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Home » Travel destinations in Greece » Greece Individual » Lesbos Island: The 10 best sights & travel tips

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Lesbos Island: The 10 best sights & travel tips

Tom & Ella
Last updated: 20. April 2026 17:28
By Tom & Ella
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26 Min Read

Lesbos, Greece’s third-largest island, has managed to retain a great deal of its authenticity compared to many other Greek islands. At the very least, when you sit under a shady plane tree in one of the traditional villages and sip Greek coffee with the locals, you’ll feel the magic of Lesbos.

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

Lesvos plomari platia traditional village lesbos
Plomari on Lesvos

Lesvos is soothing to the soul in its own unique way, a place to unwind and recharge. Here you can escape the daily grind, experience authentic Greece, and make new friends. Ultimately, an island’s character is always shaped by its people.

They showed us their beautiful island with great passion and pride, helping to ensure we had an unforgettable stay and will definitely be back.

Lesvos skala loutro panagia apsili
Island idyll on Lesvos

We’ll share everything we discovered on Lesvos (also Lesbos*) with you in our 10 highlights of the island. Experience a dream vacation in Greece on the island of Lesbos!

Table of Contents
  • #1 Mytilini and Surroundings
  • #2 Medieval Towns in the North
  • #3 Side trip to Skala Sikamineas
  • #4 Things to See Around Kalloni
  • #5 The Petrified Forest on Lesbos
  • #6 Bali Vibes in Skala Eresou
  • #7 Hot Springs on Lesvos
  • #8 For an Ouzo in Plomari
  • #9 Visiting the mountain village of Agiassos
  • #10 Explore Lesbos with the locals
  • More Lesbos travel tips & info

*Note: To ensure the article is easily found online, we use both spellings, “Lesvos” and “Lesbos,” in the following text. Both terms are common in international usage. However, the correct spelling is and remains “Lesvos.”

#1 Mytilini and Surroundings

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

The residents of Mytilini and the surrounding villages (including Moria) have had to endure a great deal in recent years, as they have regularly been in the public spotlight due to the refugee crisis.

Lesvos mytilini port lesbos agios therapon
Welcome to Lesvos: The island’s capital, Mytilini

The situation has since calmed down. Nevertheless, people continue to arrive on the island of Lesbos from time to time. There is still no European solution, neither for Lesvos nor for Greece. Learn more about the topic here: Refugees in Greece

Upon arrival by ferry, the city with its pastel-colored houses immediately strikes a friendly impression. Magnificent villas and mansions are complemented by modern architecture.

Lesvos mytilini lesbos architektur
Immediately charming: The harbor promenade of Mytilini

Take the time to explore the lively city on foot. Along the waterfront promenade, you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama, with the magnificent Church of Agios Therapon always in the background. Especially in the evening, when the whole city is lit up, the atmosphere is magical, and the pier offers a fantastic photo opportunity of Mytilini.

Lesvos mytilini bei nacht lesbos
Mytilene at Night

In the city’s bar district, you can have breakfast at one of the cozy cafés, such as the Mousiko Kafeneio, before heading into the hustle and bustle of Ermou Street.

Lesvos Mousiko Kafeneio mytilini lesbos
The music café in Mytilini

In the alleys of Mytilini

The shopping street transforms into a marketplace in the morning; it’s loud, hectic, and bustling. A variety of smells waft in from all directions. Fishermen tout their catch, and fruit, vegetables, leather goods, and delicacies are sold. An authentic atmosphere of a small Greek town that you should experience.

Lesvos ermou street mytilini
Stroll down Ermou Street in Mytilini

At the far end of Ermou Street, you’ll find yourself in the former Turkish quarter. Remnants of the past include an old hamam and the Yeni Cami mosque. Perched on the rocky promontory of the peninsula above the city stands a mighty fortress.

Lesvos mytilini kastro lesbos
The mighty castle walls of the Kastro

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

  • Kastro opening hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, closed Mondays | Admission: 2 euros

Swimming coves south of Mytilini

There aren’t any particularly charming beaches right in the capital. That’s why a detour south is well worth it. Agios Ermogenis Beach is located in the far southwest and is picturesquely nestled in a turquoise-blue bay. The fine sandy beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for children.

Lesvos agios ermogenis beach lesbos
A dream in blue: Agios Ermogenis Beach

Perched above the bay is a pretty white chapel that gives the beach its name. There’s a tavern on site that offers cool drinks and snacks, as well as umbrellas and beach chairs. In the height of summer and on weekends, Agios Ermogenis Beach is very popular with locals.

