How about discovering the Emerald Isle? Follow the guide to Lesbos, a land of unique natural and multicultural heritage!
Lesbos is the third-largest Greek island in terms of surface area, after Crete and Evia. Also known as Mytilene, after its capital, it lies in the Aegean Sea, just fifteen kilometers from Turkey. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, it is covered in trees, including more than 11 million olive trees.
As well as its exceptional flora and fauna, Lesbos is also special because of its history. Invaded many times, its architecture is a cultural testimony to these many passages. Finally, it’s impossible to visit Lesbos without mentioning the poetess Sappho. Plato’s muse, she long inspired his poems, of which only fragments remain today.
So, if you’re wondering what to do on Lesbos to discover its wonders, follow the guide to discover our must-sees!
1. The petrified forest
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PNIK
The ecosystems that symbolize the area, the sites that protect the Petrified Forest, open our guide. It has to be said that a visit to Lesbos includes this timeless stopover. Just look at the origins of these spectacular remains… 18 million years ago, part of the island was covered in volcanic matter, causing all the elements to petrify.
Today, the fossils are a Unesco World Heritage Site. The various sites have been set up so that tourists can discover this fascinating part of Lesbos’ history. There are three of them.
The petrified forest of Sigri
Sigri covers an area of 30,000 square metres. Featuring the uncovered roots of petrified trees, it is home to the Petrified Forest Natural History Museum. An instructive interlude, allowing visitors to learn a little more about the history of this phenomenon.
The petrified forest of Plaka
Covering almost 70,000 square meters, the Plaka forest is home to a surprising tree. A being frozen in time, with breathtaking dimensions! And with good reason: its 13.7-meter trunk is said to be the largest in the world to have remained standing after such an event.
The petrified forest of Nissiopi
This part of the Petrified Forest of Lesbos is located on an islet. Here, you can take a stroll and admire the many fossils. In addition to these terrestrial relics, Nissiopi is also famous for its seabed, accessible by boat. Aboard a transparent floor, visitors discover another world, also affected by the natural disaster on Lesbos. A visit like no other!
2. Molyvos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PNIK
Molyvos, also known as Méthymna or Mithymna, is located some 60 km from Mytilène, to the north of Lesbos. It is reputed to be one of the prettiest villages in the whole of Greece. Its houses have been built on a hill, like an amphitheatre. Just above it, the famous Kastro reigns supreme. Visible for miles around, the Kastro of Molyvos is famous for its ramparts and breathtaking panorama.
3. Petra
Photo credit: Shutterstock – agean
Located on the west side of the island, Petra invites you to experience the authentic. Stroll through its narrow streets in search of the Vareltzidaina houses, typical of the Byzantine era. These can be visited for the modest sum of €2 and promise to explain the reason for their presence on the island. The next stop is Panagia Glykofinoussia. After 114 steps, the church awaits you for a short visit before enjoying a superb panoramic view of the surrounding area of Petra.
Feeling peckish? Head for the women’s cooperative. Perfect for lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves traditional, homemade dishes. A must when visiting Lesbos!
4. Ouzo distillery
Photo credit: Facebook – Ouzo Barbayanni (Ούζο Βαρβαγιάννη)
If you’re wondering what to do on Lesbos in terms of local produce, you should know that the island is above all considered to be the home of Ouzo. So, if you’re heading for Plomari, in the very south of Lesbos, stop off at the distillery. On the program: museography, multimedia and a guided tour of the tradition. The icing on the cake is a tasting session at the end of the tour.
5. Mytilene
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejdet Duzen
The island’s capital, Mytilene, is well worth a visit. Its archaeological museums and famous Kastro give it a unique character. This same cultural and cosmopolitan imprint can be found in every corner of the city. Stroll through the narrow streets of the ancient Byzantine capital, right up to the acoustic theater, another symbol of the area.
6. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nejdet Duzen
If you’re visiting Lesbos, why not take advantage of a lovely boat trip? Renting a boat in Lesbos will allow you to discover the magnificent Greek coastline.
