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LESBOS
Vacations and Sightseeing

Basic information
Official languageGreek
CapitalMytilini
Area1.630 km²
Population114,800  (2020)
Currencyeuro  (EUR)
Web.gr
Code.GRC
Tel.+30

Popular destinations GREECE

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LesbosMykonosNaxos
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SpetsesThasosZakynthos

Vacations and Sightseeing

The number of tourists visiting Lesbos is declining because of the refugee problem.

Important for tourists are the potteries of Ayiassos and Mantamados; traditional wood carving is mainly done in Ayiassos, Mytilene and Asomatos.

Mytilene (Mytilini, Mitiline) is the capital of Lesbos. The town is located on the eastern side of the island and overlooks the harbour. A Genoese castle, the Kastro of Mytilene, was built on the site of an earlier Byzantine fortress and is one of the main attractions of Mytilene.

Other attractions include the unusual petrified forest near Sigri and a number of soothing, sometimes slightly radioactive hot mineral springs in various places around the island. Traditional villages abound on Lesbos. They are visited by tourists and travellers who appreciate a more genuine Greek way of life.

Sappho of Lesvos island is widely regarded as the first lesbian writer. Lesbian women often "make a pilgrimage" to the island. The locals are proud of their poet and do not make much of a fuss about her sexuality.


Sources

Dubin, Marc S. / Griekse eilanden
Van Reemst

Greek islands
Lonely Planet

Griekse eilanden
Lannoo

McGilchrist, Nigel / Greece : the Aegean islands
Somerset Books

Midgette, Anne / Griekse eilanden : Egeïsche Zee
Het Spectrum

CIA - World Factbook

BBC - Country Profiles

Last updated September 2024
Copyright: Team The World of Info