Lesbos Island: The 10 best sights & travel tips

Lesvos, the third largest island in Greece has been able to retain a lot of authenticity compared to some other Greek islands. At the latest when you sit under a shady plane tree in one of the traditional villages and sip a Greek coffee with the locals, you will feel the magic of Lesbos.

“The inhabitants of Lesbos are an extremely lovable people with strong personalities. Despite many challenges in the past, they have never given up hope.”

Lesvos is calming for the mind in its very own way, a place to switch off and recharge your batteries. Here you can escape from everyday life, experience the original Greece and make new friends. In the end, the character of an island is always shaped by its people.

They showed us their beautiful island with a lot of heart and soul and full of pride and contributed to the fact that we had an unforgettable stay and will definitely come back.

What we discovered on Lesvos (also Lesbos*), we tell you in our 10 highlights of the island. You too can experience a dream vacation in Greece on the island of Lesvos!

*To make the article findable on the Internet, we use both the spelling “Lesbos” and “Lesvos” in the following. Both terms are common in international usage. However, the correct spelling is and remains “Lesvos”.

#1 Mytilene and surroundings

The lively island capital is the economic and cultural center of Lesvos. Mytilene, with its 30,000 inhabitants, has a charm of its own and enchants especially those who stay longer than just an afternoon.

Especially the inhabitants of Mytilene and the surrounding villages (including Moria) have had to go through a lot in recent years, they have had to go through the Refugee crisis but regularly in the public eye.

The situation had calmed down in the meantime. Nevertheless, isolated people continue to reach the island of Lesbos. There is still no European solution, neither for Lesvos nor for Greece. Here you can find out more about the topic: Refugees in Greece

If you arrive by ferry, the city with its pastel-coloured houses immediately likeable. Magnificent villas and mansions are complemented by modern architecture.

Take your time exploring the lively city on foot. Along the waterfront you have a great panorama, always in the background the magnificent church of Agios Therapon. Especially in the evening, when the whole city is lit up, the atmosphere is magical and you will find a great photo opportunity of Mytilene at the harbor pier.

In the city’s pub district, you can relax in one of the cozy cafés, such as the Mousiko Kafeneio before heading into the hustle and bustle of Ermou Street.

In the alleys of Mytilene

The shopping alley turns into a market square in the morning, it is loud, hectic and bustling. A wide variety of smells flow from everywhere. Fishermen advertise their catch, fruit and vegetables, leather goods and delicatessen are sold. An authentic atmosphere of a small Greek town that you should have experienced.

In the back of Ermou Street you come to the former Turkish quarters. Witnesses of the past include an old hammam and the Yeni Cami mosque. On the rocky outcrop of the peninsula above the city sits a mighty fortress.

The Kastro of Mytilene dates back to Byzantine times and served primarily as a defensive structure. Today, only ruins remain of the castle complex, but the view of the city and the sea from the fortress walls alone is worth a visit.

• Opening hours Kastro: Daily 08:00 – 15:00, closed on Mondays | Admission: 2 euros

Bathing bays in the south of Mytilene

There are no particularly charming beaches in the capital directly. Therefore, it is worth taking a detour to the south. The Agios Ermogis Beach is located in the far southwest and is picturesquely embedded in a turquoise blue bay. The fine sandy beach slopes quite gently and is therefore also ideal for children.

Above the bay sits a pretty white Chapel, which gives the beach its name. There is a tavern on site that provides cool drinks and snacks, umbrellas and beach chairs. In the height of summer and on weekends, Agios Ermogenis Beach is very well visited by locals.

The Roman aqueduct at Moria

About seven kilometres north of Mytilene, near the small village of Moria, stands this impressive building. The Roman aqueduct is 170 meters long and spans an entire valley. It is still quite well preserved and comprises three floors.

In the early century BC, Mytilene was supplied with water by the island’s mountain villages with the help of this aqueduct. Near the aqueduct at Moria is currently the island’s refugee camp.

#2 Medieval towns in the north

Molyvos (also Mithymna) is the picture-book village of the island and rightly the tourist magnet of Lesvos. The medieval town is picturesquely enthroned on a hill above the sea. On the summit above stands the mighty Kastro of Molyvos.

