What to do in Lesvos
To spend an unforgettable summer in Lesvos, follow our suggestions below for the best must do things on the island. But before we get into the specifics, a tip: Make sure you take with you or even rent a car there. Lesbos belongs to the so-called “big” islands and it would be a shame not to visit it all. For the same reasons, it would be good to dedicate at least a week to it, in order to take advantage of its beauties to the fullest.
Go to the beautiful Mystegna for dive in crystal clear waters
On the way to Mandamados, you will come across the picturesque village of Mystegna. There, a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters awaits you. Continuing towards Mandamados, near the village of Klio, you will also come across Tsonia beach, with its distinctive red sand.
At Skala Skamnias to enjoy the sunset
After swimming in one of the island’s beaches, it is worth going for an afternoon walk to Skala Skamnias, to enjoy the sunset there. I would advise you to go up to the small picturesque church of Panagia tis Gorgona – which inspired Myrivilis to write his novel of the same name, which is built on the rock, to witness the magical moment that nature gives you in all its glory and then enjoy your ouzo at the tavern of Anemoessa, on the port.
In Molyvos for a walk in the picturesque alleys
Lesvos has many beautiful villages, however Molyvos is by far the most beautiful. Its cobbled streets, stately homes, the harbor and of course the imposing castle, make up the ideal setting for beautiful and carefree walks. When Lefteris Papadopoulos has turned Molyvos into a permanent summer destination, then something good is happening here.
Viait the castle of Molyvos
The whole area of Molyvos is beautiful, however the icing on the cake is its castle. A castle which, in addition to being an attraction, is also a separate venue for events. Throughout the summer the castle hosts concerts and shows and I recommend that you find a spectacle that suits your taste and get tickets early. Anyway the spectacle will be the reason, the real reason you should be there is the imposing atmosphere that the castle offers. This year, from August 16-19, the annual classical music festival takes place for the fourth year.
Go to a summer cinema in Molyvos
If you stay in Molyvos, you must spend at least one evening in the island’s summer cinema. In the heart of the village, in the green and with a different movie every night, it will offer you an ideal two hours to start your evening.
Taste local delicasies in the tavern of Vafios
Don’t get confused, louloudia are food and indeed one of the most delicious appetizers In the wonderful tavern of Vafios, near Molyvos, you can try local delicacies such as flowers, giuslemeds and souganias. Don’t worry about the strange names, they are all delicious. Vafios also has a wonderful courtyard, for even greater enjoyment of the experience.
Go to the village of Petra for a walk and for a swim
You start for a swim at the wonderful beach, eat in one of the taverns next to the sea (we recommend ‘Nikos’) and for digestion you climb the 114 steps to visit Panagia Glykofilousa.
Go to Eftalou for thermal baths
Just 4 kilometers away from Molyvos, the beach of Eftalou with its thermal baths is hidden. I imagine you think that thermal baths are only for old people, but a test will convince you and above all it will relax you. After all, we are not talking about an ultra-luxurious spa, but a pure, authentic spring in a wonderful spot, which makes the experience different, in addition to therapeutic.
Just outside Polichnitos, in Lisvori, you will find one of the hottest springs in Europe, which is a huge geothermal field with 16 springs.
In winter the area is filled with water vapor, as the gushing water reaches 60 degrees (temperature: 42 degrees, open all year). In Thermi Spa you will find this spring, which is said to be suitable for gynecological diseases and rheumatism (temperature: 46 degrees, open from June to October). In Therma of Eftalou, near the beach of Chrysi Ammos, the common bathing of men and women is allowed, which is rare in Greece (temperature: 46 degrees, open all year round).
Go to the beach in Tarti for diving from the rock
The natives call it Tart, as they are in the habit of cutting off the last vowel of every word. Among them is my father. It is located near Plomari and has a wonderful sandy beach, but that is not its secret. The big weapon in Tarti is the big rock that is in its waters and is ideal for diving. Because whether you are 15 years old or 35, it is simply impossible to resist the temptation of a dive from the rock to the sea.
Go to the wonderful beach of Vatera for swimming
The best beach of the island, 7 kilometers of which stretches a huge sandy beach. The size of the beach ensures your comfort even at the peak of the tourist season. It is located in the area of Polichnitos and is 50 kilometers from the city of Mytilini (we said, take a car). But the route through the dense forests of the island will compensate you.
In the petrified forest for a unique experience
Did you know that Lesbos has one of the two largest petrified forests in the world?
Between Antissa and Sigri, 150 square kilometers of petrified trunks stretch out, creating a rare sight. And since I don’t know if you plan to go to Arizona anytime soon, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to visit the Lesvos Petrified Forest if you happen to be on your way. The impressive museum of the petrified forest is also hosted in Sigri. In the triangle of Antissa, Sigriou and Eresos, here you will learn what the phrase games of nature means.
Go to the festival of Agiasos for a walk and shopping
If you find yourself in Lesvos in the days around the fifteenth of August, make sure to take a walk through the traditional settlement of Agiasos. In the center of the island and built on the slopes of Olympus (synonym), ideal for cheap shopping at the stalls that are set up, walks and coffee in the picturesque cafes of the area.
In Baluchana’s tavern for fish
In Baluchana’s tavern you will eat fresh fish and fish dishes accompanied by – what else? – local ouzo. It is located on the beach, in the settlement of Perama, with a wonderful view of the gulf of Gera. Little secret: Instead of going by car, you can drive to Kountouridia and cross to Perama by boat.
In Plomari for a tour of the history of ouzo
As soon as you have bathed in the beautiful beach of Agios Isidoros, start for Plomari, in order to visit the local Varvagiannis ouzo museum. You drink it where you drink it, learn its history. The food at the Ammoudi tavern will end your day perfectly.
