Lesbos (Midilli)

Located on the northern Aegean Sea, just a few nautical miles from Turkeys southwest coast, Lesbos is the 3rd largest Greek Island with 370 kilometres of breathtaking coastline. The mountainous island hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna and scattered across the lush hills are countless streams, extensive olive groves and traditional Greek villages where you can taste delicious local foods and homemade wines or shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Lesbos is famous for producing some of the best virgin olive oil and ouzo in the world, so don't forget to pick up a bottle or two at one of the local markets!

Unlike neighbouring Greek Islands, Lesbos has remained mostly unaffected by mass tourism and the ideal place for those who want to experience a little of the real Greece. Historical and cultural sights are dotted around the island which was once home to the famous poets Sappho and Alkaios; visit art museums, quaint harbours and medieval castles, bathe in crystal-like water and laze on fine sandy beaches or take a stroll through the islands petrified forest. Lesbos offers a little something for everyone.

Sights and Attractions

Mytilene
Set between 7 hills on the eastern side, Mytilene is the islands capital city and cultural centre. It hosts many diverse art galleries and museums baring artefacts of the ancient city that now lies beneath the modern streets. While still a small city, Mytilene is alive with activity from sunrise to the early hours of the morning and offers plenty for visitors to see and do. Quirky streets are lined with a mix Venetian, Greek and Turkish architecture as well as traditional Byzantine churches and Neoclassic mansions. Gateluzzi Castle sits upon a hill north of the centre, dominating the harbour and many cultural events take place here during the summer. In the centre, there are many fine restaurants, bars and cafes. The main shopping street, Ermou Street, is always a whirl of activity and vibrant colours, here you can find anything from brass saucepans to handmade textiles to orzo and coffee. Returning to the harbour you can stroll along the pretty promenade and enjoy a marvellous sunset. Mytilene has good transport connections and is an excellent base for your Lesbos vacation.

Molyvos
Molyvos, also known by its ancient name Mithymna, it the top tourist destination on Lesbos island, historical records of this city date back to the bronze ages. Here you can visit the Byzantine Castle of Mithymna, wander through wooden and stone houses and visit the local handicraft and fresh produce markets. Despite growing tourism, fishing and farming are still a major part of daily life and the hills around Molyvos are packed with olive groves. The picturesque town is situated on the northern tip of the island on top of a hill overlooking the sea. Some restaurants offer fantastic views over the bay and a small pebble beach is nearby.

Petra
Petra is a beautiful sandy beach located just a few kilometres from Molyvos. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island boasting clear blue waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling while the beach is lined with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars. The village itself has a charming quality, with narrow cobbled stone streets and a good selection of souvenir shops and restaurants as well as a traditional Ouzo Distillery.

Kaloni
Kaloni Bay is a stunning location, surrounded by green mountains and olive groves, is widely known as the nature and sardine capital of the island and sublime seafood is served in every restaurant all year round. It is said that the rain washes oil from the olive groves into the sea and this is what makes the sardines so tasty, every August the town is host to a vibrant sardine festival where free ouzo and sardine tasters are shared in the main square. The town of Skala Kaloni lives mostly from agriculture and nature tourism and bird watching is a popular sport in the area. The sea here is shallow and usually calm making it a fantastic swimming spot.

How To Get There?
The international airport at Mytilene offers daily domestic flights to Athens or direct charter flights to certain countries including the UK, Germany and Belgium. The best way to reach Lesbos is by ferry. There are daily ferry services to/from Athens or Thessaloniki, Greece and Lesbos is also connected by ferry to other Greek islands including Chios and Limnos and to the Turkish coast at Ayvalik. More info