Hello everyone, today we as Mikos Store will tell you about Lesbos Island. Lesbos is an island located in the Aegean Sea in the northeast of Greece. It is famous for its olive trees, magnificent beaches, thermal springs and rich history. With a population of approximately 86,000, this island is the third largest island in Greece. The official language is Greek, Lesbos has a rich cultural heritage bearing the traces of different civilizations. The capital and largest city of the island, Mytilene, fascinates its visitors with its historical buildings, lively markets and colorful port.
Lesbos is also associated with historical figures such as the great poet Sappho and the philosopher Aristotle. Geographically very close to Türkiye, this island offers its visitors natural beauty, historical discoveries and a warm cultural experience.
How to Get to Lesbos
Mytilene is usually reached by air or sea. The island's own airport, Mytilene International Airport, is accessible by direct flights from the main cities of Greece and some European cities. These flights increase in frequency, especially in the summer months, due to the intensity of the tourist season.
For those who prefer to travel by sea, there are several ports that offer ferry services to Lesbos. The most popular routes are provided by ferries from other Greek islands, especially from Piraeus Port. There are also regular ferry services from Ayvalik, Türkiye, to Lesbos. These services are a very practical and popular option, especially due to the short distance.
In addition to transportation options, it’s important to consider seasonal factors and ferry frequency when planning a trip to Lesbos. Summer is the busiest time to get to the island, so it’s worth booking well in advance.
Places to Visit in Lesbos
Mytilene Castle
Located in the city of Mytilene, this historic castle is an important structure dating back to the Byzantine period and offers visitors magnificent views.
Molyvos (Mithymna)
Famous for its traditional architecture, narrow stone streets and medieval castle, this town in the north of the island offers visitors a historical atmosphere.
Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors impressive examples of petrified forest and provides the opportunity to discover this unique phenomenon of nature through a variety of informative activities.
Thermal Springs
Thermal springs located in various parts of Lesbos promise health and relaxation to visitors. Eftalou, Polichnitos and Thermi are among the most popular spa areas.
Plomari
This town, home of Ouzo, is famous for its traditional Greek architecture, colorful houses and delicious local products.
Agiasos
This village, located at the foot of the mountains, offers a different experience to visitors with its traditional handicrafts, neoclassical church and nature walking paths.
Where to Stay in Lesbos
Lesbos offers accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. In the touristic areas of the island, there is a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses, from apartments to traditional guesthouses.
Mytilene
Mytilene, the island's capital and largest city, offers a variety of accommodation options. Hotels in the city center provide easy access to restaurants, shopping, and major tourist attractions, while hotels along the coast stand out with rooms overlooking the sea.
Molyvos (Mithymna)
Famous for its medieval castle, narrow stone streets and traditional stone houses, Molyvos is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. Here you can find boutique hotels and charming guesthouses that combine historical buildings with modern comfort.
Petra
Seafront accommodation suitable for families and couples in the resort of Petra, famous for its beach
facilities are available. Petra is an ideal location for both those who want to have a quiet holiday and those who want to explore other parts of the island.
Scale Eressos
Skala Eressos, which has a unique beach, is especially preferred by young people and water sports enthusiasts in the summer months. The area offers a variety of accommodation options, including affordable guesthouses, apartments and camping areas.
Plomari
Famous for its ouzo production, Plomari is perfect for those who want to experience traditional Greek village life. Surrounded by olive groves, there are many family-run businesses that offer their guests a peaceful setting.
When choosing your accommodation, it is important to consider the distance to the places you want to visit, the facilities offered by the hotel and its price. Early booking can offer advantageous prices and a wider range of options, especially in the summer months.
Transportation in Lesbos
Domestic transportation on the island of Lesbos is an important issue for visitors who want to explore the island's natural beauty and historical sites. Here are the transportation options on Lesbos:
Buses
There are regular bus services between the main towns and tourist areas of Lesbos, especially during the summer months. Buses provide an economical and practical option for transportation throughout the island. For information on bus times and routes, please contact the local bus station or tourist office.
