Lesvos

The island of Lesvos is the third biggest island of Greece and the seventh biggest in the Mediterranean. Lesvos is the ideal place to be, if you love nature, history and culture. Skala Kallonis and generally the island Lesvos has not yet been spoiled and preserves a unique natural and cultural environment.

Bird watching

A total of 500 bird species live on the island of Lesvos. Particularly, Skala Kallonis, where Aeolian Gaea Hotel lies, boasts the famous wetlands of the gulf of Kalloni (protected by UNESCO), which shelters more than 130 birds, some rare and unique to this ecosystem. Birdwatchers from all over Europe flock in the area, particularly in April, May and September, when birds stop in Lesvos, during their long journeys north.

Fauna and flora

The island of Lesvos, boasts a very diverse population of both plants (over 750 species) and animals. Over 120 different species of orchids, some very rare types grow on the island, such as the Himantoglossum comperianum (comperia comperiana) and the Platanthera holmboei. Many scientists and naturalists also visit the island of Lesvos for lizards, snakes, dragonflies and tortoises.

Walking Trails

The picturesque forest and mountain paths of Lesvos also offer numerous unique walking trails on the island. All walking trails are sufficiently marked for a pleasant and safe walk. The walking trails present different views, such as Mount Olympus (starting from Agiasos), the Metochi monastery and the Tsiknias river (starting from Agia Paraskevi), watermills, monasteries and stone bridges (starting from Skala Kallonis).

Petrified Forest

The Lesvos Petrified Forest is a member of the European and Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO. It has been voted in the top 10 touristic destinations in Europe in 2009, and offers a picture of the nature in Lesvos 20 million years ago.

Festivals

The history and tradition of Lesvos is very rich and the local people love to celebrate and participate in festivals and events, some of which originate in antiquity. The most famous festival, which takes usually place in July, is the one dedicated to Saint Charalampos, commonly called the “Festival of the Bull”. It takes place in the adjacent villages of Agia Paraskevi and Napi and originates in the ancient sacrifices of animals for divine protection and favour. A visitor is certain to enjoy the festival, since it involves music and dancing for 3 full days, many groups of horse riders, and the adorned bull.

The staff of Aeolian Gaea Hotel is able to provide you all the necessary maps, books and information, concerning the natural, historical and cultural sights of Lesvos