Lesbos

Understand

Even though they inaccurately say it is due to the erotic element in some poems by the famous Sappho, instead of Lesbos (Λέσβος) it is popular to refer to the island by the name of its capital town of Mytilene (Μυτιλήνη). Spellings of Lesvos and Mitilini are widespread transliterations, reflecting the actual Greek pronunciation. Of all the islands of Greece, Lesbos is only preceded in area by Crete (South) and Evvia (Centre). However, in terms of administration, the prefecture of Lesvos comprises three major islands, Lesbos, Lemnos at the northwest, and the tiny Agios Efstratios in the middle between the first two islands. Geographically, Lesbos includes two seawater gulfs, with narrow openings both to the south, that elongate the coastline and shaping the island characteristically like a fig tree or plane tree leaf, as described by the native nobelist poet Odysseas Elytis. The landscape is different in the various regions; most striking is the contrast of the far west region, rocky with low vegetation, to the east and central parts, where olive and pine tree forests dominate. Its elevation reaches almost 1000 m at both points: the north at mount Lepetymnos and the south at mount Olympos, a name identical to the original Olympus in Thessaly.

Cultural information People of Lesbos have admired culture since the ancient times, and throughout the centuries many poets, writers, philologists, painters emerged. Two of the famous ancient classics were the poet Sappho (whose erotic poems gave rise to the word lesbian), born in Eressos and the lyric poet Alcaeus of Mytilene, an older contemporary. A glimpse of the ancient life in Lesbos is exhibited in the new Archeological Museum of Mytilene building. Bypassing some notable people before the 19th century, the naïve painter Theofilos would depict not only the lifestyle of his time, but also the ancient myths survived in the tradition; Teriade, an art critic, preserved Theofilos' work among his collection of Picasso and Mat

Getting there

By plane The island is served by Odysseas Elytis (Οδυσσέας Ελύτης) airport, named after the 20th century poet, and located in the far South-East of the island, around 8 km South of Mytilene. Flights run regularly to/from Athens, Thessaloniki, Chios, Lemnos and Crete. Internationally, the island is a popular holiday destination so is served by regular charter flights. Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines provide daily scheduled services from Athens. Local bus that serves airport from Mytilene: Astiko KTEL, timetable, approximately hourly departing from Sappho square (Plateia Sapfous, Πλατεία Σαπφούς)

By boat See also Ferries in the Mediterranean Ferries sail from Piraeus, the port for Athens on the Greek mainland, taking 8-9 hours to Mytilini via the island of Chios. Nothing much to see on the way except the sea, so you might prefer an overnight sailing. Operators are Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries. Car ferries from Ayvalık on the Turkish mainland take 90 min. Turyol is the ferry line: in 2026 a one-way adult ticket was €30, return €40. Ferries no longer sail from Dikili.

Getting around

Local buses run on the island to the bigger villages on the island. You can buy tickets in the bus. The major bus stop and information station is in Mitilini. Taxis are cheap and the taxi drivers are obliged to use the meter. Taxis based in Mitilini are yellow. Taxis not based in Mitilini are grey-coloured. Taxis can be used for local transportation, transfers and excursions, but also for emergencies. A good way to see the island is to rent a car or a scooter. A local, good quality and affordable car rental place, Auto Moto, can be found at the airport, and many more car rental places at and around Kountouriotou Street at Mitilini's harbourfront. Recommended if you are a confident driver! The locals drive pretty fast, but usually obey the traffic rules. The roads are generally quite good, and even the mountain roads not too challenging. The island offers nice hiking routes between the villages. The hiking maps are available in tourist offices.

See

The big beach of Vatera at the south part of the island. The medieval (Genovese) castle at Mytilene. The picturesque village of Agiasos, situated on the north-east slope of Mount Olympos. Pyrgi Thermis. The small picturesque fishing village of Skala Sykamineas at the north side of the island. Molyvos, a traditional, touristic village with a medieval fort on the top of a hill overlooking the area. The petrified forest on the Western part of the island. The Geological Museum in Sigri, one of the best museums in Greece.

Do

See the small village of Pyrgi Thermis on the east side of the island. Very friendly people, Small beach, war ruins near the beach. And also foreign university students during the whole of summer. There is also a 4-star hotel, Lesvos Inn, on the sandy beach close to the thermal baths of Pyrgi, that offers rooms from €50-100 a night and excellent service. The hotel offers Internet access and spa facilities. They speak English. Visit the thermal baths at Eftalou beach on the north side of the island, about 5 km from Molyvos. You can cool off from the hot water by going in the sea, and go back and forth as often as you want. Molyvos Visit Molivos (or Molyvos) a protected settlement, crowned by a fortress. Molyvos has the privilege to be a place - the village leads to Aegean Sea - that combines a very long and rich history among the centuries, with natural beauty.

Eat

The island offers a variety of seafood with reasonable prices. Also the sweets of the island and the local spirit "Ouzo" are quite an experience.

Drink & nightlife

Coffee is the most available drink on the island, even more than water. Prices from €1-5. Alcohol is sold at every Coffee shop in every village or bars in the capital Mitilini near the wharf where the ferry will drop you off. Almost all major hotels serve alcohol as well. Price: €3-12. Lesbos is famous for its ouzo. Plomari is particularly well known for it and hosts multiple famous ouzo distilleries.

Go next

Daily ferries in summer connect Lesvos with Ayvalık on the Turkish mainland. Lemnos Kavala Chios