Day 1: Plomari

Setting out from Mytilene, we took the hour-long drive to the town of Plomari. Our first stop was the Plomari Ouzo Isidors Arvanitis Distillery, which also houses the “The World of Ouzo” ouzo museum. After learning how the locals distil, bottle and package the ouzo for which the island is known, we tried a glass of this Greek traditional spirit together with some local products (entrance fee: €2).

Our next stop was the nearby beach of Aghios Isidoros. An organized beach with fine pebbles, sand, and pristine, crystal-clear waters.

We returned to Plomari and enjoyed a walk through the town’s narrow streets, stopping to rest under the town’s perennial plane tree and discover its historic districts. Ideally, we recommend you visit the town in the evening.

Driving back to Mytilene, we stopped for dinner at the small taverna Xana Mana in the town of Lampou Mili, which is located off the main road. We recommend you try the grilled ladotyri (a traditional cheese of Lesvos).

Day 2: Molyvos

One of the main attractions in Lesvos is the town of Molyvos, which is about an hour’s drive from Mytilene. Molyvos is one of the island’s best maintained traditional settlements, built in the shape of an amphitheater on the side of a hill, at the top of which stands the Castle of Mithymna. No matter what time of day you arrive in Molyvos, make sure you stop outside the town to admire the view of the settlement from a distance before exploring its streets with their quaint stores, coffee shops and restaurants. The Symposion is a favorite coffee shop among locals and tourists. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the shop’s pillowed stone steps, while music lovers can browse the selection of vinyl records on sale. If you want to combine your trip to Molyvos with a swim, the organized beach of Petra, with its sandy beach and shallow waters, is a perfect choice.

Tip:

If you visit Molyvos in the morning, we recommend returning to Mytilene via the road that passes through the town of Sykamia, a beautiful mountainous town with a breathtaking view.

Day 3: Mytilene

We started the day with a swim at the Bracciera beach bar, just outside the city, where we relaxed on the sunbeds and enjoyed some delicious comfort food. The beach has small pebbles and clear blue waters. In the afternoon, we visited the center of Mytilene. It’s worth taking a walk through the streets of the district of Akleidiou to admire the stunning architecture of its country houses. Don’t forget to visit the church of Aghios Therapontas and Ermou street – the city’s commercial center – as well as the historical Yeni Mosque and the Çarşı Hamam Turkish bath.

Art lovers should visit the southern suburb of Varia. There you can visit the Museum-Library Stratis Eleftheriadis – Tériade, which has been open to the public since 1979 and features a large collection of works by great artists. Next to the museum you’ll find the Theofilos Museum, which houses86 paintings by the popular painter.

In the evening, we had dinner at Antonis (located in the nearby town of Taxiarches or Kagiani in Turkish). This quaint taverna offers a beautiful view as well as exceptional dishes – you’re definitely going to want to go back! After dinner, we visited the city’s lively center, which offers plenty of great options for food and drinks. We ended our night at Loxa – a bar-restaurant with good music and excellent cocktails.

Day 4: The Gulf of Gera

The Gulf of Gera is perfect for a day of relaxation: here, you can soak in the warm and mineral-rich waters of the Therma hot springs orvisit the Therma Spa Lesvos to relax in its infinity pool or jacuzzi and enjoy the view of the Gulf’s serene waters. Make sure, however, that you make a reservation before you go (the cost to use the pool is €5 per person, while the cost of the Jacuzzi is €6 per person). You can combine your trip with a leisurely lunch in the garden of the taverna Avlonas, or “Kostas’ taverna” as the locals call it.

Notable beaches

The organized beach of Xampelia offers much-needed shade in the afternoon, and its crystal-clear waters are ideal to relax in.

Chrisi Ammos – or “Pappa’s Beach” as the locals call it – is not an organized beach. Its white sand with blue waters form an idyllic setting.

Charamida has a fine pebble beach and crystal blue waters. The beach is organized, with a beach bar and sunbeds.

* Sunbeds are free at most beaches.