Mytilini the capital of Lesbos
Mytilini, the commercial, administrative and financial center of Lesbos island, is built on the ruins of the ancient city, spread over seven low hills. It is characterized by its neoclassical mansions and traditional houses, which extend along the beach. Here is the largest port of the island and the international airport.
The beautiful and homonymous capital of the island that stands, amphitheatrically built and full of beautiful mansions. Walk through its narrow streets and your steps will surely bring you to many of its attractions: the “Statue of Liberty”, the church of Agios Therapondas, the metropolitan church of Agios Athanasios but also important Ottoman monuments, such as the Yeni and the Tsarsi Mosque, or Emperor Justinian’s Castle.
A walk along the waterfront will give you another perspective on all these impressive buildings, while Ermou Street with its shops, antique shops and taverns is always worth a stop. Art lovers should spend a few hours in the museum of the popular painter Theofilos and the Museum of Modern Art with works by world-renowned artists.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the city, discovering traditional cafes, antique shops and shops with local products, while also passing through the heart of the city, the cobbled Ermou Street, where most of the shops are located. There you will see the Geni Mosque and the impressive church of Agios Therapondas with its majestic baroque dome that dominates the city’s port. It is also worth visiting the city’s churches, such as the Metropolis (17th century) with its Gothic style bell tower and Saints Theodore.
An attraction that is not well known in the world is the waterfalls of Lesvos, where it is worth organizing an excursion and getting in touch with nature, listening to the waters of the waterfalls falling with momentum and creating an acoustic fiesta. You will approach the beautiful landscape from a path in the Mytilini-Mandamado area.
Visit the Byzantine castle of Mytilini, one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean – a 3rd century building. behind the Metropolitan church-, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and located in the north-eastern part of the city. Its walls are kept in good condition and are examples of excellent fortified architecture, while it can be visited and is used for various cultural events.
In the Byzantine castle, there is the “House of Menander”, a mansion of the Roman period that was decorated with impressive mosaics from the comedies of Menander, most of which have been transferred to the Archaeological Museum. Visit the Paleochristian Martyrio, a rock-hewn building where the martyrs of the early Christian years were buried, and the Folk Art Museum.
In the pine-covered area of Tsamakia, there is the city beach designed by the EOT with equipment for water sports, while on the way to the airport the beaches of Neapoli, Bigla and Kratigos.
Mytilini is a lively and large city and offers comfortable accommodation and many options for entertainment, all year round. In the port area, in Fanari, you will find traditional fish taverns, but also a lively nightlife.
When you visit Lesvos you have to try the local delicacies such as Mytilini sponge cake, giuselmedes, ladotiri and pumpkin flowers stuffed with cheese, while for desserts choose either baklava, plazenta or almonds.
On the feast of the patron saint of the city, Agios Theodoros (movable feast around the end of February) there is a big festival with feasting and music, while plenty of local ouzo will be enjoyed at the Ouzo Festival, the first fortnight of August. It is worth attending the cultural events “Lesbian Summer”, which include theater performances and concerts and take place in the Castle.