Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Lesbos, Greece

Located in the North Aegean, Lesbos is the third-largest Greek island, historically recognized as the home of the Ancient Greek poet Sappho in the 6th century BC. Unlike many other Aegean islands, Lesbos has successfully avoided mass tourism, making it an ideal destination for independent travelers seeking to explore Venetian castles, historic monasteries, or untouched beaches.

Eressos, a prominent resort on Lesbos, is known for its relaxed atmosphere preferred by spiritually inclined visitors and a small lesbian community. The island itself is volcanic in nature, with evidence of geothermal activity manifesting through hot springs, prominent geological formations, and the world’s largest petrified forest.

Let us examine the most notable attractions in Lesbos:

1. Castle of Molyvos

When visiting Molyvos (Mithymna) in northern Lesbos, a visit to the Byzantine castle situated atop the town is essential.

The Castle of Molyvos, dating back to the 11th century, was constructed atop an even older fortification possibly dating to the Archaic era.

This fortress successfully defended against assaults from Smyrna and was fortified by the Venetians in anticipation of an Ottoman invasion.

While it withstood its first attack in 1450, it ultimately fell in 1458 when subjected to a siege by 150 ships.

Constructed from russet trachyte, entrance to the castle requires passing through three gates, the final of which is made from heavy metal-plated wood.

Within the compound, structures such as the powder magazine display features from the Ottoman era, and from this elevation, one can appreciate the proximity to the Turkish coastline.

2. Petrified Forest of Lesbos

On the western side of Lesbos, one can uncover hundreds of fossilized tree trunks from a forest that existed 20 million years ago.

While some remains are submerged along the coast, the highest concentration of these fossilized trees is found within a 15-hectare National Forest park between Eressos and Sigri.

The petrifaction in this region resulted from lava and ash originating from eruptions during the Neogene Period, with areas of volcanic material having eroded away, leaving behind these impressive trunks.

This geological phenomenon is unparalleled in Europe and exceeds the famed petrified forest found in Arizona.

Some trees rise several meters tall with their roots intact, and where trunks have toppled, the tree rings and fossilized wood exhibit a range of colors.

3. Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest

If observing fossilized trees inspires your interest in their geology, the exemplary Natural History Museum located in Sigri is an excellent choice.

This museum encompasses two primary exhibit halls.

The first hall focuses on the petrified forest in relation to the evolution of flora on Earth.

You will discover the extensive variety of trees within this forest, which boasts 40 different species.

Trunks, roots, branches, seeds, and leaves are meticulously displayed, accompanied by informative signage detailing each species.

The second hall addresses the volcanic history of the Aegean over the past 20 million years, featuring rocks, exquisite quartz minerals, and anthropological exhibits showcasing Neolithic flint tools and skulls of extinct primates that once inhabited the Aegean region.

4. Museum of Industrial Olive Production

Situated in the village of Agia Paraskevi is a communal olive press established in 1910, which has been beautifully restored and converted into a museum.

This facility serves as a noteworthy example from a significant era, during which local farmers collaborated to establish their own press as opposed to relying on private mills.

The press was operational from 1911 until 1967, ceasing operations only when members of the village’s community council were apprehended.

This establishment embodies an intriguing social narrative, enriched by the charming architecture of the factory and the historical context of the shifts that industrial machinery introduced to olive oil production.

Exhibits provide insights into olive cultivation, the pressing process, and how oil is separated from the fruit’s water content.

5. Panagia Glykofilousa

The village of Petra, positioned on the northern coast of Lesbos, derives its name from the notable volcanic rock that dominates the landscape.

Perched atop this rock, accessible via 114 stairs, is an 18th-century church renowned for its silver icon of the Blessed Virgin.

Legend has it that this icon belonged to a sea captain who was cast ashore during a storm.

After losing the icon on two occasions, it remarkably reappeared both times at the summit of this rock, prompting him to construct a church in its honor.

The icon has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing, adorned with votive offerings of metal body parts purchased from local shops throughout Lesbos.

If you visit Petra on August 15, the Marian feast day, a vibrant festival and special market takes place in the village.

6. New Archaeological Museum Mytilene

While on the island associated with Sappho, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the ancient history of Lesbos.

The New Archaeological Museum in Mytilene, which was inaugurated in 1999, showcases detailed exhibits regarding life on Lesbos from the Hellenistic period (beginning in the 4th century BC) to the end of the Roman period in the 4th century AD. The most striking features are the mosaics and frescoes created for Roman villas on Agia-Kiriaki hill in Mytilene.

The artistic quality on display is remarkable and reflects the economic prominence of the town during the Roman era.

In addition to an impressive array of figurines, vases, and ceramics, a marble funerary relief depicting the Dinner of the Dead (a meal in honor of the deceased following their burial) from the 4th century is also exhibited.

7. Agios Ignatios Monastery (Limonos Monastery)

Set in fertile agricultural land near Kalloni is the Agios Ignatios Monastery, which dates back to 1526. Its origins extend back to Byzantine times, but the monastery remained closed for several decades following the Ottoman conquest of Lesbos in the 15th century.

