LesvosNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Lesvos

Some say that when you arrive on the island of Lesvos, you will discover the ‘real Greece’ and it’s not difficult to work out why. Often called Mytilene after its capital, the island is the third-largest in the country and can be found in the East Aegean, right next to Chios. Taking a ferry to Lesvos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Lesvos is a land blessed with award-winning beaches, picturesque villages, beautiful natural surroundings, and historical sites. Add to that its impressive seafood restaurants, fine art museums, a petrified forest, and unique hot springs and we think you will agree that there is much to discover. Said to have been founded in the 11th century BCE, the island then known only as Mytilene has mythological connections with The Iliad by Homer and has witnessed City-States, Roman, Byzantine & Genoese rule, and Ottoman occupations yet, it remains to this day distinctly Greek.

Lesvos was home to the famous Greek poet Sappho, known for her love of women, explaining where the word ‘lesbian’ came from. Here you will find Medieval castles and ornate monasteries and churches, some of which were once used as ‘secret schools’ during the Ottoman period. Refugees from Asia Minor brought a new spate of economic growth to the island in 1922 before it was occupied by the Germans in 1944. With such an intense history, it is easy to see why the islanders are so fiercely proud of their heritage.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lesvos

There are many ways to reach the island by sea,  you can depart from a number of ports. If you are sailing from Athens, book your ferry tickets to Lesvos and enjoy a 13-hour journey with Blue Star Ferries or Hellenic Seaways. You can also sail from Ikaria (11 hrs), Fourni (9.55 hrs), Mykonos (11.15 hrs) and Psara (6.15 hrs), Samos (6.35 hrs) and Syros (12.45 hrs).

From northern Greece, you can also book your ferry tickets to Lesvos and sail from Kavala (9.35 hrs) and Thessaloniki (10.25), while ferry connections are available from Chios (3.20 hrs), Limnos (4.20 hrs), and Inousses (2.35 hrs) on a regular basis in high-season.

Mytilene International Airport ‘Odysseas Elytis’ serves domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round, with the flight from Athens taking about 1 hour. Flights also run during the summer months to and from the airport for Heraklion, Rhodes, Samos, Chios, and some European destinations. On arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transport to arrive at your place of stay during your visit.
 

Ports of Lesvos

Mytilene is the main port of Lesvos, serving all passenger ships from Greece and also from Turkey. Situated on the southeast coast of the island, the harbor is a lovely place to begin exploring the capital, with its narrow, winding streets and neo-classical houses.

Built around the natural bay amongst seven hills, the port town offers a warm welcome to visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and wonderful waterfront taverns. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Lesvos.
 

Capital & Villages

Mytilene

Mytilene is the hub of island activity, serving as the commercial and administrative center. Old and new neighborhoods rub shoulders in a colorful mix of stately mansions and stone-built houses, with impressive churches and lively cafes bringing a charming character to the town.

Locals and visitors alike gather here to enjoy the pulse of the city, to discover its museums, and to ascend to the famous castle, which offers breathtaking sea views across the Aegean.

Molyvos

Molyvos is also known as Mythimna and is a beautiful medieval village located 60 km west of the capital. It is a traditional preserved settlement that attracts thousands of visitors each year, all flocking to enjoy its magnificent location and charming layout. Maze-like alleyways meander past stone-built houses, Turkish-style fountains, and grand mansions, making it a delightful escape back in time.

While there, you can’t miss the Medieval castle that stands aloft on a rocky hill, and on your stroll around the town, stop at one of the inviting souvenir shops to pick up some reminders of this special visit.

Agiassos

Agiassos can be found 26 kilometers from Mytilene town and is wonderfully poised on the pine-covered slopes of Mount Olympos. A truly verdant oasis, you will find a forest full of plane trees, as well as apple, chestnut, pear, and cherry orchards in the area.

The traditional town boasts those lovely narrow stone streets that the island is known for and many houses have protruding upper floors with flower-laden wooden balconies. The residents are known for their pottery and weaving skills, as well as wood carving, and you can purchase samples of their works in the numerous craft shops in the town.

Skalochori

Another mountain village with exceptional sea views, Skalochori is a relatively quiet settlement surrounded by lush greenery. The locals are mainly involved in livestock and agriculture so as you walk around the narrow alleyways, you will discover that traditional life has remained relatively unchanged in this lovely spot.

The village women still make a delicious sweet spoon dessert, as well as a variety of liqueurs you should try out, while the few taverns in the village serve exceptional homemade delicacies. Check out the school made from local rock and the tiny chapel of Profitis Ilias on your visit and take away with you the wonderful ambiance of bygone days.

Eressos

The small town of Eressos lies 85 km west of Mytilene and is the birthplace of the 7th-century poetess Sappho, as well as that of the philosophers Theophrastus and Phanias (4th-century BCE). The pretty seaside town is popular both for its waterfront setting and its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings.

It attracts families as well as those seeking a New Age lifestyle, with yoga, shiatsu, and other alternative therapies available on demand. Check out the Archaeological Museum behind the village square and the remains of the 14th century Byzantine castle not far from the port of Skala.
 

Best Beaches

Lesvos has many beaches, all of them beautiful in their own way. From organized family ones to more secluded coves, you will definitely be spoilt for choice when choosing your next bathing spot on the island.

Mytilene Beach

This beach is the closest to the port and is pebbled and sandy, with well-organized facilities for visitors. The beach is a convenient spot for a dip when you wish to be near the town, although it can get quite busy because of that.

Nevertheless, its waters are crystal-clear and extremely shallow, making it ideal for younger members of the family, and there are several fish taverns nearby for when mealtime arrives.

Molyvos Beach

This beach lies on the northern side of the island and is worth visiting because of its lovely location and sandy seabed. A Blue Flag holder, Molyvos is extremely clean and well organized, offering water sports and snorkeling for the active visitors.

Take a walk along the rocky coastline or sit at one of the fish taverns and enjoy delicious traditional offerings of fresh fish and local cuisine.

Anaxos Beach

If you want a beach with all of the amenities, then Anaxos is perfect for you. This resort-like beach can be found between the villages of Petra and Molyvos in an area of superb natural beauty.

The crystal-clear shallow waters make it the perfect family beach, where your little ones can enjoy water play without worry as you sit under a shady pine tree. Don’t forget to try some freshly caught seafood at one of the welcoming waterfront taverns.

Sigri Beach

Sigri is another beach ideal for families although it is less busy than Anaxos. Situated 90 km northwest of Mytilene town, it offers a tavern and canteen for meals and refreshments, as well as some sunbeds and showers.

While there, pop into the village to explore its old-world feel, the small church that was originally a mosque, and the old Turkish fortress. You can also visit the petrified forest, which was formed 20 million years ago!

Plomari Beach

If you are an ouzo lover, you should head to Plomari, home to some of the best ouzo in the world. Enjoy a sip of this fragrant drink served on ice after enjoying a wonderful swim later on in the refreshing waters and visit one of the ouzo museums if you have time.

The pretty beach has sandy, shallow waters and from here, you can enjoy a day trip by boat to the Gulf of Gera, which is full of vibrant sea life and intriguing rock formations.
 

Transportation Around Lesvos

Lesvos is a large island with many sights worth seeing, so arranging the best transport option for your time there is important. You can rent a car or motorbike and travel around the island with ease, while public transport can also take you to all of the main settlements and places of interest.

Otherwise, you will find taxis for hire on the island, as well as private transfers. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Lesvos.