|
Welcome to Lesvos in the North Aegean group of Greek Islands. One of the larger islands, Lesvos (capital, Mytilini) is in the North-eastern Aegean group of islands. It is also commonly written in the Latin alphabet as Lesbos. Like many of the Greek islands it is mountainous and rugged in parts, together with other, fertile areas. Its climate and soil support large numbers of olive groves and the island has a reputation for producing some of the best Greek olive oil in its numerous refineries. Interesting features of its southern coastline are the 2 virtually landlocked gulfs: the Gulf of Kalloni and the Gulf of Yera. The island shares the similar history of invasion, occupation and, often, oppression that so many of the Greek islands have. The island's cultural history is also just as impressive and lengthy; In the 6th century BC Lesvos was a centre for the arts and philosophy. The musical composer, Terpaner, was born on the island in the 7th century BC, as was the poet Arion, who's work is said to have influenced that of such great figures as Sophocles and Euripides. Aristotle and Epicurus are both said to have taught at the School of Philosophy, on the island, in the 4th century BC. Another great name from Greek history, the poetess, Sappho, was born on Lesvos in the 7th century BC. Throughout the centuries of invasion and occupation that followed, the island maintained a position of importance in the world of the arts. It was the birthplace of the painter Theophilos in 1866 and the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Odysseus Elytis. Now, in the first decade of the 21st century, the island still promotes ground-breaking new ideas and is the centre for the University of the Aegean. Lesvos is not only a beach-resort holiday destination; it has much more to offer. The island has well organised trekking trails for walkers; bird-watchers will find that there are almost 300 species of birds of all classes and the island offers 4 main observation points for the visiting bird-watcher. Tourists will not be disappointed in the number of museums and ancient sites to visit. Mytilini is the capital and Port of Lesvos and has many interesting and characterful backstreets and shops. It is also home to several museums including the Byzantine Museum, and the Theophilos Museum dedicated to the work of the artist. In northern Lesvos can be found the town of Mithymna, Mytilini's rival for importance in the 6th century. Today it is of both historical and modern importance on the island. Pretty and neat. the town lies on the slopes between the castle on its high vantage point and the harbour below. Not far away is the coastal town of Petra which offers a long, sandy beach but has not succumbed to excessive tourist development, retaining its own character. The western part of the island is emptier, and more arid, with a landscape almost bare of trees. Strangely, this is where the visitor can find the 'petrified forest'. In this 'forest' have been found the fossilised remains of a vast number of animals, fish, plants and snails dating from up to five and a half million years ago. Seen as one of the most important sites ever to be found it is thought that the area was originally a lake, surrounded by forests which, together, supported a tremendous variety of pre-historic life. The pine covered slopes of Mount Olympus dominate the southern parts of Lesvos. Here you can find Plomari and the village of Agiasos. Agiasos offers the visitor churches, museums and craft workshops waiting to be discovered as you explore its winding, cobbled streets. The visitor can reach Lesbos by air, daily from Athens or Thessaloniki, and, less frequently, from Chios and Limnos. It is also accessible by domestic and international ferries from mainland Greece, Limnos, and Ayvalik in Turkey. Once on the island visitors can get about by bus, which is centred in Mytilini, or by hired vehicle from one of the numerous hire firms. |