Agios Ignatios has served as both a spiritual and educational hub, as evidenced by its library, which houses 5,000 volumes, some dating as far back as the 6th century AD. The church (katholikon), erected in 1526 when the monastery was re-established, features a three-aisled basilica adorned with frescoes painted in the 16th and 17th centuries in the Ottoman Baroque style.

These frescoes illustrate biblical narratives and depict various animals and plants, while an exuberantly gilded templon (sanctuary barrier) stands between the nave and the apse.

8. Skala Eressos Beach

Among the finest beaches on Lesbos, Skala Eressos Beach features 400 meters of volcanic sand surrounding a gently curving bay.

Initially settled in the 20th century by hippies and the LGBT community, the nearby village exudes a progressive atmosphere, complete with numerous yoga, massage, and alternative health centers.

Overlooking the beach, a row of cafes and tavernas, some particularly catering to vegetarians, elevate the beach experience, with their structures resting on piles buried in the sand.

These establishments provide delightful views of the beach and the arid hills to the east and west.

9. Castle of Mytilene

Covering almost 25 hectares, the Castle of Mytilene ranks as one of the largest fortifications in the Mediterranean.

Its foundations trace back to the era of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century and may have been built upon the site of an Ancient Greek acropolis.

In the 14th century, the castle served as the residence of Francesco I Gattilusio, the Genoese ruler of Lesbos, at the Queen’s Tower.

Though portions of the complex are in ruins, several remarkable features persist, such as the Queen’s Tower, adorned with coats of arms, a Byzantine cistern, an Islamic monastery (Tekke), and an Ottoman hammam.

Beneath the structure, subterranean vaults provided refuge for the women and children of Mytilene during times of attack.

10. Agios Isidoros Beach

Located in the southern region of Lesbos at Plomari village, Agios Isidoros is a picturesque beach cherished for its diverse marble pebbles.

For those who find lounging on pebbles uncomfortable, Agios Isidoros offers full service, with nearby restaurants providing food and drinks directly to your sun lounger.

On sunny days, the sea radiates a bright turquoise hue, providing an inviting atmosphere for snorkeling or simply enjoying the gentle surf.

For those eager to share the experience on social media, free Wi-Fi is available.

11. Eressian Hammam & Spa

Indulge in a tranquil sanctuary of well-being at the Eressian Hammam & Spa located in Eressos.

Experience the revitalizing effects of heat and water, rejuvenate your body with a traditional ketsea and soap treatment, enjoy a deep cleansing scrub, or simply indulge in a relaxing massage.

12. Agios Taxiarchis Monastery

The preeminent sacred site on Lesbos is home to an icon of St. Michael, which possesses a fascinating history.

According to tradition, the monastery’s monks were slaughtered during a Saracen raid, leaving only a young novice who took refuge on the roof. He witnessed the Archangel Michael combating the attackers and subsequently crafted an icon of the saint using earth and the blood of the deceased monks.

Pilgrims offer metallic shoes to the icon, believing that Michael will wear them at night and present himself in dreams.

A festival in honor of Michael occurs in the nearby village of Mantamados on the third Sunday following Easter, characterized by processions and the ritual slaughter of a bull, whose cooked meat is shared with visitors.

13. Barbayannis Ouzo Museum

Ouzo is a cornerstone of the island’s economy, and it is widely regarded that Lesbos is the origin of this esteemed anise-flavored liqueur.

The Barbayannis distillery in Plomari, established in 1860 by a Russian immigrant, has utilized the region’s abundant water sources and local herbs to formulate its unique recipe.

Nearly 160 years post-establishment, the Barbayannis name is synonymous with premium ouzo, and the accompanying museum is situated adjacent to the modern distillery.

Visitors gain insight into the intricacies involved in crafting high-quality ouzo and come to know the history of the Barbayannis family.

Among the exhibits is an alembic (still) from 1858, originally brought from Constantinople by founder Efstathios Barbayannis.

The tour includes a visit to the 21st-century distillery, where guests have the opportunity to taste various ouzo options and purchase bottles at the shop.

14. Roman Aqueduct of Moria

Stretching across a valley just beyond Mytilene are the remarkable remains of a Roman aqueduct.

Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, this 160-meter structure represents the largest surviving segment of an aqueduct that transported water over 26 kilometers to ancient Mytilene from springs located on Olympos Mountain.

The ruins in Moria are constructed from Lesbos’ characteristic grey marble and showcase up to three levels of arches between the pillars.

The complete spans visible at the top offer a clear perspective of the aqueduct’s grand scale from 1,800 years ago.

15. Kalloni Salt Pans

Situated to the south of Kalloni, within one of the island’s expansive bays, lies a series of large rectangular salt ponds.

This landscape may appear unremarkable to the casual observer, yet the salt pans are crucial habitats that support a diverse range of bird species.

Even for those who are not seasoned birdwatchers, the spectacle of hundreds of flamingos wading in the foreground, alongside sheep grazing in the adjacent meadows, is captivating.

The optimal time for observing migratory birds occurs during spring and autumn, when one may encounter species such as stints, avocets, redshanks, storks, sandpipers, plovers, stilts, and egrets.