True Greece// Visit Lesvos

                                  
Based on the title, you might be wondering, what is true Greece?

When people talk about Greece, the typical image that pops into their head is that of Santorini or Mykonos, white houses with blue rooftops, cobbled streets and Instagram worthy pictures overlooking the sunset. Without wanting to say that those islands aren't all Greek, they are misleading to what Greece is actually about.

True Greece is an adventure for the senses, with its delicious cuisine, mesmerising sunsets, warm hospitality, rich traditions, and breath-taking landscapes. These treasures await discovery in places like Lesvos, Greece’s third-largest island.

Lesvos, often overlooked in favour of its more famous counterparts, is a hidden gem brimming with wonders. Picture yourself exploring quaint seaside villages, each with only 500-1,000 inhabitants, where time seems to stand still. The island’s capital, Mytilini, boasts a grand harbor, bustling streets, and historical sites that whisper tales of the past, making it one of the most picturesque cities in Greece.

The island is rich in olives, so we are known for our olive oil and also, ouzo! Ouzo is our traditional Greek alcoholic drink and it has a very distinctive smell. The island also makes feta and 'ladotiri' cheese (oil cheese). All of our products are made on the island and distributed in the rest of Greece and abroad. I once stumbled upon Lesvos olive oil in Tescos!

My village is known for having stunning sunsets. I find that as I grow older I appreciate our natural beauties more and more by the day. 

In the winter I and my family went on road trips and discovered some little waterfalls while we were wondering in amongst the forests of the island.

The landscapes along the north of the island are just incredible. My favourite thing to do is hike up a mountain at around 8pm and watch the sun set behind our 3 little islands that are most breath-taking.

Notably, this Island is also a place of art such a ceramics, paintings, sculptures and so many more.
It was the home of Sappho, Theofilos, Odyseas Elitis so it is rich in culture and history.

Historical landmarks such as castles, churches and even petrified forests that bring up ancient history all exist on the island so its a perfect destination for those who are also history lovers.

The food on the island is simply delicious and you can find a perfect balance between traditional cuisine and more modern dishes inspired from Turkey and other Mediterranean cuisines.

We keep traditions alive, so you might even find Greek elderly ladies in the street cutting pasta (kritharaki) or making stuffed vine leaves in the street on their doorsteps. 

Lesvos is a leisure island so its perfect to just relax and enjoy a carefree holiday. There is a great selection in hotels, apartments, cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from almost anywhere you go.

It's even great for the younger crowd. Lesvos has many beach bars and night clubs, OXY is the biggest one in the area. 

As I wrap up, it's important to mention that there is only one way- the Greek way... that means things move slowly and calmly.
By visiting Lesvos, you get to understand what Greece is about. Some of you may believe this post is biased as it's coming from me, Constantina, a young girl that lives here, but it's based on countless other people who spend their holidays here supporting us in every way possible by coming to the island year after year. 

Let me know in the comments what you like about our island and what you thought about this blog. Once again, thank you for all your support and please share so we can show people that Lesvos is worth the visit.

This, for me is beauty, this, for me is Greece.

Tina xx