Discover the hidden gems of Lesvos
Lesvos, a picturesque Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
With its stunning coastline, lush olive groves, and charming villages, it offers a diverse range of walking.
Our guidebook to walking on Lesvos is your perfect companion.
Below is a selection of walks from our book.
Karini Circuit – Walk 1
Karini is barely a settlement but is famous for its deeply shaded tavern, particularly popular in summer.
Karini’s claim to fame is the hollow tree believed to be the summer home of Theofilos, the painter, who died in 1934.
His colourful paintings were primitive but, nevertheless, he became quite famous and his paintings now command huge prices.
This walk makes good use of old cobbled trails which punctuate the hillside around these mountains.
The first part takes you up to the old village of Asomatos and a second trail leads down to an old olive oil factory from where a riverside path takes you back to Karini.
Thermi Circuit via Panagia – Walk 3
This walk meanders gently through delightful countryside. Its archaeological theme gives it an added dimension, and there is more than enough to satisfy the amateur historical detective.
The whole area bristles with ancient material incorporated into later buildings, and the archaeological site of Thermi is unmissable.
Circuit from Agiassos via the Sanatorio – Walk 7
The first part of this walk, the woodland loop, is especially beautiful. The flowers are outstanding in springtime, and many of the island’s specialities grow in this area.
Fritillaria pontica is one of the delightful finds, but there are orchids too – like the pale yellow Orchis provincialis.
All the shade and atmosphere of the woodland disappears as you climb up to the Sanatorio.
The flowers do not disappear, but suddenly there are open views across to the Gulf of Gera and beyond.
Ascent of Mount Olympos – Walk 8
Mount Olympos is one of two mountains on Lesvos rising to an altitude of 968m/3178ft. It shares this distinction with the Vigla peak on Mount Lepetimnos.
But they are very different mountains. Olympos sports a huge bare limestone cap which is a landmark seen from many parts of the island.
The lower parts of this mountain are richly covered in vegetation, chestnut forest, pine forest and olive groves, and the whole of this massive provides some of the best walking on the island.
Mount Lepetimnos is more volcanic in nature and comparatively barren, although the lower slopes do support olive groves.
Like all summits these days, Olympos is forested with masts and aerials, but they only spoil the view of it and not from it.
Asomatos Mountain Circuit – Walk 11
A number of our walks pass through Asomatos but this time we have used it as a starting point.
The mountainous area in this region hides a multitude of footpaths, trails and tracks used as communication routes and for access to olive groves.
This assembly of some of the best footpaths and trails on the island makes for a short but exhilarating scenic walk with tough challenges.
Asomatos is a pretty village worth exploration but it’s now much quieter than in the past, as the younger population has had to move away for work.
The Greeks still remain firmly attached to their family villages and many use their old village homes for holidays.
Circuit from Vatera via Profitis Ilias and Cape Fokas – Walk 18
A little white church perched on top of a hill is usually an irresistible challenge to walkers.
You can guess at two things. It will be called Profitis Ilias and will have brilliant views. Your guesses would be absolutely right in this case; it’s a magical location.
The second feature on this walk, Cape Fokas, is a local beauty spot. Just below, on the eastern side, is a small but picturesque fishing harbour and a taverna.
The taverna, extremely popular with the locals, opens from Easter onwards. Bird-watchers love this point too – it’s a great place to watch for sea birds.
The best time of year for walking on Lesvos
The ideal time to walk on Lesvos is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).
The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
However, summer (June-August) can also be a great time to visit, especially for those who enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Getting around Lesvos
Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace.
Buses only connect the main towns and villages on the island.
Ferries connect Lesvos to the mainland and other Greek islands.
Lesvos really is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect destination for a walking holiday. Buy our guidebook to walking on Lesvos.
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