Lesbos: The Cultural and Gastronomic Continent of the Aegean
Lesbos (Lesvos) is the third-largest island in Greece and feels more like a small continent than an island. Known as the birthplace of the poet Sappho and the global capital of Ouzo, Lesbos is an island of incredible biodiversity, fossilized forests, and massive Byzantine castles. In 2026, it remains a destination for the true traveler—someone who wants to get lost in mountain villages, soak in thermal springs, and experience a culinary tradition that is second to none in the Aegean.
Things to know about Lesbos
Geographically, Lesbos is located in the northeastern Aegean and is dominated by two massive, narrow-mouthed gulfs: Gera and Kalloni. Historically, it was a major center of art and literature in antiquity. An ideal trip length is 10-14 days. It is famous for its 11 million olive trees, the Petrified Forest of Sigri (a UNESCO Global Geopark), and the world-renowned Ouzo of Plomari.
Top attractions in Lesbos
The Petrified Forest of Sigri
One of the rarest natural monuments in the world, these fossilized trees were created by volcanic activity 20 million years ago. Walking through the park, you can see standing trunks with their root systems still intact. The Natural History Museum in Sigri provides a world-class explanation of this geological wonder.
Mytilene Town and Castle
The capital is a vibrant city with a rich Ottoman and neoclassical heritage. The Castle of Mytilene is one of the largest in the Mediterranean, featuring underground crypts, Ottoman baths, and Byzantine walls. The waterfront (Prokymaia) is lined with grand buildings and bustling ‘ouzeris’.
Molyvos (Mithymna)
Widely considered the most beautiful village on the island, Molyvos is a protected settlement of stone houses and purple-flowered wisteria alleys. It is topped by a majestic Byzantine castle and offers a sunset view that is legendary in the Aegean.
Plomari: The Ouzo Capital
Plomari is the home of Greek Ouzo. This traditional seaside town is filled with distilleries (like Barbayanni and Isidoros Arvanitis). You can visit the Ouzo museums to learn about the distillation process and enjoy a glass with local ‘kalloni’ sardines in the town’s vibrant squares.
Agiasos Mountain Village
Located on the slopes of Mount Olympus, Agiasos is a green paradise of chestnut and plane trees. It is a center of pottery and woodcarving, famous for the Church of Panagia and its traditional cafes where time seems to have stood still for a century.
The Gulf of Kalloni and Birdwatching
The shallow waters of the Kalloni Gulf are a major stop for migratory birds. In the spring and autumn, the salt pans (Alykes) are filled with flamingos, storks, and rare avocets, making Lesbos one of the premier birdwatching destinations in Europe.
Eftalou Thermal Springs
Located near Molyvos, these historic thermal baths sit right on the edge of the sea. You can soak in the hot mineral water and then jump into the cool Aegean. It is a site of total relaxation and natural healing.
Petra Village and Panagia Glykofilousa
The village of Petra is named after the massive rock (Petra) that sits in its center. Topped by the church of Panagia Glykofilousa, you must climb 114 steps to reach it. The panoramic view of the coastline from the top is breathtaking.
Vatera Beach
One of the longest sandy beaches in Greece (8km), Vatera features crystal-clear, deep blue water. It is so large that it never feels crowded, providing a perfect spot for those seeking space and natural beauty.
The Monastery of Agios Raphael
A major pilgrimage site located near Thermi. The monastery is built on a site with layers of history and is dedicated to the martyrs Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene. It is a place of immense spiritual energy and beautiful religious art.
Island-hopping from Lesbos
Lesbos is the main hub for the Northern Aegean. Its port in Mytilene serves daily ferries to Piraeus (9-12 hours) and Chios (3 hours). It is also connected to Lemnos, Samos, and Kavala. International ferries run daily to Ayvalik, Turkey (1.5 hours). Mytilene International Airport (MJT) offers frequent flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as seasonal flights to Europe.
