LESVOS GEOPARK: EUROPEAN AND UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
Lesvos offers a wealth of geological monuments, areas of great beauty, ecotopes and cultural heritage monuments, and it is these elements which contributed to the island's recognition and inclusion in the Global Geoparks Network under the auspices of UNESCO.
The western side of the island is dominated by the imposing Petrified Forest, a unique witness of the region's geological history, which has been declared a Protected Natural Monument.
Lesvos is strewn with unique value and significant geological monuments and landforms such as volcanoes, hot springs, important fossil sites, large geological faults, waterfalls, coastal geosites which are important witnesses to the Aegean basin's geological history.
Lesvos' ecological value is evidenced by three regions which have been included in the European Natura 2000 Network: Petrified Forest –Western Peninsula, the wetlands of Kalloni Gulf Wetlands and the Gulf of Gera and Mount Olympus.
...offers a wealth of geological monuments, and landscapes of great beauty...
In Lesvos, one encounters prehistoric and historic archaeological monuments, medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages. The rich architectural heritage is based on the use of local building materials which reflect the geological heritage and the natural environment.
In Lesvos, one encounters prehistoric and historic archaeological monuments, medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages. The rich architectural heritage is based on the use of local building materials which reflect the geological heritage and the natural environment.
The Lesvos Geopark highlights the evidence of its geological, natural and cultural heritage and sets the stage for visitors to familiarize themselves with a rich network of geosites and ecotopes, archaeological sites and monuments, as well as a variety of museums. Visitors can participate in various ecotouristic activities, unique, educational programs, marine and agrotouristic events, cultural festivals, as well as enjoy hiking through a unique natural environment once walked by Aristotle and Theophrastus.