💡 Lesbos Book Tip: The Greek Islands travel guide from Lonely Planet contains all the essential information for a vacation on the island and offers numerous tips for exploring on your own. Order here: View on Amazon*

The Roman Aqueduct near Moria

This impressive structure stands about seven kilometers north of Mytilini, near the small village of Moria. The Roman aqueduct is 170 meters long and spans an entire valley. It is still quite well-preserved and consists of three levels.

Lesvos aquädukt moria lesbos
The Roman Aqueduct near Moria

In the early centuries B.C., Mytilini was supplied with water from the island’s mountain villages via this aqueduct. The island’s refugee camp is currently located near the aqueduct at Moria.

#2 Medieval Towns in the North

Molyvos (also known as Mithymna) is the island’s picture-perfect village and, quite rightly, Lesbos’s main tourist attraction. The medieval town sits picturesquely perched on a hill overlooking the sea. At the summit above stands the imposing Kastro of Molyvos.

molyvos lesvos village lesbos
Enchanting even from afar: the Molyvos Fortress

The cobblestone alleys are like a small labyrinth, and it’s easy to get lost as you discover a new photo opportunity around every corner. In April and May, a special highlight awaits you in Molyvos: the purple wisteria vine blooms, arching over the town’s narrow alleys like a canopy.

Lesvos molyvos gassen blauregen lesbos
Canopies of vines in the alleys of Molyvos

A stroll through enchanting Molyvos

You can park your car at the edge of the city wall and stroll through the alleys up to the castle. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous taverns and cafés, some with magnificent views of the sea. Some are housed in old Ottoman mansions, whose balconies invite you to linger.

Lesvos molyvos architektur herrenhäuser lesbos
The typical architecture of Molyvos

It’s clear at every turn that Molyvos has adapted to tourists. There are countless souvenir shops and tourist stores, but in between them are also charming boutiques selling handmade jewelry.

Lesvos limanaki molyvos hafen lesbos
Strolling through the medieval alleys

The Kastro of Molyvos dates back to the Byzantine era and, like its counterpart in Mytilene, served primarily for defense. Over the years, the complex was expanded by the Genoese and the Turks. Today, only ruins and a small museum remain to be visited, but the view of the rooftops of Molyvos and the turquoise-blue Aegean Sea is magnificent.

Lesvos molyvos kastro lesbos
View from the Kastro of Molyvos
  • Molyvos Kastro opening hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays | Admission: 2 euros

At the rear of Molyvos lies the town’s small harbor (Limanaki). A beautiful waterfront street lined with magnificent mansions leads you to this gem. The Limanaki is a postcard-perfect view of Molyvos.

Lesvos molyvos alleys lesbos
Along the Molyvos waterfront

Fishing boats bob in the harbor, fresh octopus dries on lines, and the taverns await guests who take their seats on colorful wicker chairs. It’s almost a kitschy Greek idyll, but one that you’ll fondly remember.

Lesvos molyvos limanaki hafen lesbos
Sit down and enjoy yourself at Limanaki in Molyvos

The Rock of Petra

The neighboring town of Petra also seems to be firmly in the hands of vacationers. During the day, the gray sandy beach is well-visited; in the evening, the beach taverns fill up. The narrow alleys of the coastal town, however, have managed to retain their authenticity.

Lesvos petra gassen architektur lesbos
Ottoman relics in the alleys of Petra

The rock of Petra in the center of town is striking. The Panagia Glykofilousa Church sits atop it. The short climb is worth it, as the view of Petra from up here is beautiful.

Lesvos petra lesbos
The striking church rock of Petra

Afterward, take some time to stroll through the pretty alleys. The locals have made the kafenia of Petra their home, chatting about everything under the sun far away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Lesvos petra gassen lesbos
A gathering place for locals

A definite highlight of Petra is the magical sunset over the sea, which you can best enjoy from one of the many taverns along the shore.

Lesvos sonnenuntergang petra lesbos
Magical sunsets in the north

#3 Side trip to Skala Sikamineas

You shouldn’t miss this small fishing village in the far northeast of the island during your vacation on Lesvos. The town’s landmark is the white Panagia Gorgona chapel, perched on a rock in the sea.

