The particular rock formations of the island, its proximity to Asia Minor and the geologically relatively recent separation of the Eastern Aegean from the opposite shores endowed Lesvos with unique natural wealth. 

The main feature of the forest flora of Lesvos is the close association of various vegetation types with the island’s geological structure. The geological makeup of Lesvos divides the island to the following regions with their corresponding vegetation: a) Lime region (eastern Lesvos, Chamali, Pigi, Ippeios, Karini), where olive trees represent the dominant species (Olea europaea), b) Schist region (southeastern Lesvos, Agiassos, Gera, Plomari) with oak (Quercus sp.) and chestnut trees (Castanea sativa), c) Ophiolithic region (central Lesvos, ‘çamlik’ west of Olympos) with Turkish pines (Pinus brutia) and d) Volcanic region (central, northern and western Lesvos) with oak (Quercus pubescens, Quercus aegilops), yellow azalea (Rododendron luteum), Austrian pines (Pinus nigra) and Sarcopoterium spinosum and Centaurea spinosa shrubs. 

The herbaceous vegetation of the island is also impressive. Two anemone species (Αnemone coronaria & A. pavonina) and daisy species (Anthemis chia & A. arvensis), red (Papaver rhoeas) and orange poppies (P. Levigatum), as well as asphodels (Asphodelus microcarpus), the typical plants of the Elysian Fields of ancient Greeks, bloom over extensive areas and create a multicolor display. The Lesbian Alyssum (Alyssum lesbiacum) seems to be the only endemic species on the island, while Rhododendron luteum (yellow azalea) and Haplophyllum megalanthum (orchid species) are plants of the Orient, which, in the Greek territory, grow only on Lesvos. Other species, such as Osmunda regalis (Royal fern), Datisca cannabina (False hemp), Comperia comperiana (Komper’s orchid), Dianthus anatolicus (small carnation), Elatine alsinastrum (chickweed), Corydalis integra, Ranunculus isthmicus (type of buttercup) and Silene urvillei (type of campion), are very rare in other parts of Greece. 

It is worth mentioning Colchicum Automnale, a bulbous plant that flowers with the first autumn breeze, on the island. Its flower is perfect; it has both male reproductive organs, six stamens and female ones, three carpels. All parts of the plant are poisonous; they contain an active poison called colchicine. According to mythology, Medea daughter to the king of Colchis, killed her own children with its poison, and that’s how it got its name. Finally, dozens of rare and quite elusive orchid species are a fascinating part of Lesbian flora, while there is a vast variety of toadstools and mushrooms, mainly in the district of Achladeri. 

The island’s fauna is just as rich as its flora combining animal species of both the Orient and the West. Among the carnivores encountered in the olive groves are the fox (Vulpes vulpres), the ferret (Martes foina) and the weasel (Μustela nivalis). The most important mammal of Lesvos is the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) or ‘galia’ as the natives call it, which lives in the Minor Asia shores and nowhere else in Europe but on Lesvos. Other species present on the island include the otter, the hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) and the hare (Lepus capensis). On Lesvos, we also encounter the amphibian Greek March frog, the European tree frog, the Eastern spadefoot and the green toad. Many reptiles also live on the island (,Testudo graeca (Greek tortoise) Mauremys rivulata (Balkan terrapin), Emys orbicularis (European pond terrapin), Agama stelio, Lacerta trilineata (Balkan green lizard), Podarcis taureca (Balkan wall lizard), Ophiosaurus apodus (armoured glass snake), Hemidactylus turcicus (Mediterranean house gecko), Coluber jugularis (Caspian Whipsnake) , Coluber gemonensis (Balkan whip snake), Coluber najadum (Dahl’s Whipesnake), Vipera xanthina (coastal viper), Natrix tesselata (dice snake), Elaphe situla (European ratsnake), Elaphe quatuorlineata (four-lined snake), Telescopus fallax (cat snake), Eryx jaculus (sand boa), Typhlops Vermicularis (worm snake), Malpolon monspessulanus (Montpellier Snake).

How many varieties of bees have been recorded, to date, in Lesvos?

