Lesvos, the third biggest island in Greece after Crete and Evia, is blessed with rich flora and fauna, a wonderful Mediterranean climate, charming traditional architecture as well as a long and glorious history, dating back to prehistoric times.

The birthplace of the famous ancient poets Sappho and Alkaios, the island was reunited with the Greek mainland in 1912.

Many ethnic Greek refugees from the opposite Asia Minor coast settled on Lesvos after the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922, and the subsequent population exchange agreement.

Lesvos is famous worldwide for its unique petrified forest, which has been designated as a preserved natural monument since 1985. Huge sequoias and primitive pine trees were fossilized 15-20 million years ago due to intense volcanic activity in the area.

The petrified forest of Lesvos is one of the rarest natural monuments in the world, visited by thousands of tourists each year. However, the island offers plenty more attractions, including beautiful monasteries, waterfalls and hot springs.

Above all, Lesvos — also known as Lesbos — has numerous beaches.

Nature lovers will also be thrilled by the variety of activities offered, such as bird watching, trekking, sailing, and scuba diving.