Lesvos skala sikamineas lesbos
The coastal village of Skala Sikamineas

Next to it is a small pier with fishing boats. Sit down at one of the charming cafés, sip a cool freddo cappuccino, and just let your mind wander. Skala Sikamineas is an idyllic spot on the island and definitely a Lesvos highlight for us!

Lesvos skala sikamineas hafen limani lesbos
Fishing boats in the harbor of Skala Sikamineas

You might notice during your time on Lesvos that some harbor towns have the prefix “Skala.” In the past, people preferred to settle in the mountains for protection against pirates. When piracy came to an end, wealthy villagers built a second home down on the coast.

This eventually led to the formation of entire villages, and people simply used the name of the mountain village and added “Skala” in front of it to distinguish them—a word that means “landing place” in Greek.

lesbos skala sikamineas panagia gorgona
The Panagia Gorgona Chapel in Skala Sikamineas

Pilgrimage Site and Pottery Village of Mantamados

For religious pilgrims and pottery enthusiasts, a southern detour to the mountain village of Mantamados is well worth it after visiting Skala Sikamineas. Just 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 Michael.

Lesvos taxiarches mantamados church
The magnificent Taxiarches pilgrimage church

Mantamados itself is a traditional mountain village; few tourists ever find their way here. The village is best known for its handmade ceramics and pottery, which you can purchase here in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

Lesvos mantamados töpferdorf keramik lesbos
The sleepy mountain village of Mantamados

#4 Things to See Around Kalloni

Kalloni itself is mostly just a stopover and has little significance for tourism. Nevertheless, there are quite a few highlights to discover in the surrounding area. The salt lagoons to the east are always worth a visit. Flocks of flamingos live here almost year-round. At the edges of the salt lakes, there are observation towers where you can sometimes even get a close-up view of the pink birds.

Lesvos flamingos salzseen kalloni lesbos
Flamingos in the salt lagoons

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

Tourism plays no role in this affluent village, so you’ll find mostly authentic village life here. Take a break at one of the many taverns, most of which still serve traditional Greek dishes in a rustic setting.

Lesvos agia paraskevi village
Siesta in Agia Paraskevi

Just four kilometers north of Agia Paraskevi, you’ll reach the Kremasti Bridge. The old stone bridge is nestled in a picturesque landscape. The river carries water almost year-round, fostering lush vegetation along its banks. The bridge is reminiscent of the Greek mainland region of Zagori and makes for a great photo opportunity.

Lesvos kremasti bridge lesbos
The stone bridge of Kremasti

The Moni Limonos Monastery

Five kilometers northwest of Kalloni lies the Moni Limonos monastery complex. Especially in the morning, the sun shines into the valley, revealing a multitude of small church domes. The scenery is impressive thanks to the sheer number of chapels.

Lesvos moni limonos lesbos
The chapels of Moni Limonos

You can also tour the interior of the monastery. Among other things, there is an old monastery church that only men are allowed to enter, an olive storage room, a monk’s cell, and another chapel. Peacocks also feel at home on the monastery grounds and occasionally show off their plumage.

Lesvos moni limonos kloster pfauen
A magnificent specimen at the Limonos Monastery

Relaxing in Skala Kallonis

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach, we recommend the town of Skala Kallonis. The small coastal town of Kalloni offers plenty of taverns and laid-back cafés right on the beach. The water in the Gulf of Kalloni is usually a bit warmer than the open sea.

The beach has fine pebble sand and the entry into the sea is very shallow. You can end the day wonderfully at one of the cozy beach bars. For example, at the Element Beach Bar, umbrellas and beach chairs are free—all you have to do is order a cool drink.

Lesvos Strände Tipps Skala Kalloni
Relaxing at the Gulf of Kalloni

Lesvos is a paradise for foodies. Outside the tourist centers, you can still find traditional Greek cuisine that delights with its homemade specialties and local products. We had a particularly delicious meal at the Ambrosia tavern in Skala Kallonis.

Lesvos taverne ambrosia skala kalloni
Delicious Greek cuisine at the Ambrosia tavern

Here you’ll find Greek home-style cooking at reasonable prices. The moussaka was heavenly, and the vegetable balls with tzatziki were a real treat! Very friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere.

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#5 The Petrified Forest on Lesbos

In the west of the island lies a unique natural monument of Lesbos. Over 20 million years ago, buried under volcanic ash and lava, a Petrified Forest formed here. The fossil remains of the Petrified Forest have been gradually uncovered in recent years.

