Lesbos Between the Petrified Forest and Island History

The Petrified Forest, archaeological collections and birdwatching give a trip to Lesbos a range of possible focuses. In the west of the island, fossilized tree trunks tell a story of the Earth’s distant past; in Mytilini, the theatre, castle and museums showcase archaeological heritage. Eresos is shaped by its location between Troulos and Lembór and as the birthplace of Theophrastus and Sappho. When looking for a hotel in Lesbos, it helps to first consider which of these themes matter to your trip.

The Petrified Forest and Trails Through the Lava

The Petrified Forest of Lesbos was formed about 20 million years ago by intense volcanic activity in the Northern Aegean. Upright petrified trunks and their fully developed root systems show that the trees fossilized where they originally stood. Founded in 1994, the Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos is dedicated to the recovery, protection, promotion, exhibition and presentation of the petrified trees found in the western part of Lesbos. Its permanent exhibitions show the geological and historical development of Lesbos and the Aegean.

On The Paths of the Lava, hikers can see Europe’s largest upright tree trunk: it is 7.02 m tall and has a circumference of 8.58 m. The trail network is about 27 km long and crosses an area with impressive concentrations of petrified trees. Signposts every 500 m, information boards and rest areas are also part of the route facilities. As this infrastructure may change, check local conditions before setting out on a hike.

Archaeology in Mytilini and Eresos

The New Archaeological Museum of Mytilini opened in a new building in 1999. Its collection focuses on Hellenistic and Roman Lesbos and includes mosaic floors, frescoes, other finds from Roman villas and sculptures. The Ancient Theater of Mytilini also conveys a sense of ancient architecture: it is built entirely of marble, and its horseshoe-shaped cavea is carved into volcanic rock. With a diameter of 107 m, it can seat 10,000 spectators. Mytilini Castle consists of an Upper, Middle and Lower Castle.

Eresos lies in the southwest of Lesbos, between the hills of Troulos and Lembór. It is the birthplace of Theophrastus and Sappho, the great lyric poet of ancient Greece. Eresos therefore offers a different cultural perspective from the archaeological collections and buildings in Mytilini: local history is closely connected with the names of two ancient figures.

Wetlands, Birdlife and a Waterfall

The wetlands of Lesbos provide refuge and breeding grounds for many rare and endangered bird species. Spring and autumn are considered ideal seasons for birdwatching in Lesbos, although weather and migration conditions can vary. The Western Lesvian Peninsula Natura protection area is home to rare species such as Kruper’s nuthatch, the Cretzschmar’s bunting and Rüppell’s warbler. If you are planning your trip around birdlife, you can take this seasonal recommendation into account.

Another natural attraction is Vathylimnos Waterfall, between the settlements of Pterounda and Hidira. Its water comes from the island’s only black pine forest, on the Profitis Ilias mountain range at an elevation of 799 m. Water flow can vary by season. Together with the petrified tree trunks and wetlands, the waterfall shows the variety of nature to be found in Lesbos.

Ouzo, Cheese and Other Activities

Ouzo distillation in Lesbos has a 200-year tradition. The Eresos Agricultural Cooperative also produces Eresos Kasseri, a cheese with a protected designation of origin. A quarter of Greece’s thermal baths are located in Lesbos; the island’s thermal springs have been known for their healing properties since antiquity. If thermal springs are part of your travel plans, check the latest information about facilities and access before visiting.

Lesbos also has groups specializing in cycle tourism that offer complete route packages with a cycling tour guide, modern equipment, lessons and seminars. Providers and packages may change, so check locally for current offerings. Diving centers on the island offer lessons and equipment; here too, check local information, as operators and facilities may change.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Lesbos is one of the four main islands of the Northern Aegean. Ferries serve the island from Piraeus and Kavala, and it is also accessible by plane from Athens. Ferry connections are also available to other islands in the northeastern Aegean and the Cyclades. As connections may change, check schedules before your trip.

When looking for a hotel in Lesbos, use your planned visits as a guide: for example, archaeological sites in Mytilini, the history of Eresos, the Petrified Forest or the wetlands and their birdlife. Choose where to stay based on the focus of your trip, and check how well it suits the places you want to visit.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Pirgi Thermis, Arisvi, Skala Eresou, Evriaki, Vrisa, Kedro, Charamida, Tavari, Eresos, Polichnitos, Skala Kallonis, Perama, Mitilini, Nees Kidonies, Anaxos Skoutarou, Achlia, Mantamados, Loutropoli Thermis, Parakila, Skala Sikamineas, Agia Paraskevi, Pétra, Vatera, Plomari, Kalloni, Mithymna, Pappados, Nifida, Agiasos, Skala Loutron, Tarti, Sigri, Vafeios, Mistegna.

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