Lesvos Island (Greece) Guide: 30+ Amazing Things To Do, See, Stay, Eat
There are more than 6,000 islands in Greece, but only about 220 or so that are inhabited. While Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu are undeniably the most popular, there are tons of other lesser-known but equally charming islands. And by that, I mean Lesvos!
Lesvos is the third-largest Greek island, yet receives less than 100,000 tourists per year. It’s quite the hidden gem, too — the island is famous for its lush green beauty (about 70% of the island is covered in forests and trees), natural attractions, historical castles, ouzo, and cute seaside towns.
Sounds like a lot of interesting things, right? If you’re looking for an authentic Greek island experience, then definitely start planning your trip to Lesvos! 😉
This Lesvos travel guide has everything you need to know, including more than 30 things to do, as well as how to get here, where to stay in Lesvos, my favorite restaurants, and much more.
Trust me, after one visit, you’ll be glad you added Lesvos to your Greek itinerary!
HOW TO GET TO LESVOS
By plane
Lesvos has an international airport that is a quick 10-minute drive to the center — Mytilene International Airport (symbol MJT).
The airport was recently remodeled (in 2017) and offers domestic flights via Aegean Airlines (Athens and Thessaloniki) and Sky Express (Athens, Chios, Lemnos, Rhodes, Samos, and Thessaloniki).
There are also a handful of seasonal routes on European airlines like Brussels Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, TUI, and so on.
Click here to check airline tickets →
By ferry
Lesvos is well-connected to other Greek islands like Lemnos, Chios, Patmos, Psara, and so on. You can also travel to the mainland by ferries to Piraeus (Athens), Thessaloniki, and Kavala.
If you want to travel to Turkey, there are also daily ferries to Ayvalık (a very cute seaside town that’s worth the trip!)
HOW TO GET AROUND LESVOS
Car rental
The absolute best way to see Lesvos is by renting a car. You’ll have total freedom and can make your own itinerary, stop wherever you want, and enjoy your vacation at your own pace. :)
I rented a car for 3 of the 4 days I was in Lesvos and would recommend it. Best of all, it was super easy to get around the island, the roads are in fantastic condition, and there’s a ton of free parking lots (and street parking, of course).
Click here to check rental car prices and availability →
Public Transportation
Lesvos has a fairly well-developed public transportation network (especially for an island), but you’ll be spending a lot of time waiting for the bus (i.e. there are only 4 departures per day for the Mytiline to Petra bus).
You can check the current bus schedule on the official KTEL Lesvos website — click here and select your arrival and departure city.
WHAT TO DO IN LESVOS
To make this section easier to navigate, I’ve split it into a few different categories, such as Lesvos towns to visit, museums, places that are interesting culture- and architecture-wise, nature, beaches, and so on. :)
Places marked with a ⭐️ signify that I highly recommend a visit (i.e. they were my favorite places!)
TOWNS & CITIES
Mytilini — Mytilini is the capital of Lesvos, so of course I had to start here! This will likely be the first city that you’ll travel to, since the port is located in the center of the city, and the airport is just a few minutes away.
There are a handful of interesting things to do in Mytilini, including the Mytilene Castle, the Archaeological Museum (just a few minutes south of the castle), a walk along the waterfront, the Statue of Liberty (yes, really :)), the Historical Hamam, and the historical neighborhood.
Sigri — Sigri is a small and cute village located on the westernmost tip of Lesvos. It’s not as popular as other towns, but that’s exactly its charm — you can find a peaceful atmosphere here. ;) Places to visit include Sigri Castle, the Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest, and Sigri Beach.
Petra — Another small and cute village, but much more popular than Sigri. Petra is a romantic little town full of cobblestone streets, red-roof houses, and a handful of beaches. It’s also the second-most popular area to stay on Lesvos (after Mytilini!)
Skala Sikamineas ⭐️— Easily one of the most beautiful villages in Lesvos! Skala Sikamineas is located in the northernmost point of Lesvos and is famous for its cute seaside restaurants, colorful houses, and the “mermaid church” that overlooks the sea.