The cobbled streets are like a small labyrinth and you like to get lost, as you discover a new photo motif at every corner. In April and May If a special highlight awaits you in Molyvos, then the purple vine plant Wisteria (wisteria blooms), which spans the narrow streets of the city like a roof.

Walking tour of magical Molyvos

You can park your car on the edge of the city wall and stroll through the alleys to the castle. On the way you will pass numerous taverns and cafés, some with wonderful views of the sea. Some are in old Ottoman mansions whose balconies invite you to linger.

The fact that Molyvos has adapted to tourists can be seen on every corner. There are countless souvenir shops and tourist shops, but in between there are also pretty boutiques with handmade jewellery.

The Kastro of Molyvos dates back to Byzantine times and, like its counterpart in Mytlini, was primarily used for defence. The components of the complex were expanded over the years by Genoese and Turks. Today, only ruins and a small museum can be visited, but the view of the rooftops of Molyvos and the turquoise blue Aegean Sea is magnificent.

• Opening hours Molyvos-Kastro: Daily 08:30 – 16:00, closed on Tuesdays | Admission: 2 euros

In the rear area of Molyvos is the small harbour (Limanaki) of the city. A beautiful lakeside road with magnificent mansions leads you to this gem. The Limanaki is a postcard motif of Molyvos.

Fishing boats sail in the pier, fresh octopus dries on linen, the taverns wait for guests to take a seat on their colorful wicker chairs. Almost a kitschy one Greece – Idyll, but which are fondly remembered.

The Rock of Petra

The neighboring town of Petra seems to be firmly in the hands of holidaymakers. During the day, the grey sandy beach is well attended, in the evening the beach taverns fill up. The narrow streets of the coastal town, on the other hand, have been able to retain their authenticity.

The rock of Petra in the middle of the village is striking. On its summit sits the church of Panagia Glykofilousa. The short climb is worth it, because the view of Petra from up here is beautiful.

Afterwards, take some time to stroll through the pretty alleys. In the Kafenia of Petra the locals have entrenched themselves and talk about God and the world far away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Definitely a highlight of Petra is the fantastic sunset behind the sea, which is best enjoyed in one of the numerous tavernas on the shore.

#3 Detour to Skala Sikamineas

The small fishing village in the far northeast of the island is not to be missed during your holiday on Lesvos. The town’s landmark is the white chapel of Panagia Gorgona, which is perched on a rock in the sea.

Next to it is a small harbour pier with fishing boats. Sit down in one of the pretty cafés, sip a cool Freddo Cappuccino and just let your mind wander. Skala Sikamnieas is an idyllic place on the island and definitely a Lesvos highlight for us!

During your time on Lesvos, you may notice that some port towns Prefix “Scale” carry. In the past, people preferred to settle in the mountains to protect themselves from pirates. When piracy came to an end, wealthy villagers built a second home down on the coast.

This then gave rise to entire villages and people simply used the name of the mountain village and put “Skala” in front of it to distinguish it, which in Greek means something like “Jetty” signifies.

Pilgrimage site and pottery village of Mantamados

For religious pilgrims and fans of pottery, a southern detour to the mountain village of Mantamados is worthwhile after visiting Skala Sikamineas. Shortly before the village, a road branches off to one of the most important pilgrimage sites on Lesvos. The Taxiarches Church is a popular pilgrimage site due to the miraculous icon of the Archangel Micheael.

Mantamados itself is a traditional mountain village, only a few tourists get lost here. The place is best known for its handmade ceramics and pottery, which you can buy here in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

#4 Places of interest around Kalloni

Kalloni itself is usually only a place of passage and has hardly any significance for tourism. Nevertheless, there are some highlights to discover in the surrounding area. The salt lagoons in the east are always worth a trip. Flocks of flamingos live here almost all year round. At the edges of the salt lakes there are observation towers where you can even see the pink birds quite close from time to time.

Kalloni’s counterpart on the coast is the harbour town of Skala Kallonis. This is an ideal starting point for exploring the center of Lesvos. In the northwest, it is worth taking a detour to the village of Agia Paraskevi.