An ideal place for bird watching, Lesvos is the island with the richest avifauna in the Aegean. Due to the wide variety of habitats and its location half way in the migration routes of Eastern Mediterranean, more than 300 species of birds pass, winter or nest on the island. 

Important regions for bird watching are Olympos, Kalloni, the Bay of Gera, Prinovouni, Akrasia, around Vatera, Lepetymnos, Agiassos, Sigri, Eressos, Petra, Skala in Polychnitos, Agra, Potamia et al. 

Krueper's Nuthatch (Sitta Krueperi) is one of the rarest species, which has chosen to live only in the pinewoods of the regions of Olympos, Achladeri and Akrasio in the whole of Europe. Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) can be traced in Eressos, Olympos and Agra. Other rare species nesting on the island are Rüppell's Warbler, the Olive-tree Warbler, the Olivaceous Warbler, the Pied Wheatear, the Rufous Bush Robin, the Masked Shrike, the Sombre Tit, the Rock Nuthatch, the Cretzschmar's Bunting, the Long-legged Buzzard, the Accipiter, the Alectoris chukar. The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is rare in Greece and nests in the area of Achladeri. Also on the island we find a few pairs of Black Storks (Ciconia nigra). 

In Lesvos there are also White Storks (Ciconia ciconia). Rare aquatic birds nest in the Bay of Kalloni, such as the Black-winged Stilt, the pied avocet, the Stone Curlew, the Little Bittern, the king fisher, the Collared Pratincole, the Marsh harrier, the Common Tern, the Little Tern, etc. 

As for more ordinary birds, Lesvos hosts blackbirds, thrushes and starlings in the olive groves, as well as robins, Chaffinches, Great Tits, skylarks, wrens, woodpeckers, Blackcaps and, in the summer, Wheatears. More rarely one might encounter the Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocerhala exclusively in the olive groves), the Sylvia olivetorum and in recent years the wren. In the mountain olive groves we hear the Alectoris chukar, the voice of the cuckoo and the song of the nightingale in the plane clusters. The Hoopoe nest in olive tree cavities, while in dry branches we come across the small Dunnock (Prunellamodularis). During the winter the wood cock and two species of thrush, the Fieldfare and the Redwing, visit the island, whereas the Eurasian Eagle Owl is giving way to the Long-eared Owl.

An impressive group of insects with a diverse variety of species that inhabit Lesvos are the dragonflies. (order Odanata). The research is still progressing but 45 different species have already been spotted on the island. These dragonflies seem to be members of the prehistoric family of giant dragonflies, the first insects to become avian. Finally, it is worth mentioning that more than 530 species of bees live on Lesvos. The list is constantly growing as research progresses. This impressive variety of bees is, of course, related to the huge range of plant and habitat variety of the island.

These are ideal locations for watching and photographing birds and they attract more and more enthusiasts from around the world. 

In the wetland of Kalloni Bay the sea has no waves or spoondrift. Sea water is trapped in salt pans. This environment swarming with life is chosen by birds, and bird watchers cannot but follow in spring and autumn months. The coexistence of man and beast has reached the point where flamingos with their long legs and impressive pink plumage are not bothered by human presence. The wetland has been included in Natura 2000 network, and includes, besides the bay marine habitat, a large number of terrestrial wetlands: the saltpans of Kalloni and Polichnitos, the stream beds of Tsiknias, Vouvari, Mylopotamos, Ennia Kamares, Potamia, the lagoon of Messa, etc. 

In the eastern part of the island, at the junction of Mytilini-Kalloni and Mytilini-Gera roads, the river Evergetoulas and the marsh of Dipio create another impressive wetland called Dipio-Larso. Many reptile, amphibian, bird and insect species nest in the river mouth. 

Wild geese and ducks, herons and other birds searching for food end up in the mouths of the rivers Almyropotamos and Vourkos in the wetland of Vatera. The clay soil and the shallow waters of the area foster the development of various plant and animal species close to the shore. 

If this was a fairy tale, we would be starting with ‘once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a forest in western Lesvos’.

This forest, due to the tectonic plates moving and the ensuing volcanic activity, was lost under the lava. Today, 20 million years later, it is one of the most beautiful and rare monuments of geological heritage in the world.

