Lesvos is a large island with lots to do and see. You could spend weeks exploring the island on your own. Full tourist services are offered. There are many organized activities that include guided excursions to castles, museums, and churches as well as more native activities such as donkey trekking, or sailing to small neighboring islands. Visitors can also participate in activities such as Greek cooking and dancing classes, pottery workshops, and yoga.

Beaches
There are many beaches to choose from, some organized and populated and others secluded and private. The water is clear and snorkeling is always great. The full gamut of water sports are available such as windsurfing, water skiing, and parasailing to name a few.

Hiking
This island is a hiker's paradise. Lesvos is blessed with mountains, streams, forests, wildflowers and above all olive groves. Horses, donkeys, and sheepfolds are freely roaming about the fields. Along your hikes you're bound to find amazing scenery and archaeology. There are marked trails throughout the island.

Thermal Hot Springs
Due to its volcanic geology, numerous thermal springs with excellent healing properties are found all over the island. To dip in the mineral springs and then in the cool off in the Mediterranean is an exhilarating experience! You will feel renewed and refreshed afterwards. In addition to feeling good, the mineral springs are recommended therapy for a number of ailments.

Bird watching & Flora
Lesvos is known to the birding world as one of the best locations in Europe to see migrating birds, particularly in the Spring. This is also the best time to see the beautiful display of wildflowers. In the springtime birdwatchers from all over the world come to gaze at the exotic wildlife.

St. Georgios Island
St. Georgios is a small island off the coast of Petra that George, a local (who happens to be my uncle), has been taking people to for years. There, you can snorkel, fish, sunbathe, or just take in the fabulous view. In addition, a wonderful lunch is prepared by the captain himself.

Donkey Trek
What could be more fun than a ride on a donkey along the sea by a real donkey farmer, Michalis? After the trek, Michalis prepares a delicious BBQ on the beach at sunset. It's a perfect evening!

Petrified Forest
The Petrified Forest marks the most ancient of ancient times in Lesvos. In no other part of the world are as many petrified trunks preserved or actually native or standing from twenty million years ago. Today, this phenomenon is truly awe-inspiring.

Molyvos Castle
Due to the many raids and attacks the island suffered the people of the island built castles or fortresses to protect the villages along the sea. You'll see magnificent castles around the island. Of all of them, the Molyvos castle is the most well preserved. Enter the castle that tops the village and enjoy the spectacular views.

Religious Wonders
Religion is deeply rooted in the Greek culture and history. Lesvos has some very special churches and monasteries. Their fame has reached far and wide and people from all corners of the globe have pilgrimaged to the island. The most well known pilgrimages to Lesvos are:

The Monastery of Agiou Raphael
A modern day phenomenon is found in the Monastery of Agiou Raphael. A miracle was responsible for the discovery of the bodies of the saints through a series of dreams that revealed the hidden history of the destroyed monastery. Today the monastery is constantly visited year round by pilgrims searching for a miracle.

The Church of Taxiarchis
Taxiarchis is the Archangel Michael, who is considered the island's protector. Tradition has preserved the story of the old monastery, which was plundered by pirates. A grief stricken monk took his brothers' blood and clay to the form of the Archangel Michael. Today, you can see the icon in the church. People of Lesvos believe in the miraculous power of Taxiarchis. The fame of his miracles has spread to the whole world, amassing hoards of followers.

Museums
Another best kept secret of Lesvos is that it holds some of the best museums in Europe. There are many museums on the island, two of the most prominent are described below:

Teriade Museum of Modern Art
Stratis Elefteriades, a native of Lesvos and a well known and respected art critic, donated his museum to the city which contains rooms of paintings and drawings by the most famous 20th century artists of our time such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and Miro.

Theophilos Musuem
A starving and eccentric of his time, Theophilos would wander around the villages of Lesvos painting murals on walls for a glass of wine or a piece of bread. If people only knew how astronomically expensive those works would become! Today Theophilos is considered the greatest folk artist in the world. His works have been exhibited in the Louvre and you can see them here in his own museum.