Lesbos Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Lesbos

Lesbos in Greece is the largest island of the North-Eastern Aegean. It is a very attractive and beautiful island with wonderful beaches, picturesque villages, friendly inhabitants, thermal springs and interesting architecture.

After Crete and Evia, the third largest of the Greek islands is very green, with no shortage of water yet in constant danger of forest fires.

Despite tourism, the inhabitants of the island of Lesbos have kept their tradition and customs. Lesbos is famous for its excellent ouzo and for being the birthplace of the female poet Sappho.

The old harbour and nearby market on Lesbos island are pleasant. Most tourism is centred on Skala Kallonis, the most central town, Petra and Molyvos (Mithimna) in the north west, Plomari in the south and Eressos to the south west. The people are friendly, and it would be fair to say that tourism has not yet spoilt the island; although it is a major business it is not the main source of income.

This island has everything from luxury hotel complexes to small family-run establishments, simple B&Bs, apartments, studios and basic campsites. This area appeals to all types and there is plenty to do for familes, couples and singles.

Locality:

Lesbos is in the north east Aegean Sea, only 7 miles off the Turkish coast (120 mls N of Samos and 165 mls E of Skopelos. Mitilini, the main town and harbour, is 5 mls NW of Lesbos airport) .

The beaches on Lesbos are mainly rocky, or gritty sand. Skala Kallonis and Skala Eressou are more sandy than others. Petra, Molyvos and Eftalou are mainly gritty. Other beaches at Mitilini, Plomari, Vatera, Skala Polychnitou and Sigri. Golden Beach beyond Eftalou is reached by footpath. Water sports available at most also with a choice of plentiful bars and tavernas and refreshment stals..

The shopping here is unsophisticated, offering a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts. Leather, jewellery, ceramics; olive oil, ouzo, traditional cheeses are all the local speciality goods.

During the daytime activities include water sports, sightseeing, abundant monasteries, historic churches, Roman rubble, museums, the famous petrified forest at Eressos on W coast, caves and medieval hilltop castle at Molyvos, bird-watching on salt plains near Skala Kallonis, taking the waters at the thermal springs. There are also other activities such as Horse riding, tennis and volleyball at most resorts.

The nightlife here more low-key than the more popular islands, although still with its own complement of discos, restaurants, bars and tavernas. There are one or two cinemas. There are traditional festivals from time to time.

Restaurants here are of high-quality, abundant seafood is more reasonably priced than on most islands. Emphasis on traditional Greek fare, plus international choices or fast food (including souvlaki, pizzas and hamburgers).

Suggest a change to the Lesbos Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens

Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.

Once upon a time, the Olympic Games started here along with democracy and the foundation of philosophy, science and mathematics. Nowadays the country attracts its tourists with simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic wonders.

The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.

In the S of the mainland, the capital Athens suffers from being overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless intrigues and delights visitors and is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon. In contrast, Thessaloniki in the N is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. The remains of Greece's past and wonders are mainly found on the Peloponnese Peninsula, S of Corinth.

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Lesbos Travel Guide

Lesbos Suitability Profile