Car Hire Mytilini
Mini guide to Mytilini
Lesvos Island is rich in over 3,000 years of history, with stunning beaches and fascinating scenery. Renowned as the birthplace of many illustrious ancient poets, the island’s capital of Mytilini has something for every visitor.
Mytiliini has many historic buildings and is built like an amphitheatre around one of its most famous structures, the well-preserved Byzantine castle. The Theophilos and Teriade Museums are equally renowned, housing works by Greece’s most loved folk artist of the same name and an art gallery containing works of many famous 20th century artists.
Mytilini’s Old Town is negotiable by foot and there's much to see. The interesting Archaeological Museum exhibits a collection of findings from all eras and is located near the popular Lesvos Art Museum. 17th century Saint Athanasios Cathedral and Saint Therapontas are the town’s most visited churches. Ruins of a Hellenistic theatre can be found northwest of the centre and are definitely worth the uphill hike.
Despite Mytilini’s historical roots, its Old Town offers a variety of modern restaurants and cafes. The harbour’s waterfront is also home to many fine seafood taverns. Mytilini’s marketplace is one of the most active in Greece, with shops of every variety and is closed to automobile traffic during the day. The main shopping street starts in front of Saint Therapontas.
Lesvos’ eastern coast has many charming villages that are worth exploring. To the northeast, Mantamados is known for its fine pottery and delicious local cheeses. Lesvos also has many therapeutic springs. Polichnitos is the site of the hottest natural spring in Europe and home to many stone ruins of old bathhouses.
Mytilini has a small modern airport. Four flights arrive daily from Athens International Airport, as well as flights from Macedonia, Scandanivia and major European cities. By sea, nightly ferries depart from Athens’ Piraeus Port to Mytilini (duration: 13 hours). The recommended Mytilini and Theopholis are both modern comfortable ships with bars, restaurants and lounges.
