Lesbos Holidays

Why go to Lesbos

Laid-back, traditional and unspoilt, Lesbos is the quintessential Greek island experience. With a mountainous interior, rolling olive groves and long sandy beaches, this slow-paced North Aegean jewel is as beautiful as it is cultured.

From ancient castles to iconic churches and monasteries, Lesbos – also spelled Lesvos – has a wealth of history to explore. The capital, Mytilene, is packed with sights, although visitors often head straight to Molyvos, where a striking Byzantine castle watches over the village’s winding cobbled alleyways. Elsewhere, there’s the Church of the Panagia Glykofilousa and the 17th-century Ipsilou Monastery (near Andissa) – both important national pilgrimage sites.

The must-see attractions don’t end there, though. Lesbos has long been associated with artists and literati, most notably the poet Sappho and the painter Theophilos. You can see the works of the latter at the Theophilos Museum, or visit the nearby Teriade Museum for another art collection that includes pieces by Picasso and Matisse.

Unlike other Greek islands, tourism isn’t at the centre of Lesbos’ economy – and it shows in the island’s enduringly traditional vibe and in its quieter resorts. With a landscape that’s ripe for olive farming, the cuisine here is even tastier for the locally made olive oil. Many also consider Lesbos-produced ouzo to be the best in Greece, and the Barbayanni Ouzo Museum is an essential stop for those who’d like to try it.

Culture aside, most people holiday in Lesbos to spend some quality downtime on the island’s peaceful beaches. The coastline has endless quiet spots where you can while away the hours on a sunbed – cocktail in hand. Vatera and Agios Isidoros are well worth a visit, as are the popular villages of Petra and Skala Eresou.

When to go to Lesbos

July and August are the hottest months in Lesbos, with highs of 26C. While this is peak season, attractions in Lesbos don’t really get as rammed as other islands so you can book your trip without worrying too much about crowds.

September still has the warmth of peak summer – around 23C – and it’s a popular time to visit, especially for the Sappho Women’s Festival in Skala Eresou. Alternatively, May and October are the best months to search for a cheap holiday to Lesbos. The weather is still a balmy 20C and the pleasant coastal breeze makes it perfect for hiking and cycling.

Many hotels and tavernas close once winter arrives, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find a flight deal from the UK after mid-October.

What to do in Lesbos

Culture cravers have plenty to keep them busy on a holiday in Lesbos. From olives and ouzo to art, poetry and history, you could spend a few days here without stepping foot on a beach. You’d be missing out, though: Lesbos many excellent beaches to while away a day or two.

Mineral Baths of Eftalou

Bubbling away below Lesbos’ surface, the island’s hot springs are known for their natural healing properties and have been enjoyed by islanders for centuries. To experience them as an Ottoman may have, head to the Mineral Baths of Eftalou – a traditional bathhouse of the era.

Set along the coastline, they’re perfectly positioned for you to hop into the sea to cool off afterwards – and you’ll need it when the springs reach temperatures of 45C. Other spas and hot springs can be found close to Skala Eresou and Mytilene.

Molyvos Castle

Overlooking the pretty village of Molyvos – also called Mithymna – this Byzantine castle has stunning views across the Aegean. Wander around the ancient stone walls and towers to catch a glimpse of Lesbos history, and admire the town from above.

You can reach the entrance gate by heading uphill from anywhere in town. Keep an eye out for festivals and live music events that are held at the castle in summer months.

Barbayanni Ouzo Museum

Greece’s national drink, ouzo, packs a punch and you’re sure to enjoy a glass or two while in Lesbos. The island produces half the ouzo sold in the world, and the Barbayannis family has been in the trade for five generations.

At their museum and distillery, just outside Plomari, you’ll learn about the distilling process via a tour, then get down to the important business of tasting it – served with or without water.

Vatera Beach

As the longest – and one of the best – beaches in Lesbos, Vatera certainly draws a crowd. The calm, clear waters here are excellent for swimming, watersports are available, and beach bars and the odd taverna serving freshly caught fish line the way.

Even so, it’s low-key and relaxed here, and is still entirely possible to find a peaceful shingle-and-sand stretch to have to yourself – perfect for lazy days by the sea.

Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest

What happens when a volcanic island feels the wrath of its lava-filled interior? Well, it’s not exactly pretty and this unique museum shows just what happened after an eruption around 20 million years ago.

The exhibition, which is located in the village of Sigri, displays petrified plants and trees and follows the evolution of the ecosystem in the North Aegean. See the olive leaf fossils, too and discover just how long olives have played an important role in the life of the island.

Where to stay in Lesbos

For families

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beach resorts for a family holiday in Lesbos. Petra is a good option, with pretty cobbled streets, a nice beach and plenty of restaurants and shops. From here, you’re not far away from Molyvos, so you can easily take a day trip to the castle.

Heading south, the next resort, Anaxos, is a smaller, quiet village with a sandy beach and a good selection of accommodation for families. Then there’s Skala Eresou, another coastal resort with bars and restaurants along the seafront.

For travellers on a budget

The best way to bag a bargain in Lesbos is to stay in one of the larger resorts, where there are more hotels to choose from. Molyvos has several cheaper apartments and studios for rent, and there are plenty of affordable shops where you can pick up a picnic or self-catering supplies.

Anaxos also has some options for budget travellers. Shop around outside of peak season and consider hiring a moped so you can stay further afield while still being able to reach the main attractions.

For food and drink

Wherever you stay in Lesbos, you’ll find traditional Greek cuisine made with home-grown products, including some of the best extra virgin olive oil in Greece.

Hire a car to discover the full breadth of the island’s food culture. Start in Plomari, where there’s a small but impressive selection of traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood and marinated anchovies. The village also has a reputation for the best ouzo on the island.

Stop off in Petra and Molyvos to try the many tavernas and ouzeris placed along the seafront, but be sure to also drive a little off the beaten track to find the best local restaurants in Lesbos.

For nightlife

Nightlife in Lesbos is more about enjoying extended evening meals with friends and family than it is about wild, late-night parties. Many of the beach resorts – such as Anaxos and Kalloni – are laid-back both day and night.

That said, there are a few lively bars and nightclubs around. Petra has some that open into the wee hours – sometimes with live music or a DJ – as well as a nightclub a short taxi-ride out of town. Molyvos also has a few popular bars and an open-air cinema in the summer months.

For culture

Head to the capital, Mytilene, to stay among the island’s history and museums, inlcuding the Teriade Museum, Theophilos Museum and the ancient theatre, among others.

Plomari is another option if you’re interested in learning about olives and ouzo – two of the island’s most notable exports. Here you’ll find the Folk Museum, Barbayanni Ouzo Museum and, a short drive away, the Vrana Olive Press Museum.

Alternatively, Skala Kalloni is a good choice for wildlife, with a river, wetlands, and salt flats that attract migrating birds throughout the year.