At the east coast of Lesvos, on the road axis leading from the city of Mytilene to the north part of the island is located the region of Thermi with a history of five thousand years. It is the seat of the municipality that comprises Thermi, Pigi, Komi, Mistegna and Nees Kydonies. The region took the name by the thermal springs located there for centuries. From archaeological finds it is proved that in ancient time goddess Artemis was worshiped as protector of the curative springs. Because of the existence of many tower houses the village has named recently as Pyrgoi Thermis, today few are saved from Turkish occupation and have been characterized as monuments. After archaeological excavations in the past years next to the beach the layers and traces of five cities build the one over the other were revealed, the life of which lasted from the beginning until the middle of the 3rd millennium. Thermi, an ancient religious therapeutic centre.
The magnificence and the radiance of the religious and therapeutic centre of Thermi is also testified by numerous archaeological finds, bases of buildings, inscriptions, architectural members existing for many years dispersed to the entire enamouring and broader area of the hot springs. Some of these testimonies of the region ancient past are exhibited at the outdoor archaeological site at the location Horafa. At the beginning of the 20th century, the region of Thermi was popular for its luxurious hotel Sarlitza Palace, which was built on the plans of French architects, for about 30 years it received great recognition attracting visitors and celebrities from all over the world. Today it has decline and only the hot baths are in function.
In the last decades of the 20th century, Thermi would become again worldwide known due to the monastery of Agios Raphael, Nikolaos and Irene and their miraculous action. The monastery was founded in 1963 after a series of dreams that led to the discovery of the relics of St Raphael, St Nikolaos and St Irene, all of whom suffered martyrdom because of the Turks in 1463. St Raphael, during his appearances, reported that he suffered martyrdom on Tuesday, April 9 in 1463, which has been proven by research conducted by the Patriarchate. The relics of little Irene were found half-burnt inside a jar, exactly as it has been reported in the dreams. The church has two floors and its decoration and hagiography is impressive as well as completely plain.
Today Thermi presents a great tourist activity and progress, with hotel units, rooms to let and restaurants. Its beach, attracts hundred of bathers every day on summer time. The beaches of Petalidi, Skala of Nees Kydonies and Skala Mystegna are also ideal for swimming and enjoying traditional tastes at the restaurants located next to the waves. The village of Mistegna is popular for its beautiful red stone, of which many public and private buildings are made of all around Lesvos island. Nees Kydonies is a Greek name for Aivalik and was built by Greek refugees – former inhabitants of Aivalik in Turkey.
