Kalloni Bay Lesbos
The stupendous Kalloni Bay together with its village, we find them right in the center of the Lesbos island about forty five kilometers west of the Mytilene capital, and according to many it is the most beautiful part. A wetland with important ecosystems that welcome a significant amount of fauna and flora.
A large gulf within a lush valley full of olive trees with hills that go into the sea, reed beds on the banks that give shelter to various animals, with its famous salt pans, its homonymous village perfect as a base for a holiday in Lesvos with comfortable beaches, taverns where you can delight even the most demanding palates, shops, small bars with a still authentic character, and still its six rivers that make the valley fertile, spring waters, hiking trails to discover a varied and generous territory, ancient churches and monasteries.
The Kalloni village is actually more inland but its position is strategic as it is a crossroads for island traffic. A large center for fishing on the south side so much so that the Kalloni sardines are the most famous and best in Greece. If you're in Lesvos in August don't miss the Sardine Festival in the center of the village with tons of blue fish, ouzo, traditional music and dance proudly preserved to this day. There is also one in July as well as the wine festival in Anemotia and a fantastic panagyri of the Holy Trinity on July 7 in Kalloni which lasts three days based on tasty banquets with the famous horse race.
Kalloni has very ancient origins at the beginning of the 2nd century BC it was the seat of the federation of all the cities of Lesbos. Aristotele spent several years together with Theophrastus in the Pirra lagoon (today called Kalloni) studying animal life so much that their observations were precious material for the first biology treatises. There are many remains of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and the Byzantine period to be admired with an upturned nose. Scattered throughout the gulf and region you can visit the ruins of altars and at Apothika between Parakila and Agra a six meter high retaining wall. And yet the Messa Klopedi Sanctuary, the Apollo temple in the Agia Paraskevi village and the ancient submerged Pyra and Makara city. Just south of the village you will find the remains of an old bridge while going towards Agra a well preserved minaret from the Ottoman period. If you have enough time, go also to the Limnos Monastery where, however, the ladies can only enter the chapel, or to the Panagias Myrsiniotsissa dating back to the XII century where according to tradition the Kalloni inhabitants saw a light one night and following it they found in the pine forest of the mountain Drakonditsi the Virgin Mary icon and in her honor they erected the monastery. The icon was able to heal the sick and spring thermal waters from the rocks, which today are collected in a beautiful marble fountain. During the Turkish domination it was almost destroyed but in 1527 Saint Ignatius Agallianou stopped at the point where the Sacred Icon was found and pointing his finger against the rock he made a cross asking God if it was his will that the church be rebuilt. The Almighty agreed and as tangible proof is the sign of the cross that can still be observed on the stone today.
But the Gulf is known above all for being an important stopping point for bird migrations from Africa to Europe. The whole wetland is part of the Natura 2000 project and is shallow and a perfect habitat for aquatic and avian life. You will be able to observe flamingos, porpoises, dolphins, seals and as many as 330 species of birds. A paradise for birdwatchers where you can discover new kinds of birds and enjoy the wonderful nature with immense peace. Also, don't be surprised if you see a nice pelican wandering around who has decided to remain stable by becoming almost domestic and lets himself be pampered by tourists and 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 in height and can be seen from the entire coast surrounding the bay. There is also birdwatching for the public on the street.
Finally, its splendid beach in the middle between the estuaries of two rivers, a couple of kilometers long with soft sand, clean waters and very shallow water, perfect for families with children. It is much loved by the locals who settle down on the coast at the weekend to enjoy what Lesbos can give. It is equipped with some free sunbeds while as regards the restaurant, behind it you can choose between several taverns or bars. One part has rocky areas where the prawns hide but be careful as they are usually covered in silt and therefore slippery, always wear rock shoes to avoid unpleasant falls.
There are many other curiosities about the Kalloni area but the best way to discover them is to go and see with your own eyes, mark this part of the island on the list of things to do in Lesbos, you will be pleasantly surprised.