Coastal villages, mountainous pottery towns and historical wonders await on Lesvos. It’s an island of contrasts that has something for every type of traveller.
Lesvos doesn’t do flashy hotels – accommodation is low-key and reflects local character (try the terracotta boutique studios at Eresos). There are charter flights and package holidays from northern Europe to quaint resorts like castle-topped Molyvos, alternative Skala Eressos and quiet sandy beach resorts.
Molyvos
Located on the northern end of Lesvos, Molyvos (Mithymna) is one of the most popular places to stay in Lesvos. This quaint little town offers some great features, including its beautiful old village, and has plenty of things to keep you busy while visiting the island. It also has a good selection of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to enjoy some local cuisine during your vacation.
A must-see attraction in the city is its medieval castle, which is situated on top of a rocky hill and has stunning views of the sea and Turkish coastline. The castle is also home to a large collection of historical artifacts and Byzantine churches. It’s well worth the effort to take the long walk up to the castle, which is sure to be a highlight of your trip!
When you’re ready to relax, there are several cafes in the city where you can grab a coffee or ouzo and just watch the world go by. You can also explore the wisteria-shaded agora and wander the car-free streets to find a variety of interesting shops. If you’re looking for something a bit more special, there is a boutique called Mythos in the center of the city that has a wide selection of unique gifts.
After exploring the city, you can head to the beach for a dip in the clear blue waters. There is a small organized beach in the city, as well as a more secluded one a few kilometers away. In addition, you can visit Eftalou, a big organized beach with crystal clear water.
There are several beaches in the area that offer a variety of water-based activities, such as windsurfing and diving. The beaches are also very safe, with lifeguards present throughout the day.
Molyvos is a great base for exploring the northern part of the island, as it’s only about a 30-minute drive from the capital of Mytilene. There are several hiking trails that go past secluded coves, villages, and thermal springs, as well as many gorgeous beaches to discover.
Vatera Beach
Vatera Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach surrounded by lush hills and olive groves on the southern shore of Lesvos. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-blue waters. The beach is also home to several cafes, taverns and hotels.
Known for its water quality and cleanliness, Vatera is a popular choice for families, couples and single travelers looking to spend some time in the sun. The organized pebble beach is fully equipped with loungers and umbrellas, while the nearby bars and tavernas offer delicious local seafood and Greek dishes. You can also hire a small hired boat to visit the temple of Panagia Krifti in the neighboring beach of Melinda.
The beach was a hot topic of interest in 1997 when palaeontologist Michael Dermitzakis confirmed what farmers unearthing bones had long suspected: the area around Vatera contains a treasure trove of two-million-year-old fossils, including those of stenoid horses (Equus stenonis), mastodons and baboon-like monkeys (Paradolichopithecus). These discoveries have since been displayed at the Natural History Museum in nearby Vrissa.
If you want to escape from the crowds and enjoy a more serene setting, head a short walk west of Vatera to the secluded Agios Fokas beach. This remote beach offers spectacular sunsets, and its rocky seabed is an ideal place for snorkeling. Just be careful to keep an eye out for sharp rocks and sea-urchins.
The best time to visit Vatera is during the summer months of June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny. During these months, the village comes alive with tourists and events, but it’s still a bit quieter than other beach destinations on the island. For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, May and October are also good choices. The village’s restaurants are well-known for serving local fresh seafood and traditional Greek cuisine, and its wineries produce a wide range of quality varieties. Some of the must-try dishes include grilled octopus and saganaki, which is a dish made with fried cheese. For dessert, try a loukoumades, which are donuts drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
Sigri
Located on the western tip of Lesvos is Sigri, a fishing village with a safe harbour and consistent thermal wind throughout summer, making it one of the best places to stay in Lesvos for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Unlike Vatera, it is not a large town, but it has a few nice hotels, great family run restaurants serving fresh fish and plenty of stuff to do. It also has a crescent-shaped beach only a few steps away from wherever you are staying.
The highlight of the town is the Museum of Natural History which features fossils from the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, a world heritage site. The museum is dedicated to the study, promotion, research, exhibition, and protection of fossils in the area, and each year it attracts students from Lesvos and abroad.
It is a good idea to rent a car while visiting Sigri, although there are buses to and from the town. The main road through the island is a narrow, picturesque track that winds around the mountainside. You will see some of the most beautiful scenery on the entire island here, including a few traditional villages, and you will have a great chance to enjoy some peace and quiet.
In addition to the Museum of Natural History, you can visit the old village of Paleohoro, a ruined settlement that was destroyed by the Turks in 1461. You can also visit the cistern that was built by the Turks to supply water to their castle and mosque in Sigri.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Lesvos that offers both luxury and value, then you should consider renting a villa in Sigri. These villas offer spacious rooms, modern kitchens, and comfortable furniture. In addition, many of these villas have private pools and a terrace. They are also a great choice for families with kids.
The Sigrion Villas are located on the edge of the village, within walking distance of the centre and the beach. They are also a short drive from the bus terminal and ferry port. They are ideal for couples, friends, and families who want to experience a peaceful environment with spectacular views of the sea.
Mytilini
The capital city of Lesvos has a lot to offer visitors. While it may not be the beach type of town that most people think of when they are planning their holiday to the island, it should definitely be on everyone’s list of places to visit. Mytilini has a great cafe scene, lovely restaurants and nightlife and many shops and galleries to explore. The city also has a large University and is full of young people during the daytime and evenings. It is also where you will find the best hotels in Lesvos.
Although the city can be hot and humid in summer, it is still worth spending some time here to see all that Mytilini has to offer. There is a lot of history on the island and the capital is no exception. It is a wonderful place to stroll around, especially in the area surrounding Sappho Square. There are numerous neo-classical mansions that are also worth seeing. The church of Saint Raphael is one of the most popular attractions and is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and travellers.
Mytilini has a wealth of museums to explore as well. The Theophilos Museum is a must-see for art lovers and features many works by famous Greek painters. The museum is also home to a collection of ancient pottery, jewelry and coins. There are also many other museums in Mytilini that showcase the local culture and history.
In addition to museums, Mytilini has many other interesting attractions for tourists. For example, there is the Asia Minor Mother monument which is a reminder of the plight of those who were forced to leave their homes in Asia Minor and move to Lesvos. There are also several churches that visitors can visit and the island is known for its excellent cuisine. You can try local dishes such as fasolada and apetizeri, which are both hearty and filling.
The island is very quaint and there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy. The beaches are crowded in the high season but you can usually find a quiet spot to relax and soak up some sun. However, the water can be quite cold so you will want to make sure that you have swimming shoes and towels. You will also want to bring a good book and some music for entertainment.