The Man Katsa waterfalls
Did you know that Lesbos has a total of 14 waterfalls? As soon as you reach the area (at the 30th km of Mytilini – Mandamado) follow the path that will take you to the waterfalls to enjoy the rare view. If you are also an athletic type, you can do rock climbing and rappelling.
In Eresos for swimming at Skala beach
Many tourists travel to Lesvos to visit this beach specifically. This is the most famous beach of the island, which you may already know for the wrong reasons. If you are also a fan of nudism, you will find your own corner. It is not allowed not to honor its sandy beach at least once during your stay on the island.
Go to the monastery of Ypsilos for a walk
Just before Sigri, on top of Mount Ordymnos, is the impressive monastery of Ypsilos, which fully lives up to its name. Even if the walks in Monasteries do not excite you, the landscape and the view it offers will convince you that it is worth it. If the sky is clear, you will even see the peninsula of Athos.
Go the Museum of Modern Art Teriad to see Picasso’s works
Summer holidays don’t have to mean only baths, food and drink. Take some time to visit the Museum of Modern Art, which is only 4 kilometers away from the city. In its premises it hosts creations by Matisse and Picasso, while right next door you will find the museum of Theophilos, which is housed in an impressive old Eliona., which is only 4 kilometers away from the city. In its premises it hosts creations by Matisse and Picasso, while right next door you will find the museum of Theophilos, which is housed in an impressive old Eliona.
Museums and Curches
Archaeological Museum of Mytilene
Housed since 1995 in a modern building in Kiosk, it houses unique mosaics and murals from luxurious villas, which testify to the economic prosperity of the city during the 2nd century BC. century, tomb reliefs, statues and portraits of important figures of Hellenistic and Roman times.
Museum of Folk Art
In the building of the old port authority, on the waterfront of Mytilene, with unique exhibits, which will take you back to times past. The private collection, with a representation of a traditional lesbian house is interesting.
Byzantine Museum of Mytilene
It has been around for about three decades and you will find it in the city, in Agios Therapontas Square. Wood carvings, vestments and sacred utensils but also a collection of icons of the 13th-19th centuries that will impress you.
Theofilos Museum
It is located in Varia and since the mid ’60s is the home of the popular painter, who was born and spent part of his life in the lesbian capital. With stone and soil from the island and between olive trees, it consists of four continuous rooms, in which you will see 86 of his paintings, with themes from history, mythology, folklore and everyday life.
George Iakovidis Digital Museum
In the birthplace of the painter, Hydira, is the first completely digital art museum of the country. Starting with a museological study based on new technologies, it presents the life and work of the renowned painter through electronic systems of digital projection and interaction. With thematic units and the use of various tricks, such as isolating elements of the painting, comparing with other works either of the painter himself or his teachers as well as with the combination of narration and graphics, the works come to life and become more familiar to visitor.
Stratis Eleftheriadis Museum and Library
Its doors opened to the public in 1979 and since then it has been a reference point for works of art by great painters such as Matisse, Picasso and Chagall but also Giacometi, Vakirtzis and Tsarouchis.
Olive Mill-Museum Vrana
The historic Vrana olive mill in Gera – the current Olive Mill-Museum of the company Archipelagos – is one of the first steam-powered factories on Lesbos.
It was built in 1887 by the grandfather of Odysseus Elytis, Nikolaos Vranas, at the eastern end of Papados.
Its restoration and transformation into a museum with the machines of older times led to its substantial contribution to the cultural, tourist and productive development of the island.
Churches in the city of Mytilene
Walking in the alleys and streets you will find from majestic temples to small churches. Who has not admired the famous Agios Therapontas with its imposing architecture and Venetian style, the Metropolitan Church of Agios Athanasios with its Gothic features or the church of Agios Theodoros, which dates from 1795.
Holy Monastery of Saint John
The Monastery, located in the western part of Lesbos, before Sigri. You will be impressed by the fact that this monastery of the Byzantine period was in a position of defense against enemy invasions.
Virgin Mary the Mermaid
You will be connected with Skala Sykamia, this fishing village in the north of the island, where the church of Panagia Gorgona, the “beloved” in the book of the same name by Stratis Myrivilis, dominates. It is said that it took its name from the mural of an unknown folk painter depicting the Virgin Mary with the tail of a mermaid, in a unique marriage of religion and tradition.
Holy Monastery of the New Martyrs
After a winding route among olive trees is the hill of Karyes, with the monastery emerging from nowhere in front of you, as it is said that the saints appeared around 1950 to the inhabitants of Thermi to reveal their martyrdom from the Ottoman invasion in 1463 and indicate the location of their tombs and relics.
Monastery Leimonos
In the center of the island, 3 km northwest of Kalloni. During the years of Ottoman rule it was the most important educational and spiritual center of Lesbos. It was named so as it is built in the middle of a meadow (meadow). Inside there is a museum where gold-embroidered vestments, gilded and silver-plated gospels, church utensils, antimony, portable icons, jewelry and relics of the founder of Agios Ignatius are exhibited.
Holy Monastery of Taxiarchis Michael
Make a stop in Mantamado for the patron and patron saint of the area. Head to the sanctuary of the church and stand in front of the relief image that causes awe due to the strict style of the archangel, the imposing face and the gilded wings. According to legend, centuries ago, Saracens attacked the monastery and killed the monks.
A probationary monk who escaped saw the archangel fluttering over the corpses and from their soil and blood making the present image.
Holy Church of the Virgin Mary in Agiasos
The Virgin of Agiasos, as the locals call it, is a church with Byzantine origins. Look for the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which was transferred to the temple in the 8th century BC. century to be saved from iconoclasm.