Get ready to discover a hidden gem in Greece! Starting in May, direct flights from Israel will whisk you away to Lesbos, the third-largest island nestled off the coast of central Turkey. Known for its attractive villages, beautiful beaches, hot springs, and traditional Greek tavernas serving fresh food, Lesbos offers a taste of authentic Greek culture.
Lesbos holds the undisputed title of “Ouzo Capital,” home to the largest and most famous Ouzo factory in the world, Arvantis Distillery. This island also carries a unique historical significance. Sappho, the famed 7th-century BC Greek poetess who celebrated love between women, lived here. The term “lesbian” originates from Lesbos, forever tying the island to LGBTQ+ history.
Given Lesbos’s size, it is best to explore it by car; distances are manageable, and parking is free. This allows you to combine day trips with relaxation at your base, creating a perfect mix of adventure and R&R. Since most attractions are within a 1.5-hour drive from Mytilini, the capital, you can easily plan star-shaped itineraries or split your stay between different locations to experience the island’s diverse vibes. From scenic mountain trails and picturesque towns to a birdwatcher’s paradise (Kalloni wetlands), stunning beaches (predominantly pebble beaches, with some sandy beaches), hot springs, and recreation areas, Lesbos offers something for everyone. Tour operators on the island offer 4x4 excursions, e-bike tours, boat trips, and many activities (soap making, cooking lessons), etc.
Lesbos is a mountainous and fertile island with hundreds of acres of agricultural fields, including olive groves and vineyards. Renowned for its extensive olive oil industry, the island features over 11 million olive trees.
Mytilini: The vibrant capital
Mytilini, the charming capital of the North Aegean Islands, surprises visitors with year-round activity and vibrant nightlife. As the administrative center, it houses the regional governor’s residence and all municipal services. This settlement dates back to ancient Greece, though most buildings are around 150 years old.
The center of Mytilini is located next to the active port, where ferries and large cruise ships come and go. A major draw is the central, pedestrian shopping street and market, originally a canal. In the evening, the charming Ladadika quarter, formerly olive oil warehouses, transforms into Mytilini’s entertainment district, buzzing with lively restaurants and bars. Don’t miss out on Boem, serving modern Greek cuisine, and their feta wrapped in fyllo and honey is a must-try. For an excellent international selection, head to Home. Farther away, Dimos offers Greek food in front of the view of the Mytilini castle. Venturing slightly outside the center, Antonis in Kagiani, known for its excellent Greek mezze dishes, is perched high on the hill with a view.
Petra and Molyvos: Twin jewels by the sea
Approximately an hour from Mytilini lies a top destination on Lesbos: a captivating duo of nearby towns that shouldn’t be missed, Petra and Molyvos, which deserve at least a day of exploration.
Petra features two key attractions: Vareltzidaina’s House, showcasing 17th-century local architecture, and Panagia Glykofilousa Church. This church, perched on a rock in the town center, is worth the easy 114-step climb for its breathtaking balcony vista overlooking the bay, orange-tiled roofs, and surrounding mountains. Petra also offers a long, sandy beach with various water activities.
Just a five-minute drive away lies Molyvos (ancient Mithymna), a well-preserved medieval gem with a castle, cobbled streets, narrow alleys, local shops, bars, and restaurants offering local culinary experiences. Start your exploration at the castle remains, working your way down to the port. The castle view is truly awe-inspiring, so don’t miss the observation deck near the castle, offering another panoramic perspective. As you descend the cobbled alleys, lose yourself in the vibrant market, especially when April arrives and Wisteria blossoms create a captivating purple canopy overhead. Don’t rush your descent – browse the charming shops, admire the stunning views, and indulge in a cafe or restaurant with breathtaking vistas. While the harbor itself might be small and tranquil, ending your day with authentic Greek food at a waterfront restaurant, like Mistral, makes for a perfect finale.
Plomari: Unveiling Ouzo’s secrets
In the south of Lesbos lies Plomari, a 50-minute drive from Mytilini. It is worth visiting for its olive mill, Ouzo Museum, and traditional village atmosphere.
