Last year the island of Lesbos was at the crossroads of Europe's migrant crisis. These beaches were teeming with people fleeing Syria and other troubled places. Today the island's "tourist capital" Molyvos and its shores are quieter.
Lessons from Lesbos —
Last year the island of Lesbos was at the crossroads of Europe's migrant crisis. These beaches were teeming with people fleeing Syria and other troubled places. Today the island's "tourist capital" Molyvos and its shores are quieter.
Marissa Tejada
The church of Agios Therapon dominates the skyline in Lesbos's capital Mytilene. Islanders are looking at new ways to encourage tourists scared away by headlines about the migrants.
New opportunities —
The church of Agios Therapon dominates the skyline in Lesbos's capital Mytilene. Islanders are looking at new ways to encourage tourists scared away by headlines about the migrants.
Marissa Tejada
Lesbos is learning to cope with its new arrivals. Most are settled in the Kara Tepe refugee camp in Mytilene, which is guarded day and night.<br />
Kara Tepe refugee camp —
Lesbos is learning to cope with its new arrivals. Most are settled in the Kara Tepe refugee camp in Mytilene, which is guarded day and night.
Marissa Tejada
Among refugees at the camp is Akram, a 16-year-old Syrian, who says he fled alone for a better life in Europe after his father was killed. His says his mother is still in Syria.
Refugees —
Among refugees at the camp is Akram, a 16-year-old Syrian, who says he fled alone for a better life in Europe after his father was killed. His says his mother is still in Syria.
Marissa Tejada
Regular visitors to Lesbos say they're saddened to see the island's normally bustling tavernas empty of tourists. <br />
Empty tavernas —
Regular visitors to Lesbos say they're saddened to see the island's normally bustling tavernas empty of tourists.
Marissa Tejada
In spring, Lesbos is usually one of the hottest birdwatching spots in Europe. This year, Gill Greenhall and her husband Mel are among the few making the trip. They've been enjoying annual bird-watching vacations on the island for more than a decade.
Birdwatching —
In spring, Lesbos is usually one of the hottest birdwatching spots in Europe. This year, Gill Greenhall and her husband Mel are among the few making the trip. They've been enjoying annual bird-watching vacations on the island for more than a decade.
Marissa Tejada
Local business owner Yiorgos Eleftheriou shows off a stretch of Skala Eressos beach to Travel Bloggers Greece members Elena Sergeeva, Chrysoula Manika and Amber Charmei.
Blogger visit —
Local business owner Yiorgos Eleftheriou shows off a stretch of Skala Eressos beach to Travel Bloggers Greece members Elena Sergeeva, Chrysoula Manika and Amber Charmei.
Marissa Tejada
A sea view from the hiking trails of Mount Olympus, the second highest peak in Lesbos. Most cruise ships have diverted from the island and some travel companies have stopped offering vacation packages altogether.
Off the vacation map —
A sea view from the hiking trails of Mount Olympus, the second highest peak in Lesbos. Most cruise ships have diverted from the island and some travel companies have stopped offering vacation packages altogether.
Marissa Tejada