Lesbos Sehenswürdigkeiten Versteinerter Wald Sigri
Fossilized tree trunks in and around Sigri

You can marvel at fossilized tree trunks, root systems, and leaves in a wide variety of sizes and colors in and around the town of Sigri. They indicate that this area was densely forested millions of years ago. Alongside the Petrified Forest in California, the Petrified Forest on Lesbos is one of the largest in the world.

Lesvos versteinerter wald lesbos sigri
Strikingly lifelike: Wood turned to stone

The Natural History Museum of Sigri

A visit to the Natural History Museum in Sigri is particularly worth seeing. It not only offers detailed information about the formation of these fossilized trees and the process of petrification, but also provides comprehensive insights into geological features and volcanic activity throughout the Aegean.

Lesvos naturmuseum sigri lesbos
The Sigri Natural History Museum

In the museum’s outdoor area, you can see impressive fossilized root systems, among other things. About 800 meters south of Sigri lies the Petrified Forest of Plaka. Here you’ll find the world’s largest standing fossilized tree trunk, with a circumference of 13.70 meters. Bali Alonia Park, located north of the village and featuring a massive fossilized sequoia trunk, was unfortunately closed during our visit in June 2019.

Lesvos petrified forest sigri lesbos
A fossilized root shaped like an octopus

Sigri itself is a sleepy fishing village. The local castle remains closed until further notice due to the risk of collapse. Right by the sea, there are a few taverns that mainly serve fresh fish. Behind the village lies a beautiful stretch of beach. The water here is very clear, and the sandy beach slopes gently into the sea.

Lesvos sigri village lesbos
The coastal village of Sigri

Off the coast of Sigri lies the island of Nissiopi. Here, too, you’ll find fossil remains along the shores. You can take a glass-bottom boat to the island and admire more fossil finds underwater at the same time.

Lesvos petrified forest sigri lesbos wooden trunk
View of Sigri and Nissiopi from the Petrified Forest

#6 Bali Vibes in Skala Eresou

The coastal village of Skala Eresou, located 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 rather unspectacular.

Essentially, Skala Eresou is a resort town with guesthouses and hotels and a long, dark sandy beach where nude swimming is tolerated. To experience the special vibe of this place, you should plan to stay here for at least one night.

Lesvos skala eresou sunset lesbos parasol
Wind down the evening in style

The alleys, embellished with graffiti, are fairly quiet during the day. Pretty bars and restaurants line the waterfront promenade. They were built slightly elevated on wooden planks above the sea. Start your day in one of the cozy cafés with a view of the deep-blue Aegean Sea.

Lesvos skala eresou gassen graffiti lesbos
In the alleys of Skala Eresou

It’s probably the mix of people that makes the place so appealing and gives you the feeling that you’ve arrived. Alongside individualists, backpackers, families, retirees, dropouts, and couples, digital nomads sit together in cafés with their laptops. Everyone is welcome here, and no one feels like a stranger. Skala Eresou is a place where you feel at home, a place you’ll want to return to.

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Evening atmosphere at Parasol

In the evening, the sun sets behind the long bay and Skala Eresou comes to life. By now, at the latest, you should head to the Parasol for a cocktail. The trendy bar is an icon on Lesbos and inevitably evokes a Bali vibe. The perfect dishes are served alongside. With curry and fried noodles, you’ll be in seventh heaven. The atmosphere is magical, and you’ll remember this place for a long time to come.

Lesvos parasol skala eresou lesbos
Enjoy a cocktail at the Parasol

The gray sandy beach of Skala Eresou is especially crowded in the height of summer. The Chalandra River flows into the beach, and there are usually many wild campers gathered around it.

Lesvos skala eresou beach lesbos
The volcanic beach of Skala Eresou

A little above the river mouth, you’ll come to a bridge. Here, countless turtles frolic in the water and stretch their little heads up toward the bridge. They’re already used to vacationers feeding them breadcrumbs.

Lesvos turtles chalandra river skala eresou
Turtles in the Chalandra River

To the east of the village is a small harbor and a white chapel. From here, a footpath leads you to the ruins of Vigla Castle. Once at the top, you’ll have a fantastic view of the entire bay of Skala Eresou.

Lesvos skala eresou castle vigla kastro
View of the Aegean Sea from the Vigla castle ruins

The ancient town of Eressos once stood on this hill, where the famous poet Sappho is believed to have been born. She was considered the most significant female poet of antiquity. Her passionate writings and dreamlike songs, particularly those about women and their sensuality, shaped the concept of “Sapphic” or “lesbian” love many years later. That is why the island, and especially Skala Eresou, remains a popular destination for lesbian women today.