Agiasos — Built on the eastern slopes of Mount Olympus, Agiasos is a picturesque mountain village that has an authentic character, beautiful stone houses, and a small but vibrant town center.
Plomari — A cute little coastal town, Plomari is the second-largest town on Lesvos and is especially famous for being the hometown of ouzo, Greece’s famous alcoholic drink. The town is a great mix of beaches, culture, and a picturesque port.
MUSEUMS
Stratis Eleftheriadis Museum ⭐️— What do Picasso and Lesvos have in common? A lot more than you think — especially after visiting this amazing museum! The museum showcases the private art collection of Stratis Eleftheriadis, who was a prominent art critic, collector, and patron who was born on the island. This museum has a fantastic collection of Greek and international artists, including Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Miró, and so on.
Museum of Theophilos — While you’re visiting the Eleftheriadis museum above, why not go across the street and check out this museum as well? The museum features works by local artist Theophilos Chatzimichail (or simply Theophilos), whose main subjects were Greek characters, folklore, traditional scenes, and history.
Museum of Ouzo — If you asked a Greek person to name one product from Lesvos, they’d most likely say ouzo! To learn more about this interesting drink, you can visit the Museum of Ouzo and hear the history of ouzo, watch the distillation process, see the production from start to finish, and even do an ouzo tasting!
Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Greece — Of course, I couldn’t forget to mention the other most famous export from Lesvos — olive oil! Did you know that olive trees cover nearly 80% of the island’s land? With such an important product, it’s no wonder the island has its own Olive Oil Museum. This well-designed museum is housed in an old olive oil factory and goes through the steps of production, interesting facts, and more.
Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest — Located in the village of Sigri, this museum is a lovely exhibition of the island’s unique geology, natural formations, and, of course, pieces of petrified forests from around the world.
Byzantine Museum — Located in the center of Mytilini, this museum has an impressive collection of Byzantine-era relics like icons, woodcarvings, books and manuscripts, and much more. The architecture by itself is worth the visit!
Archaeological Museum of Mytilene — A neat little museum in the city center that has an impressive collection of mosaics. You can easily pair it with a visit to Mytilene Castle, since they’re near each other. Speaking of which…
CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE
Molyvos Castle — One of the most impressive tourist attractions of Lesvos is Molyvos Castle, a medieval fortress situated on top of a rocky hill. The castle was built around the 13th century as an additional defense, and was further expanded by the Genoese and Ottomans.
While the climb up to the castle is a bit intense (especially those steep stairs!), the surrounding views are amazing. If you’re lucky enough to time your visit right, the castle also hosts cultural events like concerts and celebrations.
Mytilene Castle ⭐️— Did you know that Lesvos island has not one, but three castles? The second one is located near the center of the city (very convenient to visit!) and was originally a Byzantine site dating back to the 5th century. Just like Molyvos Castle above, it was also restored by the Genoese and Ottomans, and is a must-see. This well-preserved castle is open every day (except Mondays) and only costs 3 EUR to enter.
Fun fact: Mytilene Castle is one of the largest castles in Greece!
Kremastis Bridge — Speaking of well-preserved architecture in Lesvos… If you’re planning a road trip, add the Kremastis Bridge to your itinerary. This 8.5-meter (28 ft) bridge was built sometime in the 14th century, and has definitely stood the test of time. There’s also a (slightly morbid) legend that the architect’s wife was embedded into the bridge. 😬
Roman Aqueduct — One of the oldest attractions in Lesvos is the Roman Aqueduct, which was built sometime around the 2nd century and supplied the city with 127,000 cubic meters of water per day — impressive, right? While not as well-known as some of Lesvos’ other historical sites (like the castles or monasteries), this aqueduct is a pretty interesting piece of history and deserves a stop on your trip!
Moni Agiou Theologou Ipsilou ⭐️ — Although all of the monasteries on this list were fantastic, the Ipsilou Monastery was my favorite. The monastery itself is located on the tallest peaks in Lesvos (there are some really amazing views) and the monks living there were so kind and friendly. Be sure to visit the small museum, which has dozens of interesting religious relics, books, crosses, and more.
