Lesbos holidays

Lesbos holidays

Deals from £223 per person

Visit Greece’s third biggest island (after Crete and Evia) for your next getaway to Lesbos. But despite its popularity, this magical place has remained virtually untouched and the crowds are much smaller than on other islands. You can expect unspoilt beaches and a healthy dose of Mediterranean sunshine, all surrounded by lush greenery and olive tree-filled fields. So if you’re seeking a spot of peace and tranquillity off the beