Lesbos is closer to Turkey but part of Greece (Image: Getty) Lesbos is one of Greece 's largest islands - but to look at it on a map you would be forgiven for thinking it is part of Turkey . The island's port town Mitilini is about 30 miles away from the Turkish town of Ayvalik on the country's mainland. But it's a 250 mile ferry journey to the Greek mainland port of Piraeus.
The 631 sq mile island has seen rulers come and go for centuries, including the Persians, Byzantines and Turks, but it officially became part of Greece under the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923. That followed the First Balkan War against the Ottoman Empire in 1912 when Greece gained not just Lesbos, but other islands in the northern Aegean Sea. Now Greece's third largest island, Lesbos, or Lesvos as it is also known, is made up of desert-like plains in the west, sandy beaches, salt marshes, forested mountains and olive groves.
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Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript()ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)}) Eftalou Beach, which is also called Agii Anargyri Beach, lies 2km northeast of Petra and is recommended as the place for those seeking solitude.
READ MORE 'Picturesque' island named world's most gorgeous destination to visit in 2024 Lesbos is in the North Aegean nearer Turkey than mainland Greece (Image: Getty) Against a cliff backdrop, you can rest on the pebble beach, splash in its waters and take a trip to the mineral baths at Eftalou. For panoramic views of the town of Molyvos, head to the 14th century Byzantine-Genoese castle, which can even afford views across the sea to Turkey. There are view from Mytilini's Byzantine fortress too, which is a popular place for a walk.
South of Molyvos is the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production, housed in a restored mill, with more museums on the island, including Teriade Museum, which displays artworks by Picasso, Matisse and more. About six miles west of the village of Andissa, the 8th century Byzantine monastery Moni Ypsilou is on top of a solitary peak surrounded by volcanic plains. From the top of its walls, you can wonder at the surrounding ochre plains.
Further highlights on Lesbos include pilgrimage sites Moni Taxiarhon and the Church of the Panagia Vrefokratousa as well as Yeni Tzami, an early 19th century Turkish mosque. Molyvos is a fishing village on Lesbos (Image: Getty) Don't miss..
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This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy The little church of Panagia Gorgona on a rock in Skala Sykamias (Image: Getty) Trending Average monthly temperatures range from 12C in January, to 24C in May, 29C in June, 31C in July and August as well as 27C in September.
Jet2 is the only airline that flies direct to Mytilini, according to Skyscanner, with the cheapest month to fly usually October. The average flight time from the UK is three hours and 47 minutes. The best price Skyscanner found at the time of writing for a return flight to Mytilini was £154.
Among its recommendations, Booking.com lists Zaira Hotel, Hotel Adonis, Elysion Hotel Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa and Sea Horse. A room for two people in August ranges from around £50 per night to £194.
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