By Britta Swanson
A trip to Greece to many consists of good food, beaches, and relaxation. But where are all of these experiences to be found? Escape the press of crowds in Athens and overcrowded beaches and experience true Greece on the island of Lesvos. Lesvos has many offerings, from bustling Mytilini to traditional fishing villages such as Plomari to the petrified forest near the village of Sigri. There is plenty to see and plenty of room to escape on this wonderful island.
Mytilini, the island’s capital, is a great place to get a feel for a typical Greek city. There is a busy shopping district, lively nightlife along the waterfront, and some beautiful homes to see around the city. There are few tourists compared to many other tourist destinations in Greece, so there are ample opportunities to see what life is actually like in island Greece. Surrounding Mytilini, and all over Eastern Lesvos, are numerous olive farms which produce the olive fruit grown to make the distinctive olive oil from the island. The convenience of ferries to Chios and Athens at the city harbor offers options to continue ones’ trip.
Plomari, a quaint town on the south of Lesvos, is a fishing village where one can have tasty food and see some of traditional life, as well as visit one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. This isn’t a regular beach- rather than sand or rocks, it is actually covered in pebbles!
Finally, for the adventurous, the village of Sigri far on the Western coast of Lesvos is a beautiful and welcoming destination. Near Sigri is the Petrified forest, a unique geological phenomena where a volcanic eruption turned an ancient forest into mineralized fossils. Many of these are still partially standing and visible in the forest area, and there is a lovely museum that explains the mineralization process. The village of Sigri itself is a lovely place to stroll around and get lost on the winding streets, eat delicious traditional foods in the town square restaurants, hang out on one of the many quiet beaches around the village, or just relax and take it easy!
Whether you are looking for a scenic getaway, a Greek-city experience, or just good food and relaxing, Lesvos is an ideal place to experience what Greece is really like, and to have a wonderful time while at it!
