The stupendousKalloni Bay together with its village, we find them right in the centerof the Lesbos island about forty five kilometers west of the Mytilene capital, and according to many it is the most beautifulpart. A wetland with important ecosystems that welcome a significantamount of fauna and flora.

A large gulf within alush valley full of olive trees with hills that go into the sea, reedbeds on the banks that give shelter to various animals, with itsfamous salt pans, its homonymous village perfect as a base for aholiday in Lesvos with comfortable beaches, taverns where you candelight even the most demanding palates, shops, small bars with astill authentic character, and still its six rivers that make thevalley fertile, spring waters, hiking trails to discover a varied andgenerous territory, ancient churches and monasteries.

The Kalloni village isactually more inland but its position is strategic as it is acrossroads for island traffic. A large center for fishing on thesouth side so much so that the Kalloni sardines are the mostfamous and best in Greece. If you’re in Lesvos in August don’t missthe Sardine Festival in the center of the village with tons of bluefish, ouzo, traditional music and dance proudly preserved to thisday. There is also one in July as well as the wine festival inAnemotia and a fantastic panagyri of the Holy Trinity on July 7 inKalloni which lasts three days based on tasty banquets with thefamous horse race.

Kalloni has veryancient origins at the beginning of the 2nd century BC it was theseat of the federation of all the cities of Lesbos. Aristotele spentseveral years together with Theophrastus in the Pirra lagoon(today called Kalloni) studying animal life so much that theirobservations were precious material for the first biology treatises.There are many remains of buildings dating back to the Middle Agesand the Byzantine period to be admired with an upturned nose.Scattered throughout the gulf and region you can visit the ruins ofaltars and at Apothika between Parakila and Agra a six meter highretaining wall. And yet the Messa Klopedi Sanctuary, theApollo temple in the Agia Paraskevi village and the ancient submerged Pyra and Makara city. Just south of the village you will find theremains of an old bridge while going towards Agra a well preservedminaret from the Ottoman period. If you have enough time, go also tothe Limnos Monastery where, however, the ladies can only enter thechapel, or to the Panagias Myrsiniotsissa dating back to the XIIcentury where according to tradition the Kalloni inhabitants saw alight one night and following it they found in the pine forest of themountain Drakonditsi the Virgin Mary icon and in her honorthey erected the monastery. The icon was able to heal the sick andspring thermal waters from the rocks, which today are collected in abeautiful marble fountain. During the Turkish domination it wasalmost destroyed but in 1527 Saint Ignatius Agallianou stopped at thepoint where the Sacred Icon was found and pointing his finger againstthe rock he made a cross asking God if it was his will that thechurch be rebuilt. The Almighty agreed and as tangible proof is thesign of the cross that can still be observed on the stone today.

But the Gulf is known aboveall for being an important stopping point for bird migrations fromAfrica to Europe. The whole wetland is part of the Natura 2000project and is shallow and a perfect habitat for aquatic and avianlife. You will be able to observe flamingos, porpoises, dolphins,seals and as many as 330 species of birds. A paradise forbirdwatchers where you can discover new kinds of birds and enjoy thewonderful nature with immense peace. Also, don’t be surprised if yousee a nice pelican wandering around who has decided to remain stableby becoming almost domestic and lets himself be pampered by touristsand locals.

Kalloni Southeast,there are the suggestive salt pans which are still very active today.A mountain of blinding white salt that reaches twelve meters inheight and can be seen from the entire coast surrounding the bay.There is also birdwatching for the public on the street.

Finally, its splendidbeach in the middle between the estuaries of two rivers, a couple ofkilometers long with soft sand, clean waters and very shallow water,perfect for families with children. It is much loved by the localswho settle down on the coast at the weekend to enjoy what Lesbos cangive. It is equipped with some free sunbeds while as regards therestaurant, behind it you can choose between several taverns or bars.One part has rocky areas where the prawns hide but be careful as theyare usually covered in silt and therefore slippery, always wear rockshoes to avoid unpleasant falls.

There are many othercuriosities about the Kalloni area but the best way to discover themis to go and see with your own eyes, mark this part of the island onthe list of things to do in Lesbos, you will be pleasantly surprised.