Tourism does not play a role in the affluent village, so you will find an authentic village life here. Take a break in one of the numerous taverns, most of which still serve traditional Greek dishes in a rustic ambience.

Just four kilometers north of Agia Paraskevi you come to the Kremasti Bridge. The old stone bridge is embedded in a picturesque landscape. The river carries water almost all year round and thus ensures lush vegetation on its banks. The bridge is more reminiscent of the Greek mainland region of Zagori and offers a great photo opportunity.

The Monastery of Moni Limonos

Five kilometres northwest of Kalloni lies the monastery complex Moni Limonos. Especially in the morning, the sun shines into the valley and reveals a large number of small church domes. The scenery is impressive due to the sheer countless chapels.

You can also visit the interior of the monastery. Among other things, there is an old monastery church to see, which only men are allowed to enter, an olive warehouse, a monk’s hermitage and another chapel. Peacocks also feel at home on the farm grounds and sometimes show off their plumage.

Relax in Skala Kallonis

If you want to spend a relaxing day at the beach, we recommend the town of Skala Kallonis. The small coastal town Kalloni offers plenty of taverns and chilled cafes right on the beach. The water of the Gulf of Kalloni is usually a little warmer than the open sea.

The beach has fine pebble sand and the entrance to the sea is very shallow. In one of the cozy beach bars you can end the day wonderfully. The parasols and beach loungers, for example, are available at the Element Beach Bar free of charge, for which you simply order a cool drink.

Lesvos is a foodie’s paradise. Outside the tourist centers, there is still traditional Greek cuisine, which delights with its homemade specialties and local products. We ate particularly delicious in the Tavern Ambrosia in Skala Kallonis.

Here you can find Greek home cooking at reasonable prices. The moussaka was heavenly delicious and the vegetable balls with tzatziki were also a treat! Very friendly staff and cozy ambience.

#5 The petrified forest on Lesvos

In the west of the island there is a unique natural monument of Lesvos. Over 20 million years ago, buried under volcanic ash and lava, a petrified forest formed here. The fossil finds of the Petrified Forest have been uncovered piece by piece in recent years.

Petrified tree trunks, root systems and leaves in a wide variety of sizes and colours can be admired in and around the village of Sigri. They give an indication that this area was densely forested millions of years ago. Next to the Petrified Forest in California, the Petrified Forest on Lesbos is one of the largest in the world.

The Natural History Museum of Sigri

A visit to the Natural History Museum in Sigri. It not only provides detailed information about the formation of these fossil trees and the process of fossilization, but it also provides comprehensive information about geological features and volcanic activity throughout the Aegean.

On the open space of the museum there are impressive petrified root systems to see, among other things. About 800 metres south of Sigri is the Petrified Forest of Plaka. Here you will find the largest upright petrified tree trunk in the world with a circumference of 13.70 meters. The Bali Alonia park in the north of the village with a mighty petrified trunk of a sequoia tree (Sequoia) was unfortunately closed for our visit in June 2019.

Sigri himself is a sleepy fisherman’s nest. The associated fort remains closed until further notice due to the risk of collapse. There are some taverns right by the sea, where mainly fresh fish is offered. Behind the village is a beautiful stretch of beach. The water here is very clear and the sandy beach slopes gently into the sea.

Sigri has the Island of Nissiopi. Here, too, remains of fossils can be found on the banks. With a glass-bottom boat you can cross over to the island and at the same time admire other fossil finds underwater.

#6 Bali feeling in Skala Eresou

The coastal village of Skala Eresou in the far west of Lesbos was a real highlight for us and should not be missed when exploring the island. At first glance, the place seems quite unspectacular.

In principle, Skala Eresou is a pure holiday settlement with guesthouses and hotels and a long dark sandy beach, where nude bathing is also tolerated. In order to special vibe of this place, you should plan at least one night here.

In the alleys, which have been embellished with graffiti, it is rather quiet during the day. At the waterfront pretty bars and restaurants are lined up next to each other. They were built slightly elevated on wooden planks above the sea. Start the day in one of the cozy cafes overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea.