From the Mediterranean, you can observe the sublime flora of the island and its two mounts (Olympus and Lepetymnos), while sailing on a turquoise sea that reveals its seabed. So whether you’re sailing alone or accompanied by a skipper, don’t hesitate to enjoy a relaxing day off the Greek coast.
7. The Eressos region
Photo credit: Shutterstock – yiannisscheidt
Legend has it that Eressos was the birthplace of the poetess Sappho. This is also where you’ll find one of the island’s prettiest beaches, Skala Eresos. If you’re wondering what to do on Lesbos with your feet in the water, head for this little jewel, appreciated for its snorkeling sessions.
8. Iera Moni Limonos monastery
Photo credit: Flickr – Britt-Marie Sohlström
Iera Moni Limonos is an indisputable landmark of Lesbos’ religious heritage. Built in 1526 in the Kalloni region, it is known as a local pilgrimage site with important relics. But Iera Moni Limonos is also, and above all, a veritable Pandora’s box… And with good reason: the monastery houses a library containing over 2,500 books and 450 manuscripts. True Byzantine and Ottoman treasures!
9. Mount Olympus and Mount Lepetymnos
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andreas Katifes
What can you do on Lesbos if you’re a keen hiker? Don’t hesitate to climb Mount Olympus and Mount Lepetymnos. Mount Olympus, at over 900 meters, offers one of the island’s finest panoramic views. Mount Lepetymnos, meanwhile, is home to hot springs.
10. The bird-watching station
Photo credit: Shutterstock – tony mills
What can you do on Lesbos to discover the local wildlife? Visit the birdwatching station at Iera Moni Leimonos, in Kalloni Bay. In spring, you can take the time to study bird migration in this area, known for its eco-responsible tourism.
11. Museums
Photo credit: Facebook – Tériade Museum of Modern Art
Visiting Lesbos means adding a few cultural highlights to your discovery. Like the museums that tell the story of the island from so many different angles! Here’s a selection:
- The Byzantine Museum in Mytilene.
- La Tériade, also in Mytilène, showcases drawings and lithographs by Le Corbusier, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse and many others.
- The Theophilos Museum features works by the eponymous artist from Lesbos.
How do I get to Lesbos?
Now you’re convinced that Lesbos will be your next destination. Now all you have to do is find out how to get there.
By plane from France or Athens
The first solution: get there by plane. Lesbos has an international airport. Depending on your point of departure, you may be able to land there directly. Otherwise, you’ll simply have to make a stopover in Athens. Whatever your destination, remember to plan ahead to save money on flights. To do this, go to Ulysse: depending on your departure dates/places and other criteria, the comparator selects the best current offers.
By ferry from Greece
If you prefer to go by sea, there are several ferry connections to Lesbos. For example, if you leave from Athens (Piraeus), it’s a good ten-hour journey to Lesbos.
Are you on another Greek island and want to reach Lesbos? The Emerald Isle is served from Chios, Kavala, Agios Kirikos, Evdilos, Fournoi, Karlovassi, Mykonos and Syros.
See ferries between Greece and Lesbos
Getting around Lesbos
If you want to visit Lesbos at your own pace, renting a car or scooter is absolutely essential. Just visit one of the many rental agencies at Mytilene airport.
Where to stay on Lesbos?
Accommodation on Lesbos is relatively straightforward. The accommodation on offer is vast and relatively well distributed throughout the island. If you’re planning a tour of the island, don’t hesitate to book several pied-à-terre throughout your stay. That way, you won’t have to travel long distances staying in one place. To do this, consider using a hotel comparator or a rental site like Airbnb: a good way to gauge the places and prices on offer!
The best-known and most popular tourist towns are Mytilene and Molyvos. If you’re in the mood for a festive evening, the capital is the place to be. For a little more peace and quiet, choose Petra over Molyvos. In the very south of the island, Plomari is a quiet seaside resort where you can relax for a few days.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Lesbos