Lesbos: Nature, Culture and Petrified Forest

Lesbos offers many different reasons to explore the island: petrified wood and bird habitats, museums devoted to natural and cultural history, ancient buildings and a long ouzo-making tradition. When planning your trip, you can first decide which of these aspects you would like to focus on. Nature enthusiasts will find unusual evidence of geological history, while culture lovers can include archaeological collections and historic buildings. These priorities can also help you decide where to look for a holiday apartment.

Petrified trees and trails through the lava landscape

The Petrified Forest in the west of Lesbos is characterised by upright petrified trunks and fully developed root systems. Both show that the trees were petrified where they originally stood. The Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos is dedicated to this natural heritage: founded in 1994, it works to excavate, protect, promote, exhibit and present the petrified trees found in the western part of the island. Its permanent exhibitions also cover the geo-historical development of Lesbos and the Aegean.

If you would also like to experience the petrified trees outdoors, you can explore The Paths of the Lava. The trail network is about 27 km long and crosses an area with impressive concentrations of petrified trees. Signposts are provided every 500 m, and the route also includes information boards and rest areas. It is also home to Europe’s largest upright tree trunk: it stands 7.02 m tall and has a circumference of 8.58 m. The approximate total length and the measurements of this individual trunk help put the trail network and this remarkable natural monument into perspective.

Museums and ancient buildings

Mytilini offers a range of historical subjects for a cultural focus. The New Archaeological Museum of Mytilini opened in a new building in 1999. Its collection is devoted to Hellenistic and Roman Lesbos. The Ancient Theater of Mytilini adds an impressive architectural feature: it is built entirely of marble. Its horseshoe-shaped cavea is cut into volcanic rock, measures 107 m in diameter and has space for 10,000 spectators.

Mytilini Castle can also be described by its layout: it consists of the Upper Castle, the Middle Castle and the Lower Castle. Those interested in archaeological collections, an ancient theatre and castle complexes can give these subjects a different priority in their travel plans from natural history and hiking trails. In Eresos, the names Theophrastus and Sappho evoke the intellectual history of antiquity. Eresos lies in the southwest of Lesbos between the two hills of Troulos and Lembór; it is the birthplace of Theophrastus and Sappho, the great lyric poet of ancient Greece.

Birdwatching and landscapes

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. Birdwatching is offered on Lesbos, and more than 300 migratory and endemic bird species have been recorded in the region in question. The Natura-protected area of the Western Lesvian Peninsula is also known for rare bird species, including Kruper’s nuthatch, the black-headed bunting and Rüppell’s warbler. This information offers a concrete starting point for anyone who wants to plan a trip around nature observation.

Another landscape 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. The waterfall and black pine forest reveal a different side of the island’s nature from its wetlands and bird habitats. So first consider whether hiking, birdwatching or cultural history should play a bigger part in your stay.

Island traditions and active experiences

Ouzo is part of the local food and drink culture: it has been distilled on Lesbos for 200 years. The island’s 17 ouzo producers make at least 50% of Greece’s total ouzo production. In Eresos, the Eresos Agricultural Cooperative produces Kasseri, a cheese with protected designation of origin status. These two examples highlight different aspects of island production, without requiring a visit to both as part of one itinerary.

You can also make your holiday on Lesbos an active one. Diving centres on Lesbos offer lessons and equipment. Groups specialising in cycling tourism put together complete route packages that include an accompanying cycling guide, modern equipment, lessons and seminars. There are also hiking trails through the area of the petrified trees. These interests can guide your search for a holiday apartment and help you choose a focus: nature and outdoor activities, birdwatching, culture or local produce.

More places on Lesbos

Other places to consider on Lesbos include Pétra, Vatera, Plomari, Kalloni, Mithymna, Pappados, Kedro, Charamida, Tavari, Mistegna, Agia Paraskevi, Eresos, Polichnitos, Skala Kallonis, Perama, Mitilini, Nees Kidonies, Anaxos Skoutarou, Achlia, Mantamados, Loutropoli Thermis, Parakila, Skala Sikamineas, Nifida, Skala Loutron, Tarti, Vafeios, Sigri, Pirgi Thermis, Arisvi, Skala Eresou, Evriaki, Vrisa and Agiasos.

For the wider travel overview: Northern Aegean.