It is probably the mix of people that makes the place so attractive and gives you the feeling of having arrived. In addition to individualists, backpackers, families, pensioners, dropouts and loving women, digital nomads sit together with their laptops in the café. Everyone is welcome here and it exists no stranger. Skala Eresou is a place of well-being to which you will want to return.

Evening atmosphere in the Parasol

In the evening, the sun sets behind the long bay and Skala Eresou comes to life. At this point at the latest, you should come to the Parasol for a cocktail. The hip bar is a Icon on Lesvos and inevitably gives rise to a Bali feeling. The right dishes are available at the same time. When it comes to curry and fried noodles, you’re in seventh heaven. The atmosphere is magical and you will remember this place for a long time.

The grey sandy beach of Skala Eresou is well filled, especially in midsummer. The Chalandra River, there are usually many wild campers all around.

A little above the mouth of the river you will come to a bridge. Here are countless turtles in the water and stretch their heads up to the bridge. They are already used to some holidaymakers feeding them breadcrumbs.

To the east of the village there is a small harbour and a white chapel. From here you can take a beaten path to the ruins of Vigla Castle. Once at the top, you will have a fantastic view of the entire bay of Skala Eresou.

On the hill once lay ancient Eressos, where the famous poet Sappho was born. She was considered the most important poet of antiquity. Her passionate lyrics and dream-like songs, especially about women and their sensuality, coined the term “Sappian” or “lesbian” love many years later. Therefore, the island and especially Skala Eresou is still a popular destination for lesbian women today.

Excursion to Moni Pithariou Monastery

North of Skala Eresou is the Techni Limni, a reservoir that supplies the region with water. Above the lake lies the beautiful monastery of Moni Pithariou. The interior of the monastery complex looks very well maintained and from a terrace you have a view of the fantastic view on the green reservoir and the small Byzantine church that lies in front of the monastery.

The obvious mountain village of Eressos with its pretty Platia you should not miss. We ate very deliciously here in the tavern Kafene and enjoyed the village idyll under a large plane tree.

#7 Hot thermal springs in Lesvos

Several volcanoes once bubbled on Lesvos, which have since become extinct. Witnesses to this volcanic activity are numerous thermal springs scattered around the island. Some were built as thermal spas, offering a wonderful opportunity to relax and alleviate various health ailments.

Time out at the Thermal Spa Gera

We particularly liked the Therma Spa on the Gulf of Gera, about eight kilometers north of Mytilene. Here, the hot springs with a temperature of 39.5 degrees are divided into two antique bathhouses captured.

The two thermal pools are located in vaults and are separated by gender. The new outdoor infinity pool is a bit more pleasant for both sexes and especially in summer than the indoor pools.

We had the warm pool to ourselves and were able to enjoy a relaxing bath with sea view enjoy. In addition, there is a nice lounge with a bar that serves cool drinks. There is also a spa with massage rooms in the main building.

In front of the Thermal Spa there is a narrow beach section made of gravel with umbrellas and sunbeds. The thermal water of the complex is led into the gulf via pipes and heats the surrounding sea water to a pleasant temperature.

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 21:00 | Admission: 5 euros per person (1h in the outdoor pool)

Eftalou Thermal Springs

In the north of Lesvos, you can visit the bathhouse and the beach of Eftalou. In a covered vault from the 17th century there is a steaming pool with thermal water up to 46 degrees hot. In addition, there are seven private cabins with pools, which are also fed with the healing water.

• Opening hours thermal springs: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Admission: 4 euros per person (45 min in the communal pool)

After the heated bath, cool off at the kilometer-long pebble beach of Eftalou good. Here, too, thermal water bubbles into the sea in some places. A beach tavern provides hungry visitors with typical Greek food. In the back section of the beach, nudism is also tolerated.

Thermal wonderland of Polichnitos

The hottest springs of Greece are located near Polichnitos in the south of Lesvos. Here, the water bubbles out of the earth at boiling temperatures of up to 92 degrees. Unfortunately, the bathhouse is no longer in operation and is increasingly falling into disrepair. Nevertheless, a detour to this unique thermal landscape is worthwhile.

