Lesvos is one of the Greek islands located in the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest of the Greek islands and covers just over 600 square miles with nearly 200 miles of beautiful coastline. The island of Lesvos faces the Turkish coast and is separated from Turkey by the Mytilini Strait. The island is heavily forested with several hot springs located around its triangular shape. The island has long been known as a center for artistic and philosophical achievement with many innovative ideas.
The island is nicknamed the Emerald Island of Greece as it is verdant and lush and there are over 11 million olive trees that cover nearly 40% of the island. Located on the western portion of the island is the world’s second largest petrified forest of Sequoia. Lesvos has a temperate Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 64 °F. The island is known for its sunshine with very little rainfall and it is actually one of the sunniest islands located in the Aegean Sea.
The main town on Lesvos is Mytilini. It is the capital of the island and the also the main port. The large town is built around two harbors. One of the must see of Mytilini is the castle. It was originally built during the early Byzantine Empire and was renovated during the 14th century. To experience the history of the island one should visit Northern Lesvos. Here you will find the beautifully preserved traditional town of Mithymna. Nearby is the beach resort town of Petra which is located a mere 3 miles from Mithymna. Western Lesvos is a popular destination for lesbian tourists. They often travel here as a pilgrimage to Sappho a great poet of ancient Greece. The beach resort of Skala Eresou is located here and is built over ancient Eresos where it is purported that Sappho was born in 628 BC. The island has many offerings for the traveler and is a perfect destination spot for soaking up the sun and exploring.