Lesvos skala eresou cats lesbos
Make love, not war

Excursion to the Moni Pithariou Monastery

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

Lesvos moni pithariou eressos lesbos
Moni Pithariou Monastery

You shouldn’t miss the nearby mountain village of Eressos with its pretty Platia either. We had a delicious meal here at the Kafene tavern and enjoyed the idyllic village atmosphere under a large plane tree.

Lesvos eressos platia lesbos
Lunch break on the Platia in Eressos

#7 Hot Springs on Lesvos

Several volcanoes once rumbled on Lesvos, though they have since gone dormant. Testaments to this volcanic activity are the numerous hot springs scattered across the island. Some have been developed into spa resorts for visitors and offer a wonderful opportunity for relaxation and relief from various health ailments.

Lesvos thermal spa hot springs gera lesbos
Thermal baths from ancient times

A Break at the Gera Thermal Spa

We particularly enjoyed the Therma Spa on the Gulf of Gera, about eight kilometers north of Mytilini. Here, the hot springs, with a temperature of 39.5 degrees, are channeled into two ancient bathhouses.

The two thermal pools are located in vaulted chambers and are separated by gender. The new outdoor infinity pool is open to both genders and, especially in summer, is somewhat more pleasant than the indoor pools.

Lesvos thermal spa gera lesbos
The Thermal Spa on the Gulf of Gera

We had the warm pool all to ourselves and were able to enjoy a relaxing soak with a view of the sea. There is also a lovely lounge with a bar serving cool drinks. The main building also houses a spa with massage rooms.

Lesvos thermal spa gera pool lesbos
Infinity Views at the Outdoor Pool

In front of the Thermal Spa, there is a narrow stretch of gravel beach with umbrellas and lounge chairs. The facility’s thermal water is channeled through pipes into the Gulf, warming the surrounding seawater to a pleasant temperature.

  • Gera Thermal Baths opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Admission: 5 euros per person (1 hour in the outdoor pool)

Eftalou Hot Springs

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

Lesvos eftalou heilbäder lesbos
The Eftalou Spa
  • Thermal springs opening hours: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Admission: 4 euros per person (45 min in the communal pool)

After a hot bath, cooling off on Eftalou’s mile-long pebble beach is a welcome relief. Here, too, thermal water bubbles into the sea in some spots. A beach tavern serves hungry visitors typical Greek dishes. Nude bathing is also tolerated in the rear section of the beach.

Lesvos eftalou beach lesbos
Eftalou beach

Polichnitos Thermal Wonderland

The hottest springs in Europe are located near Polichnitos in the south of Lesvos. Here, the water gushes out of the ground at temperatures as high as 92 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, the bathhouse is no longer in operation and is falling into disrepair. Nevertheless, a detour to this unique thermal landscape is well worth it.

Lesvos polichnitos thermal springs lesbos
Former thermal pool near Polichnitos

In some places, the slightly radioactive healing water reaches the surface, creating a bizarre landscape. You can stroll along the steaming streams, which have been turned red by algae. Be careful when touching the water, though—it remains very hot in most places, even further down the stream!

Lesvos polichnitos thermal springs landscape lesbos
Hot springs emerge at the surface in Polichnitos

#8 For an Ouzo in Plomari

Plomari is a beautiful place and we fell in love with it right away. The colorful houses climb up a hill like an amphitheater, with the deep-blue Aegean Sea stretching out before them. In the narrow alleys, there are a few small shops, and along the harbor front, cozy cafes where you can enjoy a nice breakfast.

Lesvos plomari village lesbos
The charming little town of Plomari

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

Barbayanni: A King Among Ouzos

The family-owned Barbayanni company in Plomari has been producing one of the finest anise-flavored liqueurs since 1860. The family crafts four different varieties using a traditional recipe, having kept their production method unchanged since the very beginning. Another distinctive feature: Unlike many industrial ouzos, Barbayanni Ouzo contains absolutely no added sugar or flavorings.

Lesvos barbayanni ouzo plomari
The four Barbayanni ouzo varieties

On the upper floor, there is a small museum that offers insights into the old production methods and describes the distillation process. You can tour the current production facilities in the basement. The warehouses house the distillation and bottling areas, as well as a small sales counter.