In some places, the slightly radioactive healing water reaches the surface and leaves a bizarre landscape. You can walk along the steaming streams that have been colored red by algae. However, be careful when coming into contact with the water, it is still very hot in most places even in the further course of the stream!

#8 Have an ouzo in Plomari

Plomari is a beautiful place and we liked it right away. The colorful houses stretch up a hill like an amphitheater, in front of which lies the deep blue Aegean Sea. There are a few small shops in the narrow alleys, and cozy cafés on the harbor front where you can have a good breakfast.

The heart of the small town is the Platia with its mighty plane tree, underneath colorful chairs that invite you to enjoy an ouzo. Speaking of ouzo, Plomari is the place to be if you want to try the tasty anise liqueur. There are about 14 distilleries on the entire island, most of them in beautiful Plomari. No wonder why the island of Lesbos is often referred to as the birthplace of ouzo .

Barbayanni: A king among ouzos

One of the best anise liqueurs has been produced by the family business Barbayanni in Plomari since 1860. The family produces four different varieties according to a traditional recipe, and they have not changed their production method since the beginning. Another special feature: In contrast to some industrial ouzo, the Barbayanni Ouzo does not contain any added sugar or flavourings.

On the upper floor there is a small museum that provides insights into the old production processes and describes the process of distillation. You can see the current production in the basement. In the warehouses there is the distillation and bottling, as well as a small sales counter.

A little tip, the fine wines actually exist cheapest on site in Plomari . Outside the island, the price increases many times over due to export costs and alcohol tax.

At Barbayanni, after many years in Greece, we have also learned how to drink ouzo properly. Namely, not pure or with ice, but only mixed with cold water. If you add ice cubes to the ouzo, the natural essential anise oils crystallize and the taste is lost. Nevertheless, water is needed to release the aromas in the first place.

• Opening hours Barbayanni: Mon. – Fri. from 09:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Admission: free

During your stay in Plomari, be sure to check out the surrounding area. The Valley of Sedounda with the river of the same name takes you into an idyllic forest area with old oak trees. In the enchanted grove it is pleasantly cool even in summer and you can take a short walk through the beautiful nature.

Plomari also has a beautiful stretch of beach two kilometers to the east. The Agios Isidoros Beach invites you to swim with its long pebble beach and crystal clear water.

#9 Visiting the mountain village of Agiassos

The village is romantically surrounded by forests at the foothills of the mighty Mount Olympos. For us personally, Agiassos is one of the most beautiful villages on the island and enchants with its stone houses with red roofs and colorful shutters. Below the village you can park your car and walk into the labyrinth of alleys.

In the heart of Agiassos lies the Sanctuary of Panagia with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Many pilgrims come here in search of divine assistance. Around the church square there are neat little kafenia, delicatessens and traditional shops with pottery and wood art.

It is particularly comfortable to sit under the village plane tree and you can try delicious Greek dishes. If you are proficient in Greek, you will notice another peculiarity in Agiassos. The residents have their very own language, which is not understood even by compatriots.

#10 Explore Lesvos with the locals

The island of Lesvos offers a varied natural landscape. Two bays cut deep into the island and make Lesbos appear on the map in the shape of a plane tree leaf. Mighty mountain peaks rise from all sides, some of them testimony to long-gone volcanic activity. In the extensive forests of the island, the hearts of hikers and mountain bikers beat faster.

Well prepared and marked hiking trails lead through vineyards, olive groves and along alpine mountain slopes. Up-to-date hiking maps are provided free of charge on site, in which the routes, duration and level of difficulty are marked in detail.

Across the island by mountain bike

Lesvos Ride, Mytilene

On a bike trip, we explored the salt lagoons at the Gulf of Kalloni. Our tour took us along a beautiful coastal landscape, past anise fields, salt lakes with numerous flamingos and small fishing villages.

The two lovable owners offer guided bike tours for beginners and professionals on Lesvos. In addition, they also give technical training in MTB, organize events and bike races. You can find out more about their portfolio here: Lesvos Ride

More Lesvos Travel Tips & Info

Accommodation & Hotels in Lesvos

Greece’s third-largest island is home to quiet and sustainable tourism. You won’t find large hotel complexes on Lesvos. There are a few solid hotels and apartments in Mytilene.

