Lesvos, the island where Ancient Greek poet Sappho lived, offers a wealth of cultural and natural treasures. Here you will find Venetian castles, ancient monasteries, and enchanting beaches that remain free of sunbeds and umbrellas for a truly authentic experience.
The island’s capital, Mytilene, is the epicenter of culture and commerce, showcasing a tapestry of historic landmarks and ornate churches. It also has lounge nightlife and plenty of Lesvos hotels.
Mytilene
The capital of Lesbos, Mytilene, is home to a number of Neoclassical buildings and serves as the headquarters of the University of the Aegean. The city was founded in the 11th century BC and was a major port in ancient times. It is also the site of the castle of Mytilene and several other historical sites. Its proximity to Turkey and other countries makes it a popular tourist destination.
Visitors should respect local culture and customs when visiting Mytilene. They should dress appropriately when entering religious sites and avoid displaying any offensive gestures or behaviors. It is also advisable to rent a car or scooter in order to explore the island’s countryside and villages.
Mytilene has many restaurants and cafes, and there are a number of different types of cuisine available. Many of these restaurants serve traditional Greek food and are very reasonably priced. Other popular options include ice cream shops, bakeries, and fast-food chains. It is also a good idea to visit the local markets, where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables and other items.
There are also a number of hotels in Mytilene, including the Porto Lesvos hotel, which has a very convenient location. It is just three minutes from the port, and guests have praised its central placement for making it easy to catch ferries. The hotel is rated highly for its breakfast, with numerous reviews praising the variety of options and quality of food. The staff at the hotel are also commended for their polite and helpful demeanor.
If you want to enjoy the seaside and eat great seafood, Mytilene is the place for you. Its beach is a popular place for families to relax, and it also has a variety of bars and cafés. During the summer, there is also a lot of activity on the beaches. The town has a rich history, and you can see many monuments from the Byzantine period. These are worth a visit, and you can learn more about the region’s culture from its archeological sites. During your stay, be sure to try out the famous ouzo, which is made in the area.
Molyvos
A few hours away from Mytilene, the quaint hilltop village of Molyvos offers visitors an escape to an old-world Greek island atmosphere. It is one of Lesvos’ main holiday destinations and draws people who are sensitive to culture and tradition. Here you’ll find a stunning castle, cobbled streets with shady canopies of blooming wisteria, and ornate water fountains dating back to the Ottoman era.
This is also the place to discover a wide selection of traditional restaurants, bars and cafés. You can enjoy some of the best local ouzo in the world and try a variety of different dishes from across the island. You can also enjoy a number of leisure activities such as hiking and biking in this beautiful island. There are plenty of scenic and historical walking trails that travel past beaches, villages, and thermal springs.
The castle at the top of the city, the Castle of Mithymna (or Molyvos), is a must-see destination for anyone who visits the island of Lesbos. It is an amazing sight to behold, and the views from the castle are breathtaking. You’ll be able to see the mountains on the other side of the island and the sea in the distance.
You can explore the village by foot or by bus, which is a great way to get around. The buses run every 10 minutes and are easy to use. You can even visit the ruins of the old town. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun, Molyvos is the perfect spot for you.
Molyvos’ new home on 43rd Street features a beautiful wine display, built to welcome diners into the space named after Nick Livanos’ father’s hometown in Greece. The eatery has an extensive beverage program, featuring about 750 wines. The menu includes dishes such as braised lamb shanks and grilled octopus. Guests can also try great ice cream sundaes and baklava dessert.
The restaurant is located in a charming neighborhood near Broadway, making it a popular choice for pre- or post-theater dining. The menu includes a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes, as well as grilled souvlaki and keftedes.
Skala Eressou
A stunning beach and some of the best restaurants in Greece are Skala Eressos’s most famous features. The beach seems to go on for miles and the waters are crystal clear. Often referred to as the most beautiful beach in Europe, it is popular with tourists. The village also has a line of cafes, some traditional fish tavernas and others more alternative style bistros that offer vegetarian dishes and exotic salads.
The area around Skala Eressos is a natural reserve, making it one of the most scenic parts of Lesvos. There are several hiking and walking trails to explore. Visitors can also visit the 17th century Turkish castle in the town. The region also has a number of restaurants and bars, as well as shops and boutiques. It is a favorite destination for spiritually minded people, former hippies and ex-Rajneesh sanyasins.
It is a great choice for travelers looking to get away from the hectic pace of daily life. Many of the hotels in Skala Eressou have a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere that allows guests to recharge their batteries. The rooms are decorated in a classic Greek style and feature a balcony with sea and mountain views. They are also equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen and private bathrooms. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi access.
There are a variety of apartments available in Skala Eressou. Some are larger and have multiple bedrooms, while others are smaller and ideal for couples or families. Some are fully furnished and include a living room, while others have just the basics. The apartments are also very close to the beach and provide easy access to the water.
The Chliara Apartments are located a short walk from Skala Eressos Beach, and offer free parking and breakfast. They are also within a 20-minute drive of the Lesvos Petrified Forest and Ypsilou Monastery. The rooms are spacious and airy, with a separate toilet and shower. The accommodation also provides a flat-screen TV and a coffee machine. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Greek specialities.
Vatera
Vatera is a magnificent beach that has been rated as one of the best in the Mediterranean. It is long and wide, with a sloping shelf into the sea that allows even the most inexperienced swimmer to stay safe. It is protected from the summer northern winds and has been awarded the blue flag of the European Union countless times for its clear unpolluted waters.
There are some wonderful hotels and apartments in the village of Vatera, and it is also a great place to explore the surrounding countryside. The main town of Mytilene is just a 90-minute drive away, so you can visit the capital to shop or sample some traditional cuisine.
In addition to having a magnificent beach, Vatera is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. The village was a center of religious reform during the Middle Ages and was once a major commercial port. The remains of the Achilopigado aqueduct can still be seen in the area. It was believed that the Trojan king Achilles used it to supply his army with water.
The village of Vatera is a wonderful place to stroll around, with many authentic and genuine traditional features. The simple old village of Vrissa is near Vatera, and it has an ancient church with a few archaeological fragments of the Temple of Dionysos. A short distance from the village is a beautiful sandy beach and a monastery.
Another attraction in the vicinity is the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Achilopigado, which dates from the Late Bronze Age. The site was later occupied by the Monastery of Agios Focas, which was founded in the 14th century.
The village of Vatera has some good restaurants that serve Greek and international food. The Oasis restaurant serves Italian cuisine, and it is located close to the Aphrodite Beach Hotel. There are also a number of bars that provide music and refreshments. The Aphrodite Beach Hotel is located beside the magnificent Vatera beach and offers modern rooms with a friendly service and clean surroundings. The hotel has 49 rooms that include single, double and triple rooms, as well as studios and apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms.