Upright petrified trunks and fully developed root systems show that the trees of the Petrified Forest fossilized where they originally grew on Lesbos. From this geological evidence, the view turns to museums, ancient structures and wetlands. Lesbos can thus be explored through a wide variety of traces—from the development of the island and the Aegean to the cultural history of individual places.
The Petrified Forest and Its Trails
The Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos was founded in 1994. Its responsibilities include recovering and protecting petrified trees found in the western part of Lesbos, as well as promoting, exhibiting and presenting them. The permanent exhibitions focus on the geo-historical development of Lesbos and the Aegean. This places the tree discoveries in the broader context of the island’s geological history.
On the hiking trail network The Paths of the Lava, you pass through an area with impressive concentrations of petrified trees. The network is about 27 kilometers long; its described features include information boards, rest areas and signs every 500 meters. Along the trails, hikers can see Europe’s tallest upright tree trunk: it is 7.02 meters high and has a circumference of 8.58 meters. These measurements bring this individual natural landmark to life without reducing the varied landscape of the trail network to a single point. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.
Vathylimnos Waterfall lies between the settlements of Pterounda and Hidira. Its water comes from the island’s only black pine forest, on the Profitis Ilias mountain range at an elevation of 799 meters. Water flow can vary seasonally—a key distinction when you want to experience waterfalls and forests as part of the landscape.
Eresos and Mytilini: Places with Ancient Traces
Eresos lies in southwestern Lesbos between the hills of Troulos and LembĂłr. It is the birthplace of Theophrastus and Sappho, the great lyric poet of ancient Greece. This combines a clear geographical reference with a specific connection to ancient intellectual history.
Museums and buildings give Mytilini its own distinct character. The New Archaeological Museum of Mytilini opened in a new building in 1999; its collection focuses on Hellenistic and Roman Lesbos. The Ancient Theater of Mytilini is built entirely of marble. Its horseshoe-shaped cavea, or auditorium, is cut into volcanic rock, has a diameter of 107 meters and seats 10,000 spectators. Mytilini Castle, meanwhile, consists of an Upper, Middle and Lower Castle. The three sections give the complex a clearly structured layout.
Wetlands and Birdwatching
The wetlands of Lesbos serve as refuge and breeding grounds for many rare and endangered bird species. Rare species such as Krüper’s nuthatch, black-headed bunting and Rüppell’s warbler can be found in the Western Lesvian Peninsula Natura protected area. Spring and autumn are considered ideal seasons for birdwatching on Lesbos; weather and migration conditions can vary. Bird enthusiasts can thus take in both the importance of wetlands as habitats and seasonal differences.
More Island Highlights: Thermal Springs, Diving and Local Products
A quarter of Greece’s thermal baths are located on Lesbos. The island’s thermal springs have been known for their healing properties since antiquity. Access and facilities may change, so it is advisable to check current conditions before visiting. Diving and cycling are also among the activities on offer: diving centers provide lessons and equipment. Groups specializing in cycling tourism put together complete tour packages with a cycling guide, modern equipment, lessons and seminars. Operators, facilities and packages may change; check locally for current offerings.
The culinary history includes a 200-year tradition of ouzo distillation on Lesbos. In Eresos, the Eresos Agricultural Cooperative produces Kasseri, a cheese with protected designation of origin. These products add another facet of the island to its archaeological and geological discoveries—without presuming that any particular visitor experience is available.
Discover more destinations: PĂ©tra, Vatera, Plomari, Kalloni, Mithymna, Pappados, Kedro, Charamida, Tavari, Mistegna, Agia Paraskevi, Eresos, Polichnitos, Skala Kallonis, Perama, Nees Kidonies, Anaxos Skoutarou, Achlia, Mantamados, Loutropoli Thermis, Parakila, Skala Sikamineas, Nifida, Skala Loutron, Tarti, Vafeios, Sigri, Mitilini, Pirgi Thermis, Vrisa, Arisvi, Skala Eresou, Evriaki and Agiasos.
For the broader travel overview: Northern Aegean.
