Municipality of Kalloni
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Kalloni sardines – the famous papalina
alloni is located in the geographical center of Lesvos. It is blessed by nature and embraced by the waters of its bay. Its lush 100 square kilometer plain with its six rivers supplies it with abundant commodities. Underground and spring waters irrigate its grapevines and gardens. And its historical monasteries have stood by it as vigilant guards at the crossroads through which the island’s main roads have always passed. Nothing has changed here since antiquity. In recent decades, the town of Kalloni has grown considerably as a commercial center. It is the seat of the Municipality, which consists of the settlements of Agra, Anemotia, Arisvi, Dafia, Kerami, Parakoila, Skalohori, and Filia. It is also the seat of the Bishopric of Mithymna. Its metropolitan cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist is one
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of the largest in all of Greece. Crossing through the pine forest (tsamliki), at some point on your right you’ll see a pile of stones. These are the famous “stones of the Arapis.” Legend has it that a giant living in the forest would force passersby to gather stones for the building of his mansion. In the autumn months, you’ll come across many locals here, collecting mushrooms – the celebrated pefkites and amanites. Like all of Lesvos, this region possesses a wealth of flavors.
The Bay
The Bay of Kalloni is the island’s largest, with a very narrow opening to the sea. It is known for its excellent fish (the famous sardines) and shellfish, including scallops, clams, mussels, and more. It is the island’s ecotourism center, since despite some deterioration the nature in the