
Lesvos is the third largest island in Greece and one of the most authentic destinations in the North Aegean, where 580 kilometres of coastline alternate between sheltered sandy beaches and wild, windswept cliffs. This fertile and lush island offers a complete bathing experience, characterised by thermal waters that flow directly into the sea and a thousand-year-old seafaring tradition reflected in the picturesque fishing ports.
The cultural heritage of the island, home of the poetess Sappho and centre of production of Greece’s finest ouzo, blends with seascapes of rare beauty ranging from the brackish lagoons of the east coast to the hidden coves of the western side. The strategic location close to the Turkish coast guarantees calm waters and mild temperatures, while the mountainous hinterland creates microclimates that protect the beaches from the northern winds.

The shores of Lesvos offer an extraordinary diversity of bathing environments that cater to every need, from the spectacular Eressos Beach with its 3 km of golden volcanic sand stretching at the foot of Sappho’s birthplace village, to the thermal waters of Eftalou where natural 46 °C springs gush directly onto the beach creating natural pools of well-being. The beach of Eressos is particularly dear to the international LGBTQ+ community, which celebrates the memory of the great poetess here every year, while the shallow waters and long sandy shore also make it ideal for families with children.
The bay of Molyvos offers one of the most photogenic views of the island with the Byzantine castle reflected in the crystal-clear waters, while the colourful pebble beach stretches for over a kilometre at the foot of the best-preserved medieval village on the Greek islands. The natural hot springs of Eftalou, a 20-minute walk from Molyvos, offer a unique experience where hot springs mix with seawater to create temperatures perfect for relaxing bathing even in the winter months.
Petra Beach surprises with its fine golden sand stretching for 2 kilometres beneath the imposing 40 metre high monolithic rock on which the small church of Panagia Glykofilousa is perched, reached via 114 steps carved into the rock. The cove of Tarti in the Kalloni peninsula is a small hidden paradise with turquoise waters and white sand, ideal for snorkelling thanks to its seabed rich in posidonia and marine fauna, while its sheltered position makes it perfect even when the summer meltemi winds blow.

It is an island rich in history that is lost in the depths of centuries, a fascinating and diverse place. Home to famous ancient poets, such as the poetess Sappho and the poet Alceus, the zither-player aedo Ariona, the musician Terpander and Pittacus from Mytilene, one of the Seven Sages of Antiquity, it continues the tradition to this day, being the home of famous figures in painting, poetry and fiction.
Lesvos’ cultural heritage ranges from the 13th century Molyvos Castle, considered one of the best preserved in the eastern Mediterranean, to the Ouzo Museum in Plomari, which tells the story of the Greek national drink through ancient stills and guided tastings. The House of Sappho in Eressos and the new cultural centre dedicated to the poet celebrate the literary heritage of the island, while the Theophilos Museum in Varia exhibits the works of modern Greece’s most famous naive painter.
The island’s capital is Mytilene, built amphitheatrically on the site of the ancient city of the same name, with its 14th century Byzantine castle dominating the bay from the pine-covered hillside. At the north-eastern end of the town is the ancient theatre from the Hellenistic period, with a capacity of 10 000 spectators and wonderful acoustics. The Archaeological Museum, rich in artefacts, and the Byzantine Museum, with works from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods, are important.
To the north of the island is Molivos, Mithimna, one of the island’s best known centres for holidays and artistic tradition, with its medieval castle dominating the settlement and its authentic architecture. On the south coast of the island is Vaterà, an important tourist centre with a long beach, and Plomari, the second largest town on the island of Lesvos, with interesting architecture, beautiful beaches and considerable tourist development.
The petrified forests of Sigri, recognised by UNESCO as a World Geopark, preserve fossilised trunks from 20 million years ago in a unique moonscape, while the 16th century Limonos Monastery holds rare Byzantine manuscripts and offers breathtaking views of the west coast. Inland villages such as Agiassos maintain centuries-old craft traditions, famous for woodworking and the production of hand-painted Byzantine icons.
Ouzo production characterises the local economy with historic distilleries such as Barbayanni and Plomari offering tours and tastings in atmospheric settings, often accompanied by traditional mezze made with local olives and island cheeses. The thermal springs scattered around the island, from those of Polichnitos (the hottest in Europe at 92 °C) to the marine springs of Eftalou, offer natural wellness experiences in settings of rare beauty.

Mytilene, the cosmopolitan capital of the island, concentrates most modern accommodation with boutique hotels in the old town and traditional guesthouses overlooking the old harbour. The harbour area provides easy access to ferries and a vibrant nightlife with traditional ouzeri and restaurants serving fresh seafood, while the neoclassical waterfront offers scenic walks among historic buildings and outdoor cafes.
Molyvos is the island’s most romantic destination with charming hotels in restored Ottoman houses and family pensions with panoramic terraces overlooking the medieval castle. This national heritage village offers a fairy-tale atmosphere with cobbled alleys, luxury boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants, making it ideal for couples and travellers seeking authenticity in a refined setting.
The seaside areas of Eressos, Petra and Plomari offer beachfront accommodation ranging from resorts with spas to family flats, perfect for extended stays dedicated to relaxation and spa wellness. These coastal resorts provide direct access to the island’s best beaches and host full-service resorts, while still maintaining low prices and an authentic atmosphere typical of the less touristy Greek islands.
We offer a selection of hotels at Lesvos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Lesvos, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Lesvos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Lesvos are in high demand.
Lesvos is connected to the port of Piraeus by ferries that operate 5-6 times a week throughout the year, with the journey taking approximately 10-12 hours depending on the type of ship and intermediate stops. Maritime connections also include frequent routes from Thessaloniki (8 hours), Chios (3 hours) and Limnos (3 hours), while international ferries connect the island with Ayvalik in Turkey in just 90 minutes.
Mytilene Airport (MJT), located 8 kilometres from the capital, receives daily flights from Athens operated by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Sky Express with a duration of 55 minutes. During the summer there are direct flights from Thessaloniki (50 minutes), Rhodes and other Greek islands, while charter flights connect Lesvos with several European cities. Bus services connect the airport with Mytilene every 30 minutes, while taxis and car rentals are available 24 hours a day.
The port of Mytilene is the island’s main port of call and is located in the heart of the capital, within easy walking distance of the old town. The KTEL bus network efficiently connects all the main centres of the island with frequent trips to Molyvos, Eressos, Plomari and inland villages, while car rental remains the most flexible option for exploring the more remote beaches and hidden archaeological sites of the interior.
What's the weather at Lesvos? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Lesvos for the next few days.
Lesvos is located in the North Aegean, only 10 kilometres from the Turkish coast of Ayvalik and 350 kilometres from Athens to the north-east. The island is 55 kilometres from Limnos to the east and 50 kilometres from Chios to the south, occupying a strategic position at the entrance to the Gulf of Edremit.