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The Municipality of Gera is situated among green hills and olive trees on the southeastern part of the island of Lesvos and can be reached by traveling on the road from the NW exit of capital Mytilene, along a route that cuts through vast olive groves and lush vegetation. Its cluster of quaint villages -- Palaiokypos, Papados, Plakados, Skopelos, Perama and Mesagros -- is located along the western coastal zone of the Gulf of Gera that is classified among the most picturesque in the world. The Gulf is 7.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, including one of the most significant wetlands in Greece, home to a large variety of wild birds and animals.
The areas around the Gulf of Gera have been inhabited since the 3rd millennium B.C. and it was here where the mythic Yera was situated, which, according to Plinius, was the second in importance town of the Aeolian Lesvos. Ruins of ancient settlements have been unearthed all along the seashore of the Gulf and all over the plain of the Municipality of Gera.
Today, the residents are mostly occupied in the cultivation of olive trees, in fishing and the recently developed tourism industry. Mostly agricultural, the villages of the municipality are typical of the islands of the north Aegean Sea, with narrow cobble-stone alleys called “dousimedes” lined with houses with tiled roofs and whitewashed steps. The villages closer to the coast were formerly industrial with tanneries and olive presses, whose ruins now create an interesting background to the natural beauty of Gera.
There are several thermal springs in the area of the Gulf of Gera, well known since antiquity. Ideally situated, they allow for beautiful vistas to the peaceful surroundings and the amazing scenery along with the great relaxing and soothing experience. The springs’ sub saline, carbonic, water reaches a temperature of 39.5 Co (1.8 units of radioactivity) and is believed to alleviate problems in the abdominal area, dropsy and many other ailments.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Municipality of Gera has a great historical and cultural heritage. The numerous Byzantine churches, early catacombs and the old castles in Palaiokastro, Kasteli in Papados and the Castle in Meti, are well worth a visit.