Lesbos’ beaches are stunning, but this year the island has been thrust into global headlines thanks to refugees. This has dampened summer tourist bookings and left many local communities fearful of losing jobs.
Despite this, there are still plenty of reasons to visit. The capital Mytilene is a charming port and student town with a good university, cute shops and artistic cafes.
Mytilene
Info Summary:
A lovely little city in the north of the island, Mytilene is a compact, well-organised place that is a joy to explore. Its charming streets are lined with Neoclassical buildings and a number of churches, including the impressive church of Saint Therapon. During your stay here, be sure to take in the stunning scenery, from the petrified forest to the picturesque beaches, and make time for a stroll around the historic port.
This is a top choice for couples and families who want to be close to the city centre and beaches, but also enjoy peace and quiet. The rooms are comfortable and spacious with excellent amenities, including satellite TVs, minibars and free Wi-Fi. Guests rave about the friendly, attentive staff and the exceptional breakfast, which features locally made breads and preserves.
The property’s luxurious rooms are designed in a classic style, with period furniture and chandeliers. Some of the rooms have terraces, while others feature private balconies. Guests love the location of the hotel, which is within walking distance to the ferry terminal, shops, restaurants and beach. The staff are known for their helpfulness and politeness, and the rooms are always clean.
Located in the heart of Mytilene, this luxurious and contemporary 4-star hotel is within walking distance to Mytilene Castle, popular restaurants and nightlife venues. It offers free parking and a concierge, as well as rooms with flat-screen satellite TVs and en suite bathrooms.
A restored 1916 mansion, Pyrgos of Mytilene Hotel blends modern-day amenities with 19th-century nostalgia. Its convenient position means that it is only a short walk to the city’s main tourist attractions, including Mytilene Castle and the harbour. Guests are also only a short drive away from Mytilini Intercity Bus Station and a 20-minute drive from the airport.
The resort offers a number of facilities, including a fitness center and a sauna. Its rooms are stylishly decorated, with a flat-screen satellite TV and mini bar. The bathrooms have a shower and slippers, while the air conditioning keeps the rooms cool.
Molyvos
The village of Molyvos is a beautiful place to stay in Lesbos. Its streets are lined with cute cafes, souvenir shops, and bakeries. Its castle perches on top like a guard overlooking the entire town, making it a unique and romantic destination. The town is also home to some incredible Byzantine churches, including Agios Panteleimon and Taxiarchis.
There are also plenty of restaurants and taverns in Molyvos, with both modern and traditional options. You can enjoy a variety of local dishes and drinks, including the popular ouzo, which is made from grapes grown on the island. In addition to its many attractions, the village of Molyvos is also known for its natural hot springs. These springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and have been enjoyed by people since ancient times. The water is rich in minerals and contains sulfur, which makes it good for health.
Another attraction is the Molyvos Castle, which is the second largest castle on the island. It was built during the Byzantine period and served as a strategic point to control the north passage to the sea. It was a significant part of the island’s history and has been well-preserved through the years.
A visit to the castle is a great way to get acquainted with the history of Lesbos. It is also a beautiful place to take a walk and admire the views of the town. In addition, there are some amazing beaches in the vicinity of the castle. One of them is the main beach in the village of Molyvos, while other ones are located a few kilometres away.
While in Molyvos, you should not forget to try some of the local desserts. The best option is the flaky baklava, which is made of pistachios and walnuts enveloped in phyllo and soaked in a sweet sauce. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of other desserts and ice cream.
Another must-do activity in Lesbos is the 4×4 safari tour. This is an exciting way to explore the island and see some of its most stunning landscapes. You can even spot wild horses on the trip!
Skala Eressou
The resort of Skala Eressou is a laid-back place with a reliable summer weather and a friendly, welcoming community. It has a long beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the town is filled with bars and tavernas along its promenade. There are also many rooms to rent, as well as family run hotels and houses and apartments that offer self-catering accommodations.
The beach at Skala Eressou is a wide stretch of dark sand that runs for a few miles. It’s lined with tamarisk trees, with a small island within swimming distance and northerly winds that draw windsurfers to the area. There’s a variety of places to eat and drink on the beach front, which is almost entirely free of motor vehicles.
For families, Skala Eriso has a kids’ club and playroom that provide children with entertainment all day. There’s also a water park with slides and pools and several diving and snorkeling sites on the shore. The local area is also a lush, green paradise offering thermal spas, archaeological remains, and some of the best bird-watching in Europe.
A few kilometers away is the Petrified Forest, which features a number of tree trunks carved into shapes by nature and time. The landscape of Lesvos is filled with hidden caves, tumbling waterfalls, and shaded pools, and hiking into the mountains can lead to stunning vistas.
The village is also a popular destination for gay and lesbian travellers, who come here to relax in an open-minded society that’s unlike anything they’ll find on the rest of the island. Every year, the village is home to an international festival celebrating LGBT culture.
Vatera
Vatera is a beautiful beach village on the island of Lesvos. This charming and peaceful area is a hidden gem that offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Its long beach is surrounded by hills and olive groves, making it ideal for those looking for an outdoor adventure vacation. The village is also a popular destination for hikers, and its beaches offer the perfect place to swim and sunbathe. In addition, the beach is a popular spot for water sports and has several restaurants and bars.
The best time to visit Vatera is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the town comes alive with tourists and hosts many events. However, it is also possible to visit during the shoulder seasons of May and October, when the weather is still warm and sunny.
One of the main attractions of Vatera is its long stretch of sandy beach, which is known for its crystal-clear waters. This beach has loungers and umbrellas, as well as a beach restaurant and changing rooms. It is also a great location for snorkeling and kayaking. The water is clean and safe for swimmers of all ages.
The nearby taverns offer a variety of Greek food, including seafood and traditional dishes. Many of them are family-run establishments that have been in business for generations. The locals are warm and friendly, and their hospitality is a big part of the attraction of Vatera.
The Vatera beach is free for all and has a wide range of amenities, including changing facilities, showers, and restrooms. It also has a snack bar and a small water park for children. You can also rent a catamaran or go on a boat trip from the nearby port of Mytilene. If you prefer to stay on the shore, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer a relaxing atmosphere. The beach is also a great place to enjoy the sunset. Its golden sand and the surrounding hills are a sight to behold. You can even watch dolphins and other sea creatures play in the sea.