find endemics in lesvos

Discover the Natural Heart of the Aegean

Lesvos is one of the richest islands in the Mediterranean for nature lovers. Sitting at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, this Greek island combines Mediterranean beauty, Asian biodiversity, and traditional landscapes that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. For birdwatchers, botanists, and nature photographers alike, Lesvos offers something unique — a compact island where every valley, marsh, and hill reveals a new ecosystem.

Landscapes and Habitats

Lesvos covers 1,630 km² and features two volcanic mountains — Lepetymnos in the north and Olympos in the south — separated by the broad Kalloni Gulf. Within short distances, you can explore:

Wetlands – Kalloni and Polichnitos salt pans, Ntipi reedbeds, and Tsiknias River host flamingos, herons, and waders.

Olive groves and phrygana – vast mosaic landscapes full of wildflowers, warblers, and butterflies.

Pine and oak forests – especially near Agiassos, home to Kruper’s Nuthatch and many orchids.

Rocky volcanic hills – around Sigri and Eressos, ideal for raptors and buntings.

Coastal and marine zones – cliffs, islets, and beaches vital for seabirds and migratory waders.

This incredible habitat diversity makes Lesvos a hotspot for biodiversity in the entire eastern Mediterranean.

Birdlife of Lesvos

With over 330 recorded bird species, Lesvos ranks among the top birdwatching destinations in Europe.

Spring Migration

From March to May, thousands of birds arrive from Africa:

Waders and herons crowd the wetlands.

Bee-eaters, orioles, and shrikes fill the olive groves.

Rare migrants like Little Crake, Collared Pratincole, and Red-footed Falcon pass through.

Breeding Season Highlights

Several species make Lesvos especially famous among birders:

Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) – a flagship species breeding on western rocky slopes.

Kruper’s Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) – found in the pine forests of Achladeri, at its westernmost limit in Europe.

Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Rüppell’s Warbler, Chukar and Eastern Bonelli's warbler also breed across the island.

Autumn & Winter

August–October brings southbound raptors — Honey Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, Ospreys and Eagles — visible from Argenos or Vafios.

Winter offers calm landscapes with flamingos, ducks, grebes, and lively flocks of finches.

Mammals, Reptiles & Invertebrates

Lesvos hosts a fascinating mix of European and Asian fauna: Persian Squirrel – found in forested valleys near Agiassos and Akrasi., Hedgehogs, hares, and bats are common across rural areas. Offshore, Bottlenose Dolphins and the rare Mediterranean Monk Seal appear along remote coasts.

Reptiles include Balkan Green Lizard, Marginated Tortoise, and Levant Water Frog, while the island’s butterflies — such as Southern White Admiral and Balkan Marbled White — delight nature photographers each spring.

Flora and Vegetation

Lesvos’s landscapes are dominated by more than 11 million olive trees, forming one of the largest traditional olive systems in the Mediterranean.
Over 1,400 plant species have been recorded, including island endemics like Campanula lesbiaca. In April and May, hillsides erupt with wild tulips, anemones, and orchids (more than 60 species).
The variety of soils — volcanic, limestone, and schist — supports an exceptional range of Mediterranean and Anatolian flora within a small area.

Best Time to Visit

April–May → peak bird migration and flowering season.

September–October → autumn migration and raptor passage.

Winter → peaceful landscapes, waterbirds, and mild weather.

Responsible Birding

Stay on tracks, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and support local communities by visiting traditional taverns and eco-friendly accommodations.

Top Nature Areas

Kalloni Gulf – salt pans, rivers, and reedbeds full of life.

Polichnitos Salt Pans – large flocks of waders and flamingos.

Sigri & Eressos – volcanic scenery and Cinereous Bunting habitat.Achladeri Forest – home of Kruper’s Nuthatch.

Lepetymnos & Argenos – ideal for raptor migration watching.

A Living Island

Lesvos is more than a destination — it’s a meeting point of nature, tradition, and light. Its volcanic land, olive groves, and wetlands hold the essence of the Aegean, making every visit a journey into the wild heart of Greece.

Book Your Birding Tour in Lesvos

Discover the best of Lesvos with a local expert. Aegean Birding offers personalized birdwatching and nature tours across the island — from the salt pans of Kalloni to the volcanic cliffs of Sigri.

Small groups · Tailored itineraries · Local expertise

Experience the wild Aegean — with Aegean Birding, every moment in nature counts.