7 Places You Need to See in Unforgettable Lesbos
Although you might think it is called Mytilene, let us sort this out for you. The name of the third-largest island of Greece is Lesbos (or Lesvos). Mytilene is the capital city and main port of the island. This beautiful island is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, opposite the Turkish coast. It is well known for its traditional villages, the endless pine and olive groves, the famous petrified forest, and the sun-washed beaches with clear waters.
Lesbos attracts visitors who want to discover the island for themselves, with little package tourism. So, rent a car and explore the diverse villages and landscapes of Lesbos. One thing you can be sure of is that the more time you dedicate to Lesbos, the more it will give back to you. So, let's explore seven places in Lesbos you should absolutely visit!
7 places in Lesbos you should not miss!
Fishing boats in Mitilini port, Lesvos, Greece. Photo by L-BBE, licensed.
Mytilene, the main port and capital of Lesbos, opposite the Turkish coast – 8 km northwest of the airport
On the eastern coast of Lesbos, opposite the Turkish coast, is Mytilene, the main port and capital of the island. The city is built around the port, from the coast to the seven hills. Mytilene is a lively town with traditional old neighbourhoods, a Byzantine fortress, an old harbour and a busy historical centre. The University of the Aegean's students play their part in the city's everyday life. With many young people living on the island, Mytilene has to offer a rich nightlife too. Here you will find a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from. Make sure you visit the numerous ouzeries at the waterfront or those hidden in the town's narrow streets.
Plomari is the second largest town of Lesbos after Mytilene, Photo by Kostas Limitsios, licensed.
Plomari, 40 km southwest of Mytilene
Plomari is the second largest town of Lesbos after Mytilene. It is located on the banks of Sedountas river on the south coast of Lesvos. Without a doubt, Plomari, with its amphitheatrical shape, is much more picturesque than Mytilene. The fishing harbour, the old mansions and the old small factories reveal the commercial and industrial history of the area.
Preferably, visit Plomari during the evening. First, park your car and walk through the streets of the village and the coastal promenade. Then, without delay, head to a kafeneio to grab a bite and try the local ouzo! Plomari is famous for its ouzo, and several family-owned distilleries exist in the area. During the hot summer days, seek refuge from the sun under the shade of the village's old plane tree.
From Plomari, drive 2 km east to the village of Agios Isidoros, at the southernmost tip of the island, to the long, pebbled beach next to some impressive rock formations. Agios Isidoros beach is ideal for those of you who enjoy snorkelling. Here you will find a variety of options in terms of accommodation, hotels, tavernas, cafes, and nightlife.
Molivos, also known as Mythimna, is the most picturesque settlement on the island. Image by Greg Montani from Pixabay, licensed.
Molivos harbour, 60 km northwest of Mytilene
60 km west of Mytilene is Molivos, also known as Mythimna, probably the most picturesque settlement on the island. Under the medieval castle are narrow alleys and old stone houses with wooden balconies facing the Aegean sea. At the nearby pebble beach, you can find sunbeds and watersport facilities. Plenty of tavernas and accommodations are available since many visitors decide to stay there during their holidays. Find out more about the beautiful town of Molyvos.
The beach of Petra, Lesbos, Greece. Photo by Mike Peel, licensed.
Coastal village of Petra, 60 km northwest of Mytilene
From Molivos, drive 6 km south to the coastal village of Petra. First, park your car at the village's entrance to walk by the neoclassical mansions and traditional houses. Next, head to the busy waterfront with the restaurants and cafes overlooking the area's long, sandy beach. Otherwise, continue your stroll in the traditional narrow cobbled backstreets. At the top of the village stands the church of Our Lady of the Sweet Kisses. After you visit Petra, drive to the nearby beach of Tsichrada for a refreshing swim!
The petrified forest is located in the western part of Lesvos. Photo by Tomisti, licensed.
Petrified Forest, 85 km west of Mytilene
Lesbos is famous for the petrified forest located in the western part of the island. Massive amounts of lava covered the forest during an extensive volcanic activity in area 20 million years ago. This is how the previously green tree trunks turned into rocks! Today the petrified trees stand or lay in the forest area in different shapes, sizes and unique colours.
The petrified forest park is between Antissa and Sigri, covering 15000 hectares. Visiting it involves a long 2km walk along with the fossilised trees. Since the "forest" is shadeless, we advise that you go early in the morning or the evening when it's not too hot. However, you can still enjoy the view of the petrified forest in the shade of the cafe next to the entrance while having a cold drink.
To learn more about the petrified forest, drive 10 km west to Sigri. There, you will find the Museum of Natural History. The museum houses, amongst others, an exciting exhibit of fossil remains. The collection includes over 40 species found in western Lesvos's broader area. The exhibitions take you through the evolution of plant life on our planet and the various geological phenomena and processes of the Aegean Sea that led to the creation of the petrified forest.
Eressos, 85 km west of Mytilene
85 km west of Mytilene is the long sandy beach of Eressos, the birthplace of the archaic poet Sappho. Eressos is located at the bottom of a large fertile valley worth exploring. The river crossing attracts significant migratory birds and provides a habitat for many wildlife, including terrapins. In Eressos, you will find all the necessary facilities to relax and enjoy the scenery and various activities if you prefer to explore the area.
The village and long, sandy beach of Eressos. Photo by Tromios, licensed.
Kalloni, 38 km north west of Mytilene
Looking at a map of Lesbos, you will surely notice the enormous bay of Kalloni (Greek for "beauty") that gives the island its distinctive shape of a plane tree leaf. Kalloni is a town built on a vast plain with rivers running through it, giving life to the vegetation, the olive groves and grapevine fields. Here you can find all kinds of accommodation, restaurants and bars, retail shops and public services.
Drive 4 km south to the coastal Skala Kallonis, the area's harbour with a long sandy beach with shallow, warm waters. At the east of Skala are the bay's salt marshes (Alikes). Every season a variety of migratory birds visit the area. Undoubtedly the most popular among them are the flamingos! From there, you can drive around 40 km down the east coast to the golden beach of Nifida, just before the bay's opening to the sea.
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