Lesvos map Greece – Detailed map of Lesvos island – Lesvos travel information
welcome to island of Lesvos – GREECE
Lesvos or Lesbos lies among the Aegean islands in the north east, close to the Turkish mainland. Greek Islands in this part of the world are a long way from the mainland and, in general, a long way from each other. Lesvos has the advantage of having its own airport and so avoids the long ferry journeys that most of the others entail. Big and beautiful, Lesvos, It is the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia and, in parts at least, has its arms stretched wide to embrace the package tourist market.
As yet though, olive oil and ouzo are still the more important commodities in the local economy. The islanders also have a strong and proud identity of their own that is marked by its long cultural traditions. For the visitor, the attractions may not be as many nor the landscape as lovely as some of the other Greek islands. But Lesvos is quietly impressive especially to those looking to experience the delights of more provincial Greek life where villages and resorts can have remarkably different and individual characters. Specific attractions are sightseeing, quaint villages and some splendid beaches.
MYTILINI is Lesvos island capital and a big, messy and noisy port of some 30,000 people (a third of the island’s total population). It has its grim side, especially in industrial areas dominated by tall, belching chimneys of the olive oil refineries. The waterfront, though noisy and crowded, is very pleasant with a double harbour separated by a 6th century castle-topped headland. The southern harbour takes all the tourist ferry traffic while the northern one has suffered neglect, though there are recent signs of a cleanup.
The city’s main attractions remain its castle and a wealth of good museums. The castle, founded in the 6th century and rebuilt by the Genoese in the late 14th, has buildings from all periods as well as the remains of a Roman cistern and some Turkish prison cells. Entrance charges are moderate for a glimpse of some fine Roman sculptures and mosaics plus a nice display of jewellery. Popular concerts are held here in the summer and attractive picnic tables perch in the pines below.
MOLIVOS or MOLYVOS is the main holiday destination on Lesvos island and a spectacularly beautiful one. Solid grey stone houses are topped with red tiled roofs and many old timbered buildings have been meticulously restored. The market in the centre is shaded by lovely wisteria though full of tourist trinket shops. Steep, cobbled and traffic-free streets lead up to an imposing Genoese fortress that is romantically illuminated at night. Down from the market is a narrow, cobbled main street, again overhung with vines and flowers and stuffed with craft shops, artists galleries and souvenir sellers. Tavernas along here have superb views over the sea so expect to pay more for a meal.