km. with a total population of 90.643 residents. The island is located near the Turkish coasts of the Gulf of Edremit. The islands closer to Lesvos are Limnos on the northwest and Chios on the south.
The natural hot springs of Lesvos have been well known since antiquity for their healing properties. For a relaxing yet therapeutic experience try Polychnitos which has the hottest natural springs in all of Europe. The island offers numerous choices of beaches but among the most famous ones are the unspoilt beach of Skala Eressos, Kalloni, Molyvos, Vatera and Gulf of Yera. The main city of Lesbos island is Mytilene and the Fortress built on the top of the hill is worth a visit as it is one of the strongest medieval castles in Eastern Mediterranean.
Some 11 million olive trees cover the land of Lesvos Island which also produces half of the world’s ouzo, the famous sweet anise flavoured Greek aperitif. Another local product are the sardines of Kalloni.
By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Pireaus Port in Athens.
Police: +30 22510 41911
Tourist Police: +30 22510 22776
Port Authorities of Mytilene: +30 22510 40827
Airport: +30 22510 38700
Local Buses Services: +30 22510 46436
Hospital: +30 22510 43777From April to October. There are several festivals taking place during summer.