Discover The Agios Rafael Monastery Along with Great Landscapes and Beautiful Beaches of Lesbos

Added: 06/12/2006

So large and varied is Lesbos, Greece's third largest island that it often does not feel like an island at all. The island has a distinctively rocky, volcanic landscape couple with great examples of Byzantine architecture and stunning beaches. Tourism is a comparative newcomer to the scene, which helps keep a traditional feel to the island. It is also home to the Agios Rafael Monastery.

Lesbos is located at a very short distance off the Turkish coast. The island is the third largest in Greece and its people traditionally made
a living from fishing, farming, making cheese and growing olives, fruit and vegetables. Lesbos has a fascinating history; among the many famous ancients that resided here are 7th century poet Sappho, writer Aesop and Aristotle, representing Philosophy. The Victorian interpretation of the poems of Sappho, Lesbos's claim to fame, has taken her poetry to mean sexual rather than emotional or Platonic love between her and her lover.

The capital of the island Lesbos is Mytilini. The best known other resorts are Anaxos, Molyvos, and Skala Kalloni. Tourism is comparatively new to the island and accounts for only 10% of the local economy. You can go to Lesbos for its thermal baths, including Polihnito - the hottest ones in Europe, where the water temperature reaches 76°C (169° F). While you're there you shouldn't miss the typical fishing villages such as Petra and Molivos, the Petrified Forest near Andissa or the endless Skala Eressou beach, one of the most beautiful in Greece. There are many other attractions not to be missed in Lesbos, Old and New Archaeological Museums are among some of the most interesting of them.

A wonderful Museum collection includes ceramics through the ages, sculpture and many other artifacts; up the hill is the new museum that
concentrates mainly on Roman finds including some fine mosaics.Lesbos Fortress - an interesting history is to be discovered at this site between the islands 2 bays, the much-occupied protection is now in various states of preservation. There is a pay beach below the fortress,
which may be where the Ottoman's cooled off.

Agios Rafael - is an attraction 20km from the capital of Mytilini in Thermi named in honor of St Rafael whose chapel and grave attract many pilgrims. You can follow the old trails to explore the three parts of Thermi: the port, the village proper, and the collection of tower-houses. The walk also takes you past the Bronze Age site next to the hotel, one of Lesbos' oldest churches, and the important Monastery of Agios Rafael, returning to Thermi through a sea of olive groves. Agios Rafael is one of the most popular attractions in Thermi, Lesbos. The monks will let you stay free for a couple of nights. The Agios Rafael Monastery is visited by faithful from all over Greece.

The scenic variety, coupled with the richness of its historical treasures that makes walking along the ancient stone paths of Lesbos so endlessly intriguing and rewarding, especially in spring, when endemic flowers carpet the ground. To best show you the island's many faces, the holidays feature friendly hotels in the olive-clad east, in the limestone landscape of the north where pines and oaks grow, and in the startling volcanic scenery of the west.

The beaches here will also add to your unique experience of the island. A good choice in beaches is this long small pebbly stretch that runs
south from the town. Plomari on the south coast is blessed with several stunning beaches too.

Walking or swimming or sightseeing, Lesbos has something to offer to every visitor.

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