A little tip: you can actually get these fine spirits at the best prices right here in Plomari. Outside the island, the price goes up significantly due to export costs and alcohol taxes.

Ouzo Plomari Lesbos Barbayanni Brennerei
The finest anise liqueur is produced in the copper stills

After eleven years in Greece, we finally learned at Barbayanni how to drink ouzo properly. Namely, not neat 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 flavor is lost. Nevertheless, water is needed to release the aromas in the first place.

  • Barbayanni Hours: Mon. – Fri. from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Admission: free

During your stay in Plomari, be sure to explore the surrounding area. The Sedounda Valley, with its namesake river, transports you to an idyllic forest area with ancient oak trees. Even in summer, this enchanted grove remains pleasantly cool, and you can take a short walk through the beautiful natural surroundings.

Lesvos sedounda valley plomari
The enchanted Sedounda Valley

Plomari also has a beautiful stretch of beach two kilometers to the east. Agios Isidoros Beach, with its long pebble beach and crystal-clear water, is perfect for swimming.

#9 Visiting the mountain village of Agiassos

The little village is romantically situated, surrounded by forests at the foothills of mighty Mount Olympos. For us personally, Agiassos is one of the most beautiful villages on the island and enchants with its stone houses featuring red roofs and colorful shutters. You can park your car below the village and wander into the labyrinth of narrow streets.

Lesvos agiassos village lesbos
The picturesque mountain village of Agiassos

In the heart of Agiassos lies the Panagia pilgrimage church with its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Many pilgrims seeking divine assistance are drawn here. Around the church square are rows of charming little kafenia, delicatessens, and traditional shops selling pottery and wood carvings.

Lesvos agiassos panagia church lesbos
The Panagia Pilgrimage Church

It’s especially cozy to sit under the village plane tree, where you can sample delicious Greek dishes. If you speak Greek, you’ll notice another unique feature in Agiassos: the locals have their very own dialect, which isn’t even understood by their fellow countrymen.

Lesvos agiassos gassen lesbos schönstes dorf
In the alleys of Agiassos

#10 Explore Lesbos with the locals

The island of Lesbos offers a diverse natural landscape. Two bays cut deep into the island, giving Lesbos the shape of a plane tree leaf on the map. Majestic mountain peaks rise up on all sides, some of them evidence of long-past volcanic activity. The island’s vast forests are a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers.

Lesvos landschaft berge wälder lesbos
The landscape of Lesvos: forested valleys and barren mountain peaks

Well-maintained 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, detailing route paths, duration, and difficulty levels.

Across the island by mountain bike

Lesvos Ride, Mytilini

On a cycling excursion, we explored the salt lagoons in the Gulf of Kalloni together with Ioulia and Titos from Lesvos Ride. Our tour took us along a beautiful coastal landscape, past anise fields, salt lakes teeming with flamingos, and small fishing villages.

Lesvos ride mountainbike tour
Explore Lesvos by mountain bike

The two charming owners offer guided bike tours for beginners and pros on Lesbos. They also provide MTB technique training, organize events, and bike races. Learn more about their offerings here: Lesvos Ride

Lesvos flamingos golf kalloni salzseen lesbos
Flamingos in the salt lagoons near Skala

More Lesbos travel tips & info

Accommodations & Hotels on Lesvos

Greece’s third-largest island is home to a quiet and sustainable tourism scene. You won’t find any large hotel complexes on Lesvos. In Mytilini, there are a few solid hotels and apartments.

In the Lesvos hinterland, you’ll find beautiful villas, and many locals rent out well-equipped vacation rentals. The most popular resorts on Lesvos are Petra and Molyvos in the north, Skala Kaolin in the center, and Eresos in the west.

→ You can find many accommodations on Lesbos via Booking.com* and check prices directly here:

Lesbos Booking Hotels Empfehlung
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Guided tours to authentic Lesbos hidden gems

Seafari Adventures, Plomari

Another great way to explore Lesbos is with a personal local guide. Aspa and Dinos from Seafari Adventures are both from the charming town of Plomari and will show you the beauty of their island with great passion. You can join them on land and in the water.

Lesvos seafari adventures jeep tour
On the Road with Seafari Adventures

In a 4×4 Jeep, you’ll travel along remote dirt roads through wild nature. This lets you experience Lesbos from a completely different perspective. A boat trip along the spectacular southern coast of Lesvos is also well worth it. At the end of the boat tour, you’ll reach the small, hidden chapel of Ekklisia Krifti, which sits picturesquely by the sea beneath a cliff.

