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DIRECTORY 
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ISLAND OF LESVOS, Greece
The unique unspoiled beauty of Lesvos (Lesbos) is an astonishing contrast to lush splendour of the rest of the
cosmopolitan
islands with its mysterious forests, dramatic coastline, tranquil sunsets
and rugged mountains.
A wealth of opportunities allows
every visitor to pursue particular interests from
sporting and adventure
activities to cultural and leisure attractions. The mild Mediterranean
climate, warm hospitality and friendliness of the people make your
holidays to Lesvos island an unforgettable experience.
This Island of astounding natural beauty is set like a jewel in the
Aegean Sea. Just five miles from the coast of Asia Minor, Lesvos (or
Lesbos) lies to the north of Chios and south of Lemnos.
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WEATHER Facts
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Apr.
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May
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June
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July
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Aug.
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Sep.
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Oct.
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Aver. Temperatures in C:
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18
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22
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26
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29
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28
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25
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21
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Aver. Water Temp. in C:
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15
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17
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20
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23
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23
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21
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20
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Rainy Days per Month:
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4
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3
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1
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1
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1
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2
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4
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Hours of Sun per Day:
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8
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10
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11
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12
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12
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11
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9
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 Photo Gallery
The breathtaking landscape rolls through regions of pine-covered
mountains to areas of barren, yet dramatic volcanic stone.
There are numerous sand and pebble beaches and many sheltered and isolated coves
dotted along the spectacular indented coastline. The temperate climate, inland rivers and natural springs all contribute
to maintain the surprisingly lush vegetation of the island.
Lesvos is world renowned for it's many varied species of flora and
fauna. It is also host to a superb petrified forest located between
Eressos and Sigri in the Southwest.
This is a land steeped in tradition and rich in history and culture. The
birthplace of musicians, poets, writers and artists who have been
inspired through time and still in present day, by the natural charm and
picturesque views allowing endless opportunity for exploration and
discovery.
Located on the Northern tip, Mytilene is the largest town on the island,
the capital of Lesvos and host to the Airport and commercial Seaport. The town is located approx. 5km from the airport and if arriving by
plane, you should consider taking one of the many taxis waiting outside. You will find car and bike hire agencies near the sea port (or try our
LINK at left) and the main bus depot close by where you will find
details of routes servicing the whole island.
Public transport is a great way of seeing the island, but buses can be
slow and the temperatures can soar above 40 degrees especially in high
season.
Be warned, and always travel with plenty of bottled water which is
readily available from most shops and cafes. If you can, spend some time
wondering the numerous back streets, where you will find many local
cafes.
Try not to miss the market which is generally accepted as one of the
best in Greece. The usual afternoon siesta is taken from 1 till 4pm and
all but the larger shops will close. Further in the suburb of Varia one can visit the Theophilos
Museum.
Twelve kilometers from Mytilene, near the town of Moria, one can visit
the Roman Aqueduct that was built in the second century AD.
Going further up north by the east coast, thru a series of beautiful
little villages one will arrive in the town of Mantamados, famous for
its cheeses and the fine pottery. The next stop will be Skala Sikaminias, one of the most charming fishing villages one would ever
see.
And then, at the northest point of
the island one will find the picturesque village of Mithymna (also
known as Molivos), with its mediaeval castle and the traditional
architecture. Molivos is also the islands best known resort. By some it
has been called "the closed place to paradise, on earth".
The
association with Arts is appropriate enough, for it was here in Mithymna
that the head of Orpheus is said to have been washed ashore after his
dismemberment of the Thracian women. Another mythical citizen of
Mithymna was the lyric poet and musician Arion. It has been said that he
has been saved by the music-loving dolphin.
Only a short distance of 5 Km SW of Molivos the village of Petra can be
found. Petra has one of the best sandy beaches of the island.
Again further south the village of Agia
Paraskevi is situated. This
village has a lot of old mansions and is known for the Bull Festival
that has been celebrated since more than two hundred years. Near the
village lay ruins of an ancient temple of Napaios Apollo and the ruins
of an Ionian temple dated from the 3rd century BC. This temple was
dedicated to Zeus, Hera and Dionysos.
In the island's center, not far
from Agia Paraskevi, lays the modern town Kalloni. It is famous for its
sardines which are caught in the nearby bay called the Gulf of Kalloni.
On this gulf one will also find the popular summer resort Skala Kalloni
with its beautiful sandy beaches.
Also near the center of the island another well known town is Agiassos.
This town is famous for its pottery. Going further south again we reach
the towns of Plomari, Polichnitos
and Vatera which have the one of most superb beaches of
the island, 10 Km long.
At the western tip of Lesvos, Sigri is a pretty fishing village with a
nice little beach and a castle that goes back to the 18th century. Not
far from there lies the Petrified Forest, dating back fifteen million
years.
Finally, not far from Sigri, one will find the town of
Eressos. Eressos
has been the birth place of Sappho and Theoprastos. Its port, Skala
Eressos, is a famous resort with a magnificent beach.
Whether traveling by bus, taxi, hire car, bike or scooter, the scenery
will unfold itself around you throughout your journey. The volcanic
structure rises and falls like taught muscle undulating below a carpet of
lush green to the North-east, and impressive volcanic rock formations to
the West.
Huge lagoons of water and strips of beach will appear shimmering below and
then beside as you bend toward your chosen destination. Small churches,
road-side shrines and even whole villages seem to playfully hide from view
until you are almost upon them.
This is truly an island representative of the myth and the magic
surrounding Greek culture and upon arrival, one is immediately aware of
the friendliness with which locals greet you.
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Lesvos Island Demographic Facts
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| Country
| Greece |
| Periphery
| North Aegean |
| Capital
| Mytilene |
| Area
| 1,632.8 km2 |
| Population
| 90,643 (2001) |
| Density |
55.5/km2 |
| Postal codes
| 81x xx |
| Area codes
| 225x0 |
| Car plates
| MY |
| Website
| www.greeknet.com |
GREEKnet.com
- Lesvos island Travel Portal | Developed by I.E.Mavridis@EURObitWEBs
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