Greek Islands Guide

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Lesvos Island is the largest island of the North-Eastern Aegean group of islands, and the third largest island of Greece. It is the birthplace of the ancient poetess Sappho, of the writer Aesop and of the philosophers Aristotle and Epicurus.

Mytilini is the capital and main harbour on the island. In fact there are two harbours, divided by a massive 6th century kastro. The town has a modern feel to it, but does have an old market that is well worth a visit.

Molyvos is the main holiday destination on the island and is extremely picturesque. Grey stone houses are topped with red tiled roofs and many of the old timbered buildings have been restored. The market in the centre is full of tourist shops. Steep, traffic free streets lead up to an imposing Genoese fortress that is illuminated at night. Down from the market is a narrow, cobbled main street, containing craft shops, artists galleries and souvenir shops. Along here the tavernas have superb views over the sea, but the prices charged reflect this.

At the bottom is a very pretty fishing harbour lined with some excellent fish tavernas, and to the south a narrow, stony beach. The town end of the beach has sand underfoot in the shallows while the southern end, though less crowded, has large underwater boulders that are covered with sea urchins.

The main western resort is Skala Eressos. It is considered by some to be the best beach on the island although some care should be taken as it shelves quite steeply into the sea. Despite being popular with package tour companies, the resort manages to retain a charm of its own. The village is modern but nicely laid out, behind the beach there is an attractive square. There is a small and attractive harbour with its own sheltered beach, nearby, is a spring fed lake.

Sigri is a nice pleasant place to visit, it has a picturesque church, a museum and a castle. There are a number of good tavernas, plus, to one side of the town, there is quite a nice beach. There is a good view of the ports main defences from the castle walls.

Lesvos