Lesbos is the largest North-Eastern Aegean island and the third largest island in Greece behind Creta and Evia. Also called by the name of its capital town—Mytilini, Lesbos is home to more than 90,000 residents and 370km of sprawling coastline. The popular tourist destination is an idyllic mixture of historic sites, beachside retreats and island tranquillity.
Mytilene town in the first thing that tourists will see when arriving in Lesbos by boat. The lively coastal town is a hotbed of activity from early morning until late at night with many shops, cafes and restaurants invigorating the local economy in the peak summer months. The castle of Mytilene—one of the biggest in the Mediterranean, is situated on the top of a hill in the northern part of town. Sightseers can walk around the castle to the cistern, the Ottoman baths, the Crypts and the Queens Tower.
The town of Molyvos was a prominent and well storied city in ancient times. Today, it is referred to as the tourist capital of Lesbos. The idyllic seaside town is a working fishing harbor and a hub for some of the islands most popular restaurants, bars and cafes. For those who crave a vibrant nightlife, Molyvos will not disappoint. A mix of cosy bars and thriving nightclubs cater to the diverse interests of visitors and locals.
A trip to Lesvos isn’t complete without a visiting an Ouzo distillery. The aniseed used to give the liquor its distinctive liquorice flavour is cultivated on the island in the area called Lisvory. Best enjoyed with a selection of meze and locally caught seafood, Ouzo is a testament to Greek ingenuity— their ability to repurpose surplus grapes from wine production resulted in one of the countries’ most popular exports.