Car rental
If you want to explore Lesbos at your own pace, renting a car is a good option. There are many companies offering car rental services at various locations around the island. This way, you can easily reach the less touristy and more remote areas.
Taxis
Taxis are available in the main towns and tourist areas of the island. Taxis can be a useful option, especially at night or when public transport services are less frequent. The use of taxi meters is common, but for longer distances it may be worth agreeing on a price in advance.
Bicycle and Motorcycle Rental
Some areas of Lesbos are ideal for exploring by bike or motorbike. Bicycle and motorbike rental services are available at certain points on the island and offer a pleasant transportation alternative, especially in good weather conditions.
Walk
Some areas of Lesbos, especially the small villages and natural areas, are perfect for walking. For those who want to discover the beauty of the island at a slow pace, walking is a healthy and enjoyable option.
The transportation options within Lesbos offer visitors the flexibility to explore different aspects of the island. When planning your trip, you can choose the most suitable transportation method according to the areas you want to travel and your personal preferences.
What to Eat in Lesbos
Lesbos welcomes its visitors with a variety of dining options that offer the flavors of the rich Greek cuisine. The island's unique food culture consists of healthy and delicious dishes prepared with fresh seafood, olive oil, vegetables and herbs. Here are some local delicacies to be tasted in Lesbos:
Sardine
Lesbos is famous for its fresh sardines, especially caught around the Gulf of Kalloni. Grilled, pan-fried or marinated, sardines are one of the most popular seafood on the island.
Ouzo
Lesbos is one of the main production centres of the world-famous Greek liqueur ouzo. The town of Plomari is particularly known for its ouzo production. Drinking ouzo with meals or as an accompaniment to appetizers is part of the island's traditional eating and drinking habits.
Ladotyri
Ladotyri, a type of cheese specific to Lesbos, is a hard and aromatic cheese that is matured by storing it in olive oil. It is often used in appetizers and salads.
Mytilene Salad
Named after the island's capital, Mytilene, this salad contains local vegetables, olive oil, cheese and sometimes seafood. It's ideal for those looking for a fresh and light option.
Cretan Paste
This delicious mezze is a kind of spread prepared with olive oil, garlic, walnuts and sometimes bread or breadcrumbs. It is usually served as a spread on bread.
Baklava and Other Desserts
Midilli is also known for its desserts such as baklava, kadayıf and loukoumi (Greek delight). Sweet lovers can enjoy these delicious desserts in the patisseries and restaurants of the island.
Food in Lesbos is an important part of experiencing the culture and traditions of the island. With a wide range of delicacies on offer, from seafood to desserts, there is something to suit every palate.
Lesbos Nightlife
Lesbos has a lively and diverse nightlife. The capital of the island, Mytilene, as well as tourist resorts such as Molyvos, Petra and Plomari, offer visitors a variety of fun opportunities with bars, taverns and clubs open until late at night. Here are some options for enjoying the nightlife in Lesbos:
Bars and Pubs
There are many bars and pubs in the city centre of Mytilene and along the coastline. These venues cater to all tastes, offering different types of music and usually a wide range of drinks. Especially in the summer months, it is possible to relax with a drink by the sea in the open-air bars.
Live Music Taverns
Taverns, an integral part of Greek culture, offer an unforgettable night with live Greek music and dancing. You can watch the performances of local musicians accompanied by traditional Greek meze and ouzo.
Night Clubs
Some nightclubs in Lesvos host performances by local DJs as well as international ones. During the summer months, these clubs usually stay open late and offer a dynamic atmosphere.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Various cultural events and festivals are held in Lesbos during the summer. These events can include many different activities such as traditional Greek music and dance shows, theatre performances and open-air cinema nights.
Beach Bars and Beach Clubs
The beach clubs and beach bars on the island's popular beaches continue to serve after sunset. You can sip your drink or join beach parties in a relaxing atmosphere under the sea and starry sky.
In this article, we have told you about Lesbos Island. We also recommend you to take a look at our Vienna Travel Guide article and we wish you a pleasant day as Mikos Store.
