(Distance from
Piraeus:188 n. Miles - Area:1630 km - Population:105,000.) Lesvos,
also known as Mytilini, is the third largest Greek island. Vast
olive groves, dense pine forests, sandy beaches, monasteries and
traditional houses compose the first impression that enchants the
visitor.
 This
is an island with a long history - homeland to Sappho the poetess,
to Arion the Guitar-singer, to the musician Terpandros.
Today, Lemnos continues its tradition by producing first-rate
names in painting, poetry and literature.
The capital, Mytylini, built on the ruins of the ancient city,
extends amphitheatrically along the coast. On the pine-clad hill,
the castle looks as if it were protecting the city. The
Archaeological Museum houses remarkable finds, eg. The "Lion
of Gera" and a " Statue of a Woman", from the
Classical period. There is also an interesting Byzantine Museum in
the courtyard of the St Therapon church.
In the western part of the city are ruins of a Hellenistic
theatre. Near Mytilene, one can swim at Tzamakia - an organized
beach - or visit the village of Vareia, where the painter
Theophilos was born and visit the museum which houses 86 of his
paintings. Near the village of Moria, 6 km NW from Mytilene, it is
worthwhile to visit the Roman aqueduct.
To the north one meets Pyrgous Thermis, full of old traditional
houses. Then we reach Loutra Thermis, a well-known spa ever since
Antiquity. Local excavations have brought to light ruins of five
cities consecutively built on the same site.
Progressing north (36 km) the road leads to Mantamados village
with its ruins of a medieval castle. Local craftsmen make the
famous "Koumaria" (earthenware jugs) which keep water
cool. The road leading from Mytilini to Plomari passes through the
Bay of Gera and its picturesque village on the coast. Here we see
Therma Geras with ancient ruins, probably of a temple of the
goddess Hera. At the broadest point of the bay lies the Monastery
of St Hermogenes - this is an unforgettably beautiful place. On
the western side of the bay we see the picturesque village of
Skopelos, with its Monastery of St Magdalene; early Christians on
the island found refuge in its catacombs. We then pass by the
round pebbled beach of Agios Isidoros and reach Plomari, a
beautiful village famous for its ouzo. An asphalt road to the NW
of Mytilini leads to Agiasos, a village built on the slopes of
Mount Olympus (height 967 m.).  There
are offerings of great value in the church of Panagia
Vrefokratousa. Finely-worked ceramics of Agiasos are famous for
their originality and art. Folk traditions revile here in the
festivities of Profitis Elias and the Madonna, also in the
carnival known as "Valia".
As we move to the northwest amidst the dense greenery, we reach
the vast sandy beach of Vatera. The island's central road, from
Mytilini to the NW, leads to the bay of Kalloni, full of beautiful
beaches. (If one stays here for a meal or a glass of ouzo, it's
worthwhile to try the local sardines!).
From here a side road leads to the Limon Monastery, decorated with
wonderful frescoes. The Monastery has an ethnological museum, a
library with rare manuscripts, and a hostel. Returning to the
central road, to the north lies Methymna (or Molyvos), a
picturesque town with old mansions. This is the homeland of the
writer Argiris Eftaliotis, and a meeting-place for artists from
all over the world. Methymna has been declared a traditional
settlement to be preserved.
It is worthwhile to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal
Library and the Gallery. In the Byzantine castle overlooking the
town there are cultural and folk events taking place during the
entire summer. To the north of Methymna lies the sandy coast of
Eftalou, to the south lies Petra coast.
In the small village of Petra the first women's agrotourist
co-operative was founded, with help from the Secretariat for Sex
Equality. Here women members of the co-operative put up visitors
in their own homes, offering them the unique opportunity to
participate in family life and agricultural work. In Petra it is
worthwhile to visit a private collection of Theophilo's works, as
well as the Monastery of Panagia Glykofilousa, built on a rock
with 114 steps. Returning to Kalloni and taking the road that
leads northwest we reach Sigri, a strange place with its forest
turned into stone. A side road leads to Eressos, home city of
Sappho the poetess; excavations here have brought to light
important archaeological finds. At a distance of 4 km lies the
Scala with its beautiful sandy beach. From Eressos on can visit
the Ypsilos monastery, built in 800 AD.
Events: Every May, a literary and cultural week
is organized, including theatre performances, exhibitions and
other cultural activities.
Things to buy: Olive oil, ouzo, woods, ceramics
and folk art.
Mytilini is a port of entry and exit, with Port-customs, sanitary
authorities and a yacht refueling station. |
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