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Lesvos (Mytillini) at a Glance

The third largest Greek island, Lesvos' population is over 100,000 souls. Lesvos a.k.a Mytillini (Mee-ti-lee-ni) has a land mass of 1,630 sq.km and a coastline of 370 km. Lesvos lies 6.5 nautical miles from Turkey and 187 from Piraeus. Steeped in history, culture and natural beauty Lesvos receives plenty of tourism but is large enough to absorb it gracefully with room for everyone.

Visitors with the time and inclination could easily spend a couple of weeks getting to know the island. Mytillini is the name of the islands capital town and the name most Greeks use to refer to the island too.

For the most part mountainous, Lesvos highest peak is Olympos at 940 meters above sea level. The east and south of the island contain fertile valleys covered with olive groves, sheep grazing and plenty of water.

Lesvos is thought to possess 13,000,000 olive trees on its flatter sections and produces the 'best' olive oil in Greece although opinions vary. There are chestnut and pine forests on its upper slopes. Horses are bred on the island.

Lesvos has good roads and is best seen with a scooter or rented car. Many of the islands beaches are long and sandy.

With 15 villages named as traditional settlements, traditional life is strong in the villages.