Compare Lesbos holidays

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.

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.