Lesvos holidays, a cultural tour

Location: The first travel guide to Greece was written back in the 200 AD and in the 19th century Greece was considered a major stop of the European aristocrats. The country’s most enduring quality is its archaeological sites, but the country is much more than historical sites.

Its allure is due to its intangible qualities, the unique blending of its East and West culture, the blue sea, the clear light and the strong character of the past. Perched on the easternmost edge of the Aegean with whitewashed walls, deep blue sky, olive groves, fig trees, azure Aegean waters, the island of Lesvos is a gem in itself. Steeped in Homeric history and culture, scented by wild fennel and basil, Greece's third largest island now hosts many visitors to Greece.

History & culture: Mytilini, the capital of the island retains many architectural treasures of bygone years as well as the Castle and the remains of the Ancient Mytilini recently excavated. In the town’s fine museums you can learn more about the island's history and you can visit the many ancient sites throughout the island.

Most people know of Greece's “classical” period, but the history of Lesvos goes back two million years as the recent discovery of prehistoric fauna and fish in the area of Vatera shows. Tusks and skeletons of giant mastodons have been found as well as fossilized bones of ancient horses, camels, rhinoceros, and a tortoise the size of a small car. One of the most startling discoveries is that of a family of giant apes of the Paradolichopithecus family, the oldest found in Europe. Archaeological evidence indicates that Lesvos has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. During the Bronze Age it had already developed an exceptionally advanced civilization similar to the Trojan and Mycenaean.

The Romans dominated the island in 88 BC. When the Roman Empire was divided into East and West, Lesvos became part of the Byzantine state. The Byzantines neglected the island, so around 1151 it was frequently looted by the Slavs, Saracens, and Russians and was plundered by the Venetians and the Crusaders.

In 1354 Lesvos was ceded as a dowry to the Genoese noble, Francesco Gattelusi, son-in-law of the Emperor John Palaiologos. In 1462 it succumbed to the Sultan Mohamed II, the Conqueror, after stiff resistance. The destruction that followed was terrible. All the young men and women were sent to Constantinople and the largest part of the population was exterminated. In 1821 the islanders were slaughtered again by the Turks as revenge for setting on fire the Turkish fleet at Eressos. On the 8th of November 1912 the island was liberated by the Admiral P. Koundouriotis who came with a squadron of the Greek fleet led by the battle ship Averoff.

Following the burning of Smyrna (present day Ismir), in 1922 a large number of refugees from Asia Minor came to Lesvos, In 1923, after the signing of the treaty of Lausanne, Lesvos was definitively ceded to Greece. Between 1930 -1939 (a period which is referred to as Lesvian Spring) the island prospered culturally and financially. During World War II the Germans occupied Lesvos on May the 4th 1941 and left on September the 10th, 1944.

All these phases have left on the island their heritage in one form or another - architecture, sculptures, paintings, crafts - and in one place or another - on the landscape, in museums, in churches - to be appreciated by even the most casual visitor. Above all, visitors will leave Lesvos with memories of their encounters with the oldest of Greek traditions - the hospitality shown to foreigners. Everyone is made to feel that is personally welcome and appreciated.

Accommodation: You will be staying at a family owned and managed hotel, the Madonna Family Hotel in Vatera; it lies in a scenic location with well-kept gardens and only 120 m from the beach. It has a spacious terrace where you can enjoy a relaxing evening drink and a bar. All apartments are comfortably furnished with en suite facilities, radio, TV, air-conditioning and balconies with sea or mountain views. Meals will be taken at local tavernas which feature a selection of traditional home-cooked dishes, using local products.

Note: Festivals and celebrations of various kinds are part of life in Lesvos. Depending on the time of the year & if they match with the dates of this holiday, they will be included in the program.