In the hinterland of Lesvos you will find beautiful villas and numerous locals rent out well-equipped holiday apartments. The most popular resorts of Lesvos are Petra and Molyvos in the north, Skala Kaolin in the center and Eresos in the west.

→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodation on Lesvos and you can check prices here:

Guided tours to real Lesvos insider tips

Seafari Adventures, Plomari

Another great way to explore Lesvos is with a personal local guide. Aspa and Dinos by Seafari Adventures both come from the pretty town of Plomari and show you the beauty of their island with a lot of heart and soul. You can accompany them on land and in the water.

With their 4×4 jeep they go on remote gravel roads through wild nature. This way you get to know Lesvos from a completely different side. A Boat trip along the spectacular south coast of Lesvos is well worth it. At the end of the boat tour, you will reach the small hidden chapel of Ekklisia Krifti, which is picturesquely located by the sea below a rock.

Aspa and Dinos will be happy to put together an individual package for your trip. You can get more information at: Seafari Adventures Lesvos

Getting to the island of Lesvos

The island of Lesvos has a very well-developed airport, the Airport Mytilene MJT. Unfortunately, you can’t currently reach Lesvos via a direct flight from Germany. From most German airports you can directly fly to Athens or Thessaloniki. We use the Skyscanner* portal to search for suitable flights:

➲ To cheap flights to Athens* ➲ To cheap flights to Thessaloniki*

From the two cities, the airlines Olympic Air, Skyexpress or Astra take you to the island of Lesbos in an hour. For example, you can get from Stuttgart and Düsseldorf via Thessaloniki to Lesbos. From Frankfurt and Munich airports, on the other hand, you fly to the island via Athens.

Cheap flights to Lesvos

In the past, flights were available from Brussels (BRU) and Amsterdam (AMS) to Lesvos (Mytilene). It is to be hoped that more airlines will fly directly to Lesbos again in the future. More information can be found in our article: Flights to Greece

➲ To available flights to Lesvos (Mytilene)*

By ferry to Lesvos

Another way to get to the island is, of course, by ferry crossing to Lesvos. This is especially worthwhile if you are traveling in your own car or are planning an island hopping in the North Aegean.

You can start from the ferry port of Piraeus as well as from Kavala in the north of Greece. The crossing from Piraeus takes about 12 hours, from Kavala the ferry takes about 8 hours to Lesbos. We use the search portal Ferryhopper* to show us current ferry connections to Lesvos:

➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*

The island’s ferry port is called Mytilene, like the island’s capital of the same name. Mytilene is considered one of the busiest ports in the Aegean Sea. Ferries run to the island several times a week. You can view and book the connections wonderfully on the homepage of the ferry company Blue Star Ferries.

Getting around on Lesvos

The island of Lesvos is an island for explorers and the distances between the places are great. It is about 90 kilometres from the capital Mytilene to the remote stone forest of Sigri. If you don’t necessarily plan a classic beach holiday at the hotel, we definitely recommend a rental car for your stay.

Both at the airport and at the port of Mytilene you will find many car rental companies. The major European providers such as Sixt, Hertz & Co. also have their rental stations on site. Especially in the high season, it is advisable to book the rental car online in advance, e.g. via portals such as Discover Cars*:

➲ Book your rental car here*

Intercity Bus – The bus network of Lesvos

The island also has a well-developed bus network. You can therefore cover short distances without a rental car. The prices for a bus ride are very reasonable. The trip from Petra to Molyvos costs less than one euro. From Mytilene to Molyvos the bus takes about 1.5 hours, for which a fair 7.50 € are charged.

The current bus timetable of Lesvos or its municipalities can be inquired at the hotel reception. Alternatively, you can also view the connections on the Intercity Buses website. You shouldn’t expect German punctuality, so always plan a little waiting time for your bus ride. You can find more information about the buses on Lesvos at: Intercity Buses of Lesvos

Lesvos Youtube Video

Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :

→ You can find more articles about the Greek islands of the North Aegean here: North Aegean

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