Welcome to
There's a reason we've been coming here for 20 years
Sitting in the sparkling turquoise Aegean Sea, Lesvos is a warm and sunny emerald gem of Greece. It is a whole continent in miniature: spectacular beaches, high mountains and wild forests on Greece's third largest island.
Due to the island's size and variety, there's something for everyone: beach holidays, activity holidays, gastronomic tours, nature attractions and spectacular geography.
Here at Real Lesvos we aim to gradually make the wonder and attractions of Lesvos more easily available to the UK traveller. In the map below you'll find an ever-increasing list of our favourite things to do and see on Lesvos!
Mytilene is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan towns in the Aegean. While Mytilene is the administrative and economic centre of the island, the capital of Lesvos has something for everyone. From the student crowds of the University of the North Aegean to families and retirees – from culture trips to luxury beaches to adventures in nature – Mytilene is the place to be!
Built on seven hills, Mytilene is great for accessing hiking trails and cycling into the lush green of rolling hills along the coast of Asia Minor. Perched on the hill north of the city, the medieval castle hosts summer festivals filling the town with live music! For the art historians among you, the Byzantine gothic church of St Symeon contains paintings dating back to the 17th century and is a work of art in itself! You can’t miss the dome of the Baroque church of Saint Therapon that dominates the port, lighting up the harbour at night.
Spa-lovers can visit the Tsarsi (Çarşi) Hamam where intellectuals and politicians would meet to bathe, discuss and debate since the 19th century. On your architectural tour, the central Yeni Mosque and its medrese (monastery) dating back to 1825 is a beautiful reminder of Mytilene’s multi-cultural heritage.
For leather bags and sandals, herbs and spices, handcrafted jewellery and boutique clothing, take any passageway up from the harbour through the old twisting street on your way to Ermou, the centre of Mytilene’s ancient bazaar, and beyond!
Follow the sounds of lively discussion and traditional music and join the locals taking their evening stroll in the town centre or drop by the many bars for music and meze. From traditional tavernas like on one side of the harbour to modern cafes and Mediterranean fusion cuisine on the other, Mytilene doesn’t disappoint. As foodies, we love Mytilene’s Ladadika neighbourhood for its excellent tavernas so don’t forget to stop by for some food accompanied by a carafe of some local semi-sweet wine and an electric ambiance!
Discover more great places to visit and things to do in Lesvos.