Moni Agiou Rafail — Located about 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Mytilini, this is a beautiful monastery complex that includes a female monastery, church, gift shop, garden, and more. The monastery is dedicated to three saints — Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene — which appear together on icons (you can buy one for yourself in the shop). The monastery is so serene and peaceful, especially the gardens and view of the surrounding sea.
Saint Ignatios Monastery — Continuing the trend, Saint Ignatios Monastery (also known as Moni Limonos) is a beautiful monastery complex located in the hills of central Lesvos. I was really impressed with the monastery because it’s an interesting complex with an inner courtyard and smaller rooms within the courtyard (i.e. a church chapel, a gift shop, a museum, etc).
Outside, there’s a beautiful rose garden and cafe near the entrance, as well as some interesting dome-shaped monastery ruins in the back.
NATURE
Lesvos Petrified Forest — Bear with me, this is a little confusing 😅 Lesvos is famous for its petrified forest, so they have not one, but two different places to visit! The first is an actual outdoor Petrified Forest (click here for Google Maps) where you can walk around and look at cool fossilized and petrified trees from around the world.
The second location is the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest, which is an indoor museum that features information about Lesvos’ geology, plus exhibits on plants, animals, and even an earthquake simulator!
Vathylimnos Waterfall ⭐️ — One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Lesvos is none other than this super cool waterfall. Likew with most things in life, it requires a little effort to get to, but the destination aiting for you at the end is amazing! It feels as if you’re in an oasis in the middle of the dessert. :) Here is the Google Maps location, or you can just type Καταρράκτης Βαθύλιμνο in the search.
Man Katsa Waterfall — Another fantastic hidden gem in Lesvos is this lush waterfall tucked away near Mantamados village. You’ll need to hike down to the base (about 15 mins), but its well worth it! There’s a legend that says a siren used to live in the area, seduce men, and throw them into the gorge near the waterfall (😬).
Kalloni Salt Flats — Did you know that Lesvos is home to hundreds of flamingos? You can find them around the Kalloni Saltpans — be sure to go up to the observation towers for a better view!
BEACHES
Vatera Beach — Stretching across 7 kilometers of sand and pebble beaches, Vatera is one of the most popular beaches in Lesvos. It’s a popular all-around choice thanks to its amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas, bars and tavernas) and family-friendly atmosphere.
Skala Eressos Beach — A cute and lively beach that’s known for its bohemian vibe and attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. There are a few trendy cafes nearby. :)
Eftalou Beach — Mostly made up of pebbles, this beach has calm waters and a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere. It’s also off the beaten path!
Melinda Beach — A little bit of a local secret (🤫), this beach is the most wild and unspoiled out of my list.
OTHER MUST-DO THINGS ON LESVOS
For all the places that didn’t have a specific category. :)
Thermes Gera Hot Springs ⭐️ — This was one of my absolute favorite places on Lesvos island! Like the name implies, Thermes Gera is a small complex of pools that are fed mineral water from the nearby hot springs. There are a few different options, including jacuzzis, an outdoor infinity pool (co-ed), and indoor traditional pools (separated by gender). Considering the amenities and design, it was an absolute bargain at 5 EUR per person!
Boat tour to Korakaki — If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lesvos’ beaches and island, this is the perfect day tour. You’ll enjoy a full day of sailing, swimming, and relaxing on a secluded island. A delicious BBQ lunch (souvlaki!) and drinks are included in the trip. Click here to book!
Scuba diving — Lesvos is a popular destination for scuba diving thanks to its diverse underwater landscapes and marine life. The clear, warm waters around Lesvos make it an ideal place for scuba diving, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters.
Hiking — If you prefer something above water, hiking on Lesvos is another popular activity. :)
In fact, when we were driving around the northern part of the island, we would often see hikers with walking sticks off to the side of the road. Lesvos has more than 50 kilometers of walking trails along diverse landscapes.
