Lesbos lies in the far east of the Aegean sea, facing the Turkish coast (Gulf of Edremit) from the north and east; at the narrowest point, the strait is about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) wide. The shape of the island is roughly triangular, but it is deeply intruded by the gulfs of Kalloni, with an entry on the southern coast, and of Gera, in the southeast.

The island is forested and mountainous with two large peaks, Mt. Lepetymnos at 968 m (3,176 ft) and Mt. Olympus at 967 m (3,173 ft), dominating its northern and central sections.[8] The island’s volcanic origin is manifested in several hot springs and the two gulfs.

Lesvos is an island full of great architectural masterpieces, medieval castles, traditional villages and olive groves. There are also important archaeological sites, Byzantine, medieval and Ottoman monuments, monasteries and churches, splendid examples of traditional architecture. In the northwestern part of the island, in Sigri, exists the Petrified Forest, which is one of the finest monuments of geological heritage worldwide. Mytilene, cultural and commercial center of the island is the capital. The island consists of many traditional villages such as Agia Paraskevi, Agiasos, Kalloni, Polichnitos, Plomari, Molyvos and Eressos. The local economy is based primarily on agriculture. The most famous product of Lesvos is the olive oil which is characterized by exceptional quality and the Lesbian ouzo.