Guide of Mytilene (Lesvos)

Lesbos is an island that has been famous since ancient times both for its natural beauty and for being the birthplace of the poet Saffo. The island is characterized by two very deep gulfs that form natural ports, which in ancient times aided maritime and commercial development. 

History

The history of Lesbos is linked to the remarkable cultural activities that occurred on the island, which is thought to be the birthplace of the archaic Greek lyric poetry and the famous poets of that time, namely Alceo and Sappho. At that time, in the seventh century A.C. culture was spread through these tight-knit 'cultural circles' in which poets and writers met to discuss and express their creativity, Sappho worked as a poet and teacher in one of these circles. In fact, the origin of the term 'lesbian' derives from the strong bonds that existed within these circles, the poet Anacreonte encouraged conspiratorial and consummated relations between members, hence the term 'lesbian'.

Facts about Lesbos

The island is of volcanic origin is a very interesting summer destination as it is very popular, but not too crowded, unlike some of the other Greek islands. The nightlife is lively but not hectic like in Kos or Ios, you can dance the night away but it also has a wonderful landscape and nature to be explored. There are flourishing vegetation and waterfalls in the north island.

One of the most famous attractions on Lesbos is the 'petrified forest', a part of the island where there is an expanse of petrified tree trunks that according to some scholars could be 20 million years old. The forest was originally full of oaks or plane trees and their transformation was due to the volcano Ordymnos, that occurred and transformed them into stone. The island is a tourist destination for families and vacationers alike and is full of wonderful and beaches, restaurants and taverns where you can taste the local olives and ouzo, which is particularly good here.