Lesbos GreeceCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
The port of Mytilene is highly walkable, with the city center, waterfront promenade, and many historical sites just steps away. For destinations beyond Mytilene, several transport options are available:
- Walking: Most of Mytilene's main attractions, including the castle, archaeological museum, and shopping streets, are within a 10-20 minute walk from the cruise pier.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the port. Fares vary by distance. A taxi to Molyvos could cost €60-€80, to Plomari €40-€50, and to the Petrified Forest (Sigri) €80-€100 (one-way, negotiate round-trip fares).
- Local Buses: The local bus station (KTEL) is a short walk from the port. Buses connect Mytilene to major towns and villages across the island, including Molyvos, Plomari, and Sigri. Fares are inexpensive, typically €3-€8 depending on the destination. However, bus schedules can be infrequent, especially on weekends or for more remote locations, and travel times are longer.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Lesbos independently. Rental agencies are found in Mytilene. Prices typically start from €30-€50 per day, depending on the season and car type. Driving is generally straightforward, though some rural roads can be narrow and winding.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Lesbos, you can choose between deep-diving into Mytilene or venturing out to explore one or two of the island's distinct regions.
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1. Mytilene Town Exploration (Walkable):
- Mytilene Castle: Dominating the city skyline, this Byzantine-era castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's past.
- Distance: 15-20 minute walk from port.
- Travel Time: N/A (walkable).
- Fee: Approx. €3-€6.
- Archaeological Museum: Houses artifacts from Lesbos's ancient history, including Roman mosaics.
- Distance: 10-15 minute walk from port.
- Travel Time: N/A (walkable).
- Fee: Approx. €3-€6.
- Theofilos Museum: Dedicated to the naive painter Theofilos Hatzimichael, showcasing his distinctive work.
- Distance: 10-15 minute walk from port.
- Travel Time: N/A (walkable).
- Fee: Approx. €2.
- Ermou Street: The main shopping street, ideal for souvenirs and local products.
- Distance: 5-10 minute walk from port.
- Travel Time: N/A (walkable).
- Mytilene Castle: Dominating the city skyline, this Byzantine-era castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's past.
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2. The Petrified Forest of Lesbos (Sigri):
- A unique natural monument of fossilized tree trunks, formed millions of years ago. The main park is near Sigri, with other sites spread across the western part of the island.
- Distance: Approx. 90 km west of Mytilene.
- Travel Time: Approx. 1.5-2 hours by car/taxi (one-way). Bus travel is slower and less frequent.
- Fee: Park entrance approx. €5-€10.
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3. Molyvos (Mythimna) Village & Castle:
- A picturesque medieval village on the northern coast, famed for its traditional stone houses, cobbled streets, and stunning castle overlooking the Aegean Sea. Explore the charming harbor and enjoy lunch at a taverna.
- Distance: Approx. 60 km north of Mytilene.
- Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour by car/taxi (one-way). Bus available from Mytilene.
- Fee: Castle entrance approx. €2-€3.
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4. Plomari & Ouzo Museum:
- Visit Plomari, a town famous for its ouzo production. The Isidoros Arvanitis Ouzo Museum offers insight into the distillation process and history of this iconic Greek spirit. Enjoy a tasting.
- Distance: Approx. 40 km southwest of Mytilene.
- Travel Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour by car/taxi (one-way). Bus available from Mytilene.
- Fee: Museum entrance approx. €2-€5.
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5. Beach Time:
- For a beach escape, consider Agios Isidoros Beach near Plomari or Vatera Beach, one of the longest sandy beaches on the island, south of Mytilene.
- Distance: Agios Isidoros ~40 km, Vatera ~50 km.
- Travel Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour by car/taxi (one-way).
- Fee: Free access, chair/umbrella rentals extra.
Dining
The waterfront promenade (Aktis Kountourioti) immediately outside the port is lined with a wide array of restaurants and cafes. You'll find traditional Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood, mezedes (appetizers), and local specialties like grilled sardines (especially from Kalloni), ladotyri cheese, and olive oil-based dishes. Price ranges are generally affordable to moderate, with a typical meal costing €15-€30 per person. Cafes also offer pastries, coffee, and light snacks. *
Shopping
The main commercial street, Ermou Street, is just a block or two inland from the waterfront. Here you can find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir outlets.
- Local Specialties & Souvenirs: Look for high-quality olive oil and olive wood products, local ouzo (especially from Plomari), traditional sweets, handmade ceramics, and local honey. There are no dedicated duty-free shops at the port, as Greece is part of the EU.
Weather
Lésvos has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers between 77–91°F (25–33°C) during the cruise season from May to October. Light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential; spring and fall are ideal at 64–75°F (18–25°C). The ancient petrified forest, the ouzo distilleries, the remarkable Theophilos Museum of naive art, the olive oil landscape, and the birthplace of Sappho and Aristotle's zoological research make Lesbos uniquely rich in both natural and intellectual heritage.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels in Mytilene and larger towns. ATMs are readily available throughout Mytilene. The local language is Greek, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and shops.