What the Petrified Forest Is

The fossilised trees of the Lesvos Geopark are tens of millions of years old. Volcanic eruptions buried entire forests in ash — the heat and subsequent geological processes preserved the woody structure in extraordinary detail. Some trunks stand upright as they grew, preserved in the posture of living trees. Trunk diameters of several metres are not unusual. The preservation is remarkable not just in scale but in detail — bark texture, internal wood structure and even the growth rings are visible in some specimens.

The Natural History Museum, Sigri

The museum at Sigri is the essential first stop before any visit to the forest sites. It provides the geological and palaeobotanical context that makes the field experience meaningful. Well-presented exhibits explain the volcanic events, the preservation process and what the fossils tell us about the ancient climate when tropical and subtropical forest covered the Aegean. Allow at least 90 minutes. The museum staff can advise on current access to the various field sites.

The Field Sites

Multiple petrified forest sites are distributed across the western end of the island. The main visitor site near Sigri has marked paths, interpretation panels and the most impressive concentrations of standing fossilised trunks. Other sites require more active searching or guided visits. Check at the museum for current access conditions and any new sites that have been developed.

The Wider Geopark

The UNESCO Global Geopark designation covers the entire volcanic western landscape — not just the petrified forest sites. The dark sands of Skala Eresou, the volcanic rock formations around Sigri and Antissa, the thermal springs at Eftalou and Polichnitos and the fertile volcanic soils that grow the island’s distinctive olives are all expressions of the same geological story.