Lesbos, with one of the highest concentrations of olive trees in Greece, makes olive oil production a cornerstone of the local economy. Protoulis Olive Mill, a family-run business for three generations, is a key player in this industry. During the olive season, witness the magic of olives transforming into golden oil firsthand! The mill offers a fascinating 50-minute tour, including a presentation of the modern production process, an informative video, and a guided tasting of their extra virgin olive oil. (See website https://protoulis.gr/, booking required, visit starts from €5)
It’s best to combine the visit with a tour of the nearby Ouzo Museum at the Isidoros Arvanitis distillery. The Ouzo Plomari is very well known for its aromas and exquisite tastes. It is produced using a secret family recipe and sold all over the world; it is even certified Kosher. The museum tour starts with a short film telling the history of the distilleries. Donning hygiene robes, visitors enter the production area witnessing the impressive hot boilers and the bustling bottling line. The tour concludes with a guided Ouzo tasting (see website http://www.ouzoplomari.gr/, booking required, €2).
Afterward, continue to the Plomari village itself and wander around the cobbled streets and colored houses. Consider lunch at the marina, or perhaps take a stroll along the breakwater for seaside views of the town. We had a Greek lunch at a Apolafsi, a very good restaurant at the port. The local beach of Agios Isidoros is considered one of the best on the island.
Agiasos: A colourful mountain village
Agiasos is a colorful and picturesque mountain village about 50 minutes away from Mytilini. This village offers a magical Greek atmosphere with narrow cobbled streets, charming cafes, and traditional bakeries. The village is particularly known for its impressive church, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. When exploring the village, if you find yourself by the church, don’t miss the Theofilon Café. This cozy cafe features a traditional wooden décor. Be sure to try its specialty tea, brewed with local spices and honey.
Oerma Therme: Rejuvinating in natural hot springs
Make time to unwind in the famous hot springs located on Gera Bay, about 15 minutes from Mytilini. The site is a favorite of the locals who come here regularly, especially during winter. The thermo-mineral water originates from a depth of 2,500 meters deep in the earth, emerging at a temperature of 39.5 degrees. The baths offer a thermo-mineral infinity pool and a Jacuzzi facing the bay view. In addition, there is an organized beach and indoor separate pools for women and men. These are ancient pools in a vaulted structure with white walls and a stone floor. Bathing in them is a particularly relaxing experience.
The site also offers spa treatments, and I found the therapist here very professional! After bathing, unwind on the balcony or in the lobby while enjoying the spectacular view. There is a snack bar here with sandwiches, salads, special homemade ice lemonade, and a selection of drinks, including beer and Ouzo. (https://thermaspaLesbos.com/en/ from €3, massage starts at €20).
Other places worth visiting are Kalloni wetland, a birdwatching sanctuary, the village of Sigri with its petrified forest, and Skala Sikamineas, a fishing village with a beautiful beach.
Hotels and Rooms: Choosing the perfect escape
Lesbos offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste. The 5-star Elysion Hotel, located near the airport, offers a convenient location just eight minutes by car from Mytilini’s center. This modern hotel features suites with kitchenettes, fine cuisine, and a swimming pool. Learn more at https://www.elysion.gr/.
A different style of hotel is Zaira, a rural resort nestled on the bay of Gera. Originally an olive mill and warehouse complex, the renovation has beautifully preserved the site’s historic character. The lobby showcases ancient millstones, while the brick buildings exude rustic charm. Modernized rooms provide comfort, adorned with beautiful décor, while the property boasts a beautiful beach, a romantic courtyard, and a soon-to-be-completed swimming pool (opening in May). Zaira Hotel offers a It even hosts weddings! Explore the website at http://www.zairahotel.com/.
Lesbos offers a wealth of charming hotels and private room rentals scattered throughout the island, catering to diverse preferences.
Flights and Packages with Kishrey Teufa
Kishrey Teufa is offering flights and packages of 3,4, and 7 nights, including flight, transfers, and hotel.
In June, flights prices start at $369 and packages at $479.
Packages for 3 nights per person, based on double occupancy, begin at:
- $815 at Elysion Hotel
- $715 at Zaira Hotel
Other package prices start from:
- $629 for 3-star hotels
- $675 for 4-star hotels
- $685 for 5-star hotels
Family packages for 3 nights (couple + 2 children) at 5-star hotels start at $699 per person. They are offered exclusively by Kishrey Teufa and are on the website at https://www.kishrey-teufa.co.il/
The author was a guest of Kishrey Teufa.