There is a similar one only in Arizona, USA, but of smaller range and significance. Natural processes and human intervention have revealed impressive tree trunks, branches, roots, fruit and leaves, but also petrified animal bones of shiny colors, unusual combinations and impressive sizes.

Lesvos can be justifiably considered a hiker’s paradise. Its abundant natural beauty spots, scattered cultural monuments, spectacular views over the Aegean Sea and the shores of Asia Minor, but mainly a network of signposted trails make Lesvos an ideal destination for hikers. 

Information boards, observation towers and kiosks for hikers to rest, complement the signposting of the trails and enrich the island’s routes. 

In the south part of the island, departing from the hamlet of Milies next to the village of Plagia, one can enjoy nature on horseback. Using the old trails islanders once used, visitors have the option of one or two hour rides riding native horse breeds. Dense olive groves, water springs and ruins of old stone houses are features of a unique way of getting to know the inland of Plomari.

Apart from all available activities on the mainland, Lesvos is also suitable for sea activities. The diving centre, open throughout the year and based at two different locations, provides the opportunity to discover the beauty of the sea bed. In the east part of Lesvos, at Haramida, one of the bases of the diving centre, the small islands of Agios Vassilios and Mersinia are an ideal site for diving, as well as the location of Tartios, with its crystal-clear waters; the shipwreck in the location of Vatera is an open invitation for exploration. In the northeast of the island, at Toukmakia, the second base of the centre, in Petra, a group of islands and reefs rich in biodiversity and morphology of the seabed, are an ideal site for experienced and inexperienced divers alike. An equally appropriate environment can be found at the islets across Petra.

Geological changes endowed Lesvos with numerous hot springs, which influenced life on the island. The first settlements in prehistoric times were created near such “miraculous” waters, which provide today’s traveller with a unique therapeutic experience. 

The Hot Springs of Thermi are not only therapeutic, but they boast a brilliant history. They are worth a visit, even if you are not interested in a therapeutic bath, just so that you can explore the region’s past. The area flourished during the Hellenistic period, and the Romans used the baths in their daily lives. Places like ancient temples, parts of which were used in later constructions, domed buildings, created under the Ottoman rule by pashas who adored Lesvos, Sarlitza Palace Hotel, designed by French architects and the place Venizelos stayed at, all whisper secrets of History! Modern spa facilities housed in a renovated building with individual baths; is located right next to Sarlitza Palace. The water temperature is 49.9ο C, and the spring is characterized as a ferrous hot spring.

The Gulf of Gera or Korfou Hot Springs are just a few kilometres from Mytilene. In the past, carts and boats used to wait at the calm waters’ jetty and bring over people from the capital for their hot baths. The temperature of the water is 39.7ο C and the spring is characterized as rich in sodium chloride. The common bath with its view of the sea, as well as the stone and marble faucets are also impressive.

Eftalou hot springs are situated on the northern coast of Lesvos, very close to Mithymna. These springs, well up through andesitic tuffs and conglomerates. The temperature of the water is 46.5 ο and, the radiation level 14.7 MACHE; this makes Eftalou hot springs the most radioactive springs on Lesvos. The building where the baths are situated was built in the 17th century and with its curved dome and small sky light windows it provides a magical experience. The four baths in the renovated building situated next to this one are a more modern version of a health spa.

Lisvori hot springs, hidden inside olive groves, spout up through volcanic conglomerates and volcanic tuffs. The water temperature is 69ο C and its chemical components are similar to those of Polichnitos hot springs. There are two swimming pools, one of which has been in use since the time of the Ottoman Empire!

In Lesvos one finds a plethora of caves, because of the .calcareous rock formations found on the island.

Many of these caves have been used as places of Christian worship. The biggest cave of the island, 120m long is the one of Magara, at the community of Alifanda.

The decorated pottery dating back to Roman and Byzantine times underline the cave’s archeological importance. At the community of Taxiarches, one will find the cave of Saint Bartholomew, which has an interesting stalagmite decoration.

Furthermore, of special archeological interest is the cave of Agios Ioannis or Foussa at the community of Mychos, where graves dating to the 5th c. b.C where found.