WHERE TO EAT IN LESVOS
Mitilini
Μουσικο Καφενειο — My favorite place in Mitilini! This is such a sweet and cozy cafe, from the friendly waiters to the Art Deco vibes. The drinks are divine (especially the lemonade!), and the food portions are huge (I couldn’t finish my bowl of yogurt). Location →
Πίτα Μάκης — They have two restaurants in Mytilini, so choose the one closest to you. This local spot serves delicious local dishes (Greek salad, chicken gyros, souvlaki, etc) and has huge portions. Location in the center →
Umami — A very cool concept restaurant that brings together different cuisines (Japanese, Mexican, American, European, Middle East, etc). The Tandori Chicken was my favorite! Location →
NAN — Another interesting cafe that was started by a group of local Greeks and refugees, NAN offers Greek, Syrian, Middle East, and Asian dishes on one menu. Location →
Home #itsafeeling — Aptly named, because you’ll definitely feel at home here. ;) The menu is huge and has options for breakfast, brunch (!), lunch, and dinner. And the interior, ah, it’s gorgeous! Location →
Alley Dog — A sweet hipster hideout that’s a mix of cafe and restaurant. An excellent place to work for digital nomads in Lesvos as well. :) Location →
Open View — For something a little fancier, the aptly-named Open View has a gorgeous view of Mytilini bay and a large menu.
Elsewhere
Ligaria Paradise (Skala Sikamineas)— When I say this place is a hidden gem, it really is a hidden gem in all senses of that word 😅 It’s located on a small coastal road near Skala Sikamineas and is a small taverna run by a cute wife and husband team — the husband catches the seafood and the wife cooks it. If you’re looking for a local experience, this is it! Location →
Martin’s Restaurant (Molyvos) — A sweet restaurant run by Martin and his family. The menu is mostly Greek dishes, which are super delicious, fresh, and come with a fantastic view! Location →
REEF (Petra) — A lively taverna on the beach, so you can swim, relax, and eat all in one place. :) Location →
Blue Sardine (Eressos) — Practically a cult favorite (it’s been open since the 1980s), this is a no-frills taverna with some of the best Greek and seafood dishes on Lesvos. Location →
WHERE TO STAY IN LESVOS
Before I dive into this section, I want to add a few notes about the various areas where you can book accommodations in Lesvos. This way, you can make a better choice depending on your trip length and what you want to do. :)
Mytilini (Mytilene) is the biggest city in Lesvos and a popular ‘launchpad’ for those arriving by ferry (the port is right in the center). Mytilini has the most accommodations out of any city or town in Lesvos, which makes it a good base for a few days.
However, I recommend staying in 2 or 3 accommodations during your Lesvos trip, as it’ll be easier to move around and explore different parts of the island without having to backtrack too much.
Molyvos is the most popular area outside of Mytilini, and you’ll find lots of cute guesthouses, villas, and apartment rentals. Some people choose to spend all their time in Molyvos because it offers the perfect combination of beaches, city life, and culture!
If you like Molyvos, you can also consider Petra, which is just 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Molyvos and has a beautiful 1 km (0.6 mi) sandy beach right in the center of town. You can use the cute village train to get from Molyvos to Petra ;)
Skala Eressos is a popular option, especially for LGBT travelers (this was where the famous poet, Sapphos, was born).
Finally, Plomari is an adorable seaside town with about two or three dozen accommodations. It’s famous as being the birthplace of ouzo and has a colorful harbor.
