LESVOS and the capital MYTILENE

Lesvos is one of the loveliest Aegean islands, with an area of 1630 km².
It is the third largest island in Greece.  It has a mild climate with sunshine
all year round, often surpassing 300 days.  Visitors can experience traditional
Greek hospitality, as well as enjoying the many interesting museums, monuments, castles, monasteries, and ruins from the island’s 3000 year history.

Mytilene, the capital of the island, is one of the oldest cities in the Aegean Sea. 
It was founded in the 10th century B.C., and ruins from archaic, classic, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods can be seen at many points within and surrounding the city, as well as at many other places on the island.  Most impressive are the many well-maintained neo-Classical homes in Mytilene, evidence of the high level of commerce in the past few centuries.

Crowning the city are the ruins of the 12th century castle of the Gateluzi family. 
The Ancient Theatre is perhaps the most important historic site, with a capacity
of 15,000 seats.  In addition to the Archaeological Museum, there is a Museum of Byzantine Art, a Folk Art Museum,  not to mention the excellent collection of
modern art at the Teriade Museum.

What makes Lesvos unique as a destination for visitors is the fact that it remains nearly untouched by the uncontrolled “tourism” which has spoiled so many areas.  As an island rich in natural resources and produce, it has been at the crossroads of commerce for literally thousands of years.   Only recently have some of the areas on the island been developed for tourism, while most of the island remains quite natural, allowing the visitor to discover the “real” Greece.