Getting to Lesvos

Odysseas Elytis International Airport (IATA: MJT) is 8 km south of Mytilini. Direct flights from Athens year-round (approximately 50 minutes). Summer charter and scheduled services from European cities including London, Amsterdam, Brussels and Stockholm — check current operators for your departure city.

Ferries connect Mytilini to Piraeus (10–12 hours overnight), with seasonal services via Chios and from Thessaloniki and Kavala. Check Ferryhopper, Ferryscanner or direct with Greek ferry operators for current timetables.

Getting Around

A hire car is essential for exploring more than Mytilini town. Lesvos covers around 1,600 square kilometres — the distances between destinations are significant. Book in advance in summer; availability runs out at peak periods. Greek law requires a full driving licence valid for at least one year. Check current regulations for motorcycles and scooters.

KTEL buses serve the main towns from Mytilini. Services to remote areas run infrequently and on reduced weekend schedules. Check the current KTEL Lesvos timetable before planning any bus-dependent journey.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Green landscape, wildflowers, comfortable temperatures. The best season for walking, birdwatching and exploring without crowds. April–May is the peak birdwatching window.

Summer (June–August): Swimming, beach season, festivals. Sardine Festival in August, Women’s Festival at Skala Eresou in late September. Hot; crowded in popular areas in July–August.

Autumn (September–November): Leaves get brown, figs ripe, cooler temperatures. One of the best seasons for food travel and walking. Crowds thin significantly after mid-September.

Winter (December–February): Olive harvest. Quiet, mild by northern European standards. Agiasos carnival (pre-Lent). The island at its most local.

Money and Budget

Lesvos uses the euro. Cards accepted in hotels, most restaurants and shops in main towns. Cash necessary for village kafeneions and small shops. ATMs available in Mytilini, Molyvos, Kalloni, Plomari and Petra.

Typical costs: coffee at a village cafe €1.50–3.00; grilled sardines €7–12; full ouzo meze for two €14–35; budget guesthouse room €45–80; hire car €35–80 per day depending on season.

Tipping: rounding up the bill or leaving 2 € – 5 € at a sit-down restaurant is suggested. 1 € – 2 € on the table at kafeneions.