Greece: Lesvos

The stunningly beautiful Greek island of Lesvos is now firmly established as one of the best locations in Europe for observing spring migration. In spite of being one of the largest islands in the Aegean Sea (second in size only to Crete) and having an international airport at Mytilene, Lesvos has remained remarkably unspoiled; one suspects that large parts of the island have changed little in the past hundred years. Steeped in history, its tapestry of habitats, ranging from rocky mountains, forested hills, and stony uncultivated pasture, to more fertile lowlands planted with figs and olive groves, and coastal wetlands ensures a fine variety of migrant and resident landbirds, including two breeding specialties, Krüper’s Nuthatch and Cinereous Bunting.  Our single hotel is located at the quiet, scenic resort of Skala Kalloni, very close to a number of the island’s most rewarding birding spots, and is also well positioned for visits to the more peripheral sites. Birding on Lesvos is a real delight – everywhere you go there are drifts of gorgeous wildflowers and a staggering abundance of butterflies, and our explorations take us through tiny white-painted villages dotted with tempting tavernas – Mediterranean birding does not get much better than this.