Of course, I’ve also added recommendations that don’t fit into any of the cities above — you’ll find them under ‘ELSEWHERE’. :)
MYTILINI
Theofilos Paradise Boutique Hotel — Ah, have you seen a more gorgeous boutique hotel in Mytilini? Situated in a 100+ year-old mansion, Theofilos offers luxurious rooms with a touch of luxury. As a nice bonus, most rooms have complimentary access to the sauna, as well as rooftop swimming pool (!) and complimentary breakfast. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Utopia View — Located in a quiet part of Mytilini, this apartment has an amazing panoramic view of the port and sea. No wonder it has a perfect 10-star review! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Agora Apartments — This modern property offers spacious and comfortable one- and two-bedroom apartments (great for families and groups!) and is located just steps from fantastic restaurants, cafes, and shops. Book via Booking.com →
Art of Urban Hospitality — An absolutely wonderful apartment rental. We stayed here during our trip and the owner was so friendly and welcoming — he helped us plan our entire Lesvos itinerary (literally, we sat together for a good 20 minutes just looking at a map) and knew all of the hidden gems. The apartment itself is located on a quiet street outside the center and has plenty of street parking. :) Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Elies Residence — If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then you’ll love these private villas. :)
Located just a 12-minute drive from Mitilini center (6 km), Elies is a complex of one- and two-bedroom villas with a beautiful boho style — plus a shared pool in the center! As one reviewer notes, “I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Midilli anymore.” Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
ISSA Lesvos — Located just steps from Mytilene port, this cozy restored stone house offers comfortable and large rooms, as well as hostel-style dorm rooms. It’s an excellent budget-friendly option! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Container Luxury House — A very fun and quirky accommodation with tons of color, unique touches, and the sea right at your door — as one reviewer wrote, “You fall asleep to the sound of the waves at night and open the door of your house to the sea in the morning, it was perfect.” Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
PETRA & MOLYVOS
Little Bird Lesvos — An absolutely gorgeous and peaceful collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments that overlook the sea. 😍 Besides the views, the hotel also has a cafe and restaurant, in-room massage options, seaside yoga classes, and much more. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Lampetos Houses Molyvos — With one-, two-, and three-bedroom houses, this is the perfect choice for groups and families. Plus, there’s a shared infinity pool! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Aphrodite Hotel — Located just steps from the beach and among an olive grove, this hotel features a lovely modern style, two restaurants, a pool, tennis court, and complimentary breakfast! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Hotel Defkalion — Pastel blues and bright natural light, Scandi-style decor, and super friendly staff make this a relaxing retreat. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
SKALA ERESSOU
Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa — The first thought that popped into my mind was, what a gorgeously-restored 1850s mansion. 😍 This is one of the best boutique hotels on Lesvos island, and was even mentioned multiple times in CN Traveller! True to its name, the hotel has a private hamam, pool, and massage treatments. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Heliotopos — A cozy property surrounded by nature and with a modern design. It’s also pet friendly! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
PLOMARI
Five Olive Dream Trip — An absolutely stunning complex of luxury villas overlooking the Aegean Sea! The ‘five’ in the name refers to the 5 unique bungalows, each with plush beds, a mini kitchen, rainfall shower, balcony, and private jacuzzi! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
A Luxury Villas — Is this not the most stunning luxury villa on Lesvos? (That’s a rhetorical question 😄). Located on an olive grove hill overlooking Plomari, there are 2 villas for rent — the Junior Villa (60 sq. meters with a garden view and pool), and the Supreme Villa (70 sq. meters with a sea view and pool). Book via Booking.com →
Olive Green Studios — A beautiful and modern complex of one-bedroom apartments overlooking the ocean. Besides the chic minimalist design, each room has a terrace with jacuzzi! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Art House by the Sea — Cute, colorful, and quirky are just some of the words to describe this fun property. Best of all, it’s right in the center of Plomari! :) Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
ELSEWHERE
Mythical Coast Wellness Retreat — Did you know that Lesvos has its own wellness resort? Located just a short drive from Mytilini, Mythical Coast offers massages, a thermal spa, nutritionist consultations, a healthy on-site restaurant, steam room and hamam, and much more. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Presidential Beach Villa — Simply gorgeous! If you want to live in absolute luxury, you’ll love this villa. There are 4 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 6 guests (perfect for large groups!) and include a spacious terrace, direct access to the beach, and an infinity pool overlooking the gulf! Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →
Zaira Hotel — This lovely hotel is located in a former olive oil press factory, and still retains many of its authentic features. The rooms have been beautifully modernized, and the property is located right on the beach. Book via Booking.com → | Agoda →