Lesbos Seafari Adventures Lesvos Ekklisia Krifti
The Ekklisia Krifti chapel is accessible only by boat

Aspa and Dinos will be happy to put together a customized package for your trip. For more information, visit: Seafari Adventures Lesvos

Getting to the Island of Lesbos

The island of Lesbos has a very well-developed airport, Mytilini Airport (MJT). Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights to Lesbos from Germany. From most German airports, you can fly directly to Athens or Thessaloniki. We use the Skyscanner* portal to search for suitable flights:

➲ Find cheap flights to Athens*

➲ Find cheap flights to Thessaloniki*

Flüge nach Lesbos Anreise
Currently, Lesvos can be reached via a layover

From both cities, you can fly to the island of Lesbos in one hour with Olympic Air, Skyexpress, or Astra. For example, you can fly from Stuttgart and Düsseldorf to Lesbos via Thessaloniki. From Frankfurt and Munich airports, however, you’ll fly to the island via Athens.

Cheap flights to Lesvos

Since May 2020, flights to Lesbos (Mytilini) have been scheduled from Brussels BRU and Amsterdam AMS airports. We hope that other airports will resume direct flights to Lesbos in the future. For more information, see our article: Flights to Greece

➲ Available flights to Lesbos (Mytilini)*

By ferry to Lesvos

Another way to get to the island is, of course, by taking a ferry to Lesbos. This is especially worthwhile if you’re traveling with your own car or planning to island-hop in the North Aegean.

Griechische Inseln Fähre Kavala Limnos
Hellenic Seaways ferries operate to Lesbos

You can depart from either the Piraeus ferry port or from Kavala in northern Greece. The crossing from Piraeus takes about 12 hours, while the ferry from Kavala takes about 8 hours to reach Lesbos. We use the search portal Ferryhopper* to view current ferry connections to Lesvos:

➲ Book a ferry with Ferryhopper*

greek islands ferry tickets booking ferryhopper
*Ad

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

Getting Around on Lesvos

Lesvos is an island for explorers, and the distances between towns are considerable. It’s about 90 kilometers from the capital, Mytilini, to the remote stone forest of Sigri. Unless you’re specifically planning a classic beach vacation at a hotel, we definitely recommend renting a car for your stay.

Lesvos mietwagen fortbewegung lesbos
A compact car can easily navigate the narrow streets o

You’ll find many car rental companies both at the airport and at the port of Mytilini. Major European providers like Sixt, Hertz, and others also have rental stations on-site. Especially during peak season, it’s advisable to book your rental car in advance online, for example through portals like Discover Cars*:

➲ Book a rental car for the island*

Intercity Bus – The Bus Network of Lesvos

The island also has a well-developed bus network. This means you can cover short distances even without a rental car. Bus fares are very affordable, as is typical for the region. The trip from Petra to Molyvos costs less than one euro. The bus takes about 1.5 hours from Mytilini to Molyvos, and the fare is a reasonable €7.50.

Lesvos bergdörfer lesbos
Many mountain villages can also be reached by bus

You can ask for the current bus schedule for Lesvos and its municipalities at the hotel reception. Alternatively, you can view the routes on the Intercity Buses website. Don’t expect German-style punctuality, so always plan for a little waiting time when taking the bus. You can find more information about buses on Lesvos at: Intercity Buses of Lesvos

Lesbos YouTube Video

Check out the video by Robert Polasek © for impressions of the island:

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

Lesvos fischerboote limani port lesbos
See you soon on Lesbos

*Support our blog Greece-Moments

This post contains affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or purchase something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you. This helps us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you enjoy this post and want to say thank you? Then simply buy us the next Greek coffee ☕️ Go to the coffee fund


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Gia sou, it's great to have you here! We're Tom and Ella, the folks behind Greece Moments. We're travel journalists, parents, avid globetrotters, and we love a good Freddo Espresso. We've been running our Greece blog since 2019 and have personally visited more than 50 Greek islands during that time. Here at Greece Moments, we're passionate about sharing our love for this stunning country with you and providing you with the best travel tips for exploring Hellas on your own. Kalo Taxidi!
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We are Tom & Ella, and we have been in love with this blue and white paradise since 2009. On our Greece travel blog, we provide helpful travel tips and useful information for your vacation in Greece. Let yourself be enchanted by beautiful Hellas!

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