Focus on Lesbos

The island of Lesbos, home to Sappho (born somewhere between 630 and 612 BC) is the third largest Greek Island and seventh largest Mediterranean island. It is also known as Lesvos - the Emerald Island - and is located between the islands of Chios and Limnos, near the coastline of Turkey, and is verdant with varied flowers and fauna. It has a mild and healthy climate with warm winters and year round sunshine.

It is in the northeastern Aegean Sea, 180 miles from the Greek capital, Athens and has a population of around 110,000, of which nearly a third live in the capital Mytilini down in the South East of the island. Mytilini is a lovely friendly place, has lots of interesting Art Galleries and Museums, more than its fair share of impressive churches, picturesque neighbourhoods and historical mansions and houses.

The other main towns on Lesbos Island are Plomari, Kalloni, Agiassos, Molyvos and Eressos.

The island has the Gulf of Geras and the Gulf of Kallonis which both penetrate so far into the interior of the island that you are never more than a few miles from the sea.

There are a huge amount of trees on the island, in fact around 60% of the island is covered in Pine, Olive, Oak and various fruit trees. There are rocky mountain ranges, with a couple of peaks over 3000 feet. There are also hot springs, a result of the volcanic activity that originally spawned the island. These springs are used for many therapeutic treatments including treatments for rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.

The locals make their money mainly from agriculture, with 11 million olive trees producing very high quality olive oil, dairy products such as cheese, fishing and ouzo production. Of course tourism is a big money earner also.

There are many fine beaches on the island, some are busy and have all your favorite activities and watersports, from jet-skis to windsurfing, while others remain quiet, even in July and August. Many reckon that Skala Erressos is the best beach, especially when you have children, you can read up on this beach at www.lesvos.com/erressos.html

www.lesvos.com also has a lot of other good info on the island.

All in all, the island has a lot to offer - beaches, monasataries, pretty towns and a great little capital city and I think its worth considering Lesbos for your next Greek Island getaway.