How to get here
~12h. ~45/ 165 €
~12h. ~70/ 180 €
~3h. ~40/ 60 €
~12h. ~100/ 190 €
~12h. ~45/ 160 €
~6h. ~40/ 130 €
~6h. ~40/ 60 €
~12h. ~80/ 170 €
~time.~ / €
! - Prices and travel time are average. Tickets can be slightly more cheap/expensive & ferry trips - slightly faster/slower.
* - the schedule of these routes may differ or be absent during the offseason (winter, late fall, and early spring months). Therefore, check the availability of the tickets in advance.
Traces of Ancients
The island has a rich history. Lesbos was sung in Homer's Iliad, and its biggest town Mytilene used to be equal in size to Athens in its heyday. Island's hills have preserved remains of the Ancient Greek & Roman cultures.
taken from The Economist
- asphalt/paved with stone roads
- dirt roads
- can only be reached on foot
2
Mytilene
2
1
3
3
The smallest remaining segment of the aqueduct is the hardest to reach. It is located close to the supposed source of fresh water - dried-up Lake Megali Limni. To find the ruins, you need to follow the trail through the wilderness.
Accessibility: Medium-Hard
Preservation: 3/5
Tourist infrastructure: 1/5
Notice
You will need an appropriate hiking shoes & water bottle if it is a hot summer.
Also, ruins are on the bottom of the valley, so it can be wet in early spring/late fall.
Ancient Temples
![[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/631f2f_f8236a614de34d9eba87fd3ed23cf2e9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_700,h_523,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/631f2f_f8236a614de34d9eba87fd3ed23cf2e9~mv2.jpg)
1
2
2
Temple at Messon
The temple used to be the sanctuary of three Gods. The remains of the columns are made of volcanic material. The small exposition near the sanctuary shows skilfully carved floral ornaments on the ancient capitals.
Accessibility: Easy
Preservation: 2/5
Tourist infrastructure: 3/5
Notice
Temple at Klopedi is closed on Tuesdays
The entrance to the Temple of Messon costs 3€
Cyclopean wall
Fish Tavernas with a Fresh Catch
Aegean cuisine consists mainly of seafood. You can taste grilled octopus leg, calamari, and, if lucky, tuna. Ask the waiter which position on the menu is fresh & order a salad to accompany your main dish. Fish Tavernas are located all along the island's coast. Wherever you are, come by for a midday snack or a big dinner table.
North & East
- asphalt/paved with stone roads
- dirt roads
- sea coastline
Molyvos
Kalloni
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
Molyvos
It is the biggest town in this part of the island & the most popular among travelers.
Visit the town's harbor on the edge of the town where the best fish tavernas are traditionally situated. We advise you to walk along the shore & choose the one you like. The Octopus (11 - 00:30) has a large menu, a wine list, and the best location. Other options are Limanaki (11-24) and Baboukos (11-23).
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
Energetic dinner spot
Situation: By the water
Parking: Yes
With a view (Sunset)
The Octopus, taken from the Octopus restaurant website
The Octopus, taken from the Octopus restaurant website
Baboukos, by Justyna Krawczyk, taken from Google Maps
Molyvos Harbor, taken from Lesvos.com
Limanaki, by Mustafa Goktebin, taken from Google Maps
Nikos restaurant, by Ihsan Karademirler, taken from Google Maps
Reef, by Maria Mihova, taken from Google Maps
Nikos restaurant, taken from Nikos restaurant website
The Thalassa, by Maria Koritarova, taken from Google Maps
The Thalassa, by Elkam Cetin, taken from Google Maps
2
Petra
Petra is located around the cape from Molyvos & next to the big sandy beach.
Town's tavernas face the sea & have tables in the open area by the beach during the summertime. You will find many of them if you follow the coastal street. Some of those are The Thalassa (07:30-23:30), O Nikos (8:30-24), and Reef (10-23:30). If you can't find a free space along the coast, use the parking in the city.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 2/5
With a view (Sunset)
By the road
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Parking: Yes
3
Skala Sikamineas
- Kyma
- Kagia
Notice
In contrast to the bigger towns, tavernas in islands' smaller settlements often have better tavernas in terms of food quality, price, and meal size.
The northern coast isn't popular among tourists. It means less infrastructure such as grocery stores, gas stations, or an asphalt pavement. If you decide to visit the area or just driving through, Skala Sikamineas village and its neighborhood have the best seafood around.
The village has two excellent tavernas and few others located just outside. Anemoessa (11 - 18) and Mouria (10 - 24) are in town's harbour & accessible by an asphalt road. Dirt roads lead to Kyma (11:30 - 24) and Kagia (09 - 24) which stand alone in the peaceful location by the sea surrounded with olive trees.
Accessibility: Medium
Meal size: 4/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach/water
Sea view
Quiet
Parking: Yes
In nature
Kyma taverna, by karem arkun, taken from Google Maps
Kyma taverna, by Nikos Nikolaidis, taken from Google Maps
Kagia taverna, by George S. Stinis, taken from Google Maps
Mouria taverna, by Anna Krousi, taken from Google Maps
Kagia taverna, by Kagia taverna, taken from Google Maps
Mouria taverna, by Irini Athanasiou, taken from Google Maps
Halikya taverna, by Evangelia Patestou, taken from Google Maps
Halikya taverna, by Panayotis Hadjipanayotis, taken from Google Maps
Telonio taverna, by Claire Steka, taken from Google Maps
Kamini taverna, by D A, taken from Google Maps
Kamini taverna, by Kama Winnik, taken from Google Maps
4
Aspropotamos
The Northern end of the Eastern coast is rich with many beaches & shallow waters. Stop at a couple of small local tavernas at Aspropotamos village for a snack. Tavernas as well as their dishes are very simple. All of them are located next to the federal road leading to Mytilene. Halikya (8:30 - 24) and Telonio (9 - 23:30) are great options. Kamini (11 - 24) has a more creative approach towards their dishes but they lose in size.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
By the road
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Quiet
Parking: Yes
Sea view
5
Skala N. Kidonion
Skala N. Kidonion is a perfect spot to stop at if you are traveling from Mytilene towards the Northern part of the island & vice versa.
It is a fishing village with a quiet harbor & tavernas with a fresh catch. Expect dishes to be simple. Two great restaurants are situated right by the port: Vrahos (9 - 24) and Manganas.
Accessibility: Easy
By the road
Quiet
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the water
Parking: Yes
Manganas taverna, by Sorin Nicolaescu, taken from Google Maps
O Vrahos taverna, by Marjon Dielissen, taken from Google Maps
Manganas taverna, by Kostas Athanasiadis, taken from Google Maps
Manganas taverna, by R. Dagdelen, taken from Google Maps
O Vrahos taverna, by Nikos Skylakis, taken from Google Maps
Simple
Thaloksila (Poseidon) taverna, by Grigoros Kardogiannis, taken from Google Maps
Batis taverna, by Batis taverna, taken from Google Maps
Aigeiros taverna, by Thomas pechlivanidis, taken from Google Maps
Batis taverna, by Mihalis Maragakis, taken from Google Maps
6
Skala Mistegnon
It is another fishing village by the road that is linking Mytilene with the Northern part of the island.
Three decent and simple tavernas here are Thaloksila (12-23:30), Batis, and Aigeiros. You will find the first two if you follow the coastal road to the harbour Lunch here guarantees a quiet environment with a view of the blue sea and the Turkish coast in a haze.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the water
Parking: Yes
By the road
Quiet
Simple
Sea view
7
Skala Kallonis
The settlement sits by the Kallonis Bay which looks more like a lake.
If you are exploring the region or passing by while traveling from the eastern part of the island to the western one, consider stopping here for a break. Taverna Dionysos (11-24) is located by the village's beach & town square and offers a classic Greek atmosphere. In summer, they open a terrace for dinning next to the beach.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Parking: In town
With a view
Local town
Dionysos taverna, by George Vallahis taken from Google Maps
Dionysos taverna, by Theopisti Papadopoulou, taken from Google Maps
Dionysos taverna, by iraklis deir, taken from Google Maps
South
- asphalt/paved with stone roads
- dirt roads
- sea coastline
5
6
4
3
2
1
Mytilene
Plomari
1
Pyrgi
The village is located just 10 minutes away from the capital by car, but the atmosphere here is peaceful and cozy.
The local taverna with the same name Pyrgi (12-23:30) seats in the little quiet harbor by the bay. You will enjoy fresh seafood accompanied by the forest birds' singing during the midday day & loud Greek chatter in the evening.
By Lesvos AirSea, taken from Google Maps
By Katerina Lentza, taken from Google Maps
By Balentina7, taken from Google Maps
By Alexis nikou, taken from Google Maps
Baloukhanas taverna, by slavko prljavko, taken from Google Maps
2
Despot taverna, by Toula Chorianopoulou, taken from Google Maps
Baloukhanas taverna, by Reviewed Popcorn, taken from Google Maps
Perama
The village is the biggest cluster of tavernas in the area. This region of the island is often avoided by tourists, and life here is slow, calm, and truly authentic.
Two tavernas in Perama & its neighborhood that would certainly provide the local vibe & make you full are Baloukhanas (12:30-01) and Despot (08-04).
Despot taverna, by Evi Tsakirouglou, taken from Google Maps
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
With a view
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the water
Quiet
Parking: In town/Yes*
* - Baloukhanas/Despot
3
Tarti
The north coast of Lesbos is indented with lagoons. Although it takes time to reach the shore, here you will find many pristine beaches.
If you are spending your day around local cliffs, taverna Sebastian (10-23) is a great spot for seafood. Dishes here are very simple - perfect for the quick break. It is located right by the beach at the bottom of one of the valleys. Furthermore, you can get here by an asphalt road (Not common here).
Accessibility: Medium
Meal size: 2/5
In nature
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Quiet
Parking: Yes
Sebastian taverna, by Ruth Meendering taken from Google Maps
Sebastian taverna, by Jesse C, taken from Google Maps
Sebastian taverna, by Mark M, taken from Google Maps
Seven seas taverna, by hicooos, taken from Google Maps
Seven seas taverna, by Mugi Wara, taken from Google Maps
Seven seas taverna, by Irene Tiri, taken from Google Maps
4
Plomari
Plomari is the biggest & the most scenic town in the region. It is also famous for making the Greek most famous alcoholic drink called Ouzo.
If you are visiting the town, you should look for good tavernas where the city meets the sea. Restaurants here are traditionally situated on the front street that faces the water. You should take a walk & choose the one you like. Seven Seas (12-24) is one of the best options.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
By the road
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the water
Energetic dinner spot
Parking: Town's street
Sea view
5
Vatera
The village stretches for several kilometers along the coast, and so do the beach & local tavernas.
The location has a variety of options to choose from. You have to drive along the shore & pick the one you like. Some of those are Zouros (08-02) and Acrogiali (09-23:30). The locals might not know English, but they sure know how to cook.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
With a view
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Quiet
Parking: Town's street
Acrogiali taverna, by Irene Tiri, taken from Google Maps
Zouros taverna, by George Maetinez, taken from Google Maps
Zouros taverna, by Sandra De Moor taken from Google Maps
Gregory taverna, by Hermes Ts, taken from Google Maps
Gregory taverna, by Nicole C, taken from Google Maps
Gregory taverna, byGrigoros Kardogiannis, taken from Google Maps
6
Nifida
The village is located at the entrance to Kallonis bay. The area around it is sparsely populated, rarely visited by tourists, and, therefore, authentic. Food, as well as life here, is simple, but also fresh & tasty. Taverna Gregory (12:30-23:30) and Savvadeli (10-24) are examples of this characteristic. Have a lunch at the beach and enjoy calm water.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 2/5
Sea view
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Quiet
Parking: Town's street
West
- asphalt/paved with stone roads
- dirt roads
- sea coastline
Skala Eresou
1
2
3
Sygri
4
5
6
1
Apothikes
Located at the entrance to the Kallonis Gulf, the village has only a few houses. The atmosphere in this fishermen's village is very traditional as well as the tiny taverna by the marina (07:00-01:30). Portions are small and simple, but fresh. The taverna is the best for a midday snack but not for a dinner.
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 2/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the water
Quiet
Parking: Yes
by Grigoros Kardogiannis, taken from Google Maps
by Evagelos Tripatzis, taken from Google Maps
by Vasileia Gavriil, taken from Google Maps
2
by Stelios Kardaras, taken from Google Maps
Tavari
The West side of Lesbos is the one of the best places to explore on the islands. It has an outlandish landscape: you will be surrounded by desert rocks of bizarre shapes. If you are exploring this region, the seaside teverna Penteles (09-24) is the great place to fill your stomach. It is located in the village by the beach. Sea here is also beautiful.
by Maria Vakaly, taken from Google Maps
by Maria Vakaly, taken from Google Maps
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Sunset view
Parking: Yes
Quiet
3
Skala Eresou
The town is historically a magnetic spot for creative and artistic individuals. During the Summer & early Fall months, the streets of Skala Eresou live an energetic life. Considering the outstanding landscape & the atmosphere the visitors bring, the settlement is among the most authentic places of the island. There are several tavernas to host the guest which are traditionally situated by the sea. Gorgona (12-23:45), Blue sardin (09-02), Aigaio (09-01), and Soulatso (12-24) serve similar seafood dishes & worth visit if you are in town.
Prices: 3/5
Situation: By the beach
Sunset view
Parking: Yes
Energetic dinner spot
Accessibility: Easy
Meal size: 3/5
Aigaio taverna, by Federica Paragona, taken from Google Maps
Aigaio taverna, by Joel Fastré, taken from Google Maps
Aigaio taverna ,by Joel Fastré, taken from Google Maps
Blue Sardin tavern, by Halim Kurt, taken from Google Maps
Gorgona taverna, by suat ertan, taken from Google Maps
Soulatso taverna ,by Joel Fastré, taken from Google Maps
by Seeyah, taken from Google Maps
by Hermes Ts, taken from Google Maps
by Seeyah, taken from Google Maps
4
Gavvathas
Prices: 2/5
Situation: Over the sea
Parking: Town street
Accessibility: Medium
Meal size: 3/5
North-Western side of the island is deserted in terms of the landscape and absence of settlements. Gavvathas is one of the few villages by the shore in this quiet part of Lesbos. Local taverna is called O Rofos (07-01). It is located on the hill over the sea.
With a view
Quiet
5
Archea Antissa
Despite the scarcity of the population, this dry part of the island & its shore is worth to visit due to its unusual landscape and large sand beaches. Although it is hard to reach, you will find a great locations for lunch here to your surprise. The coastal dirt road is going to lead you to Archea Antissa (09-17:30) and Ovriocastro (09-23:30) tavernas.
Prices: 2/5
Situation: By the beach
Parking: Yes
Accessibility: Medium-Hard
Meal size: 2/5
With a view
Quiet
In nature
Archea Antissa taverna, by Η Αρχαία Άντισσα, taken from Google Maps
Archea Antissa taverna, by Η Αρχαία Άντισσα, taken from Google Maps
Archea Antissa taverna, by Maria Tsimp, taken from Google Maps
Ovriocastro taverna, by Ταβέρνα Οβριόκαστρο, taken from Google Maps
Kalo Limani
It is a little fishing village at the scenic cape surrounded with cliffs. This secluded location contributes to the authenticity of the small local taverna Kalo Limani (08-23:30). The road leading to the settlement gives a driver breathtaking views as well.
Accessibility: Medium
Meal size: 3/5
Prices: 2/5
With a view
Situation: By the beach
Quiet
Parking: Side of a street
by Panagiotis Lampropoulos, taken from Google Maps
by despina klad, taken from Google Maps
6
by Panagiotis Vatos, taken from Google Maps