Lesbos Island (Mytilene, Greece)

Lesbos Island's main port city is Mytilene (ferry and cruise port). The island is located in northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean). It has land area of 1633 km2 (630 ml2) with 320 km (199 ml) of coastline, ranking it Greece's 3rd largest island. It is separated from Turkey by Mytilini Strait. Island's population is around 86,000, 1/3 of whom live in Mytilene (southeastern coast). The remaining residents live in small towns and villages.

Lesbos Island is one of 5 governing islands within North Aegean region, together with Chios, Lemnos, Samos and Ikaria. Mytilene was established in the 11th century. The city name is of Hittite origin. During Middle Ages, Lesbos was under Byzantine rule. In 1462 the island was conquered by Ottoman turks, ruling over it until the First Balkan War (1912), when it became part of Greece.

Island's economy is based on agriculture, with main source of income being olive oil. Tourism in Mytilene is encouraged by an international airport and the picturesque coastal towns Plomari, Petra, Eresos and Molyvos. Fishing, soap manufacture and ouzo (Greece's national liqueur) are among the other major industries.

The meaning of the word "lesbian" derives from Sappho's poems. The Greek poet Sappho was born on Lesbos Island. She wrote highly emotional poems directed to other women. Because of this association, Lesbos (and especially the town Eresos, her birthplace) are frequently visited by lesbian tourists.

On July 2, 2019, was officially inaugurated the new regularly-scheduled ferry service between Dikili (Izmir Province, Turkey) and Mytilene (Lesbos). Departures from Turkey are on Tuesdays.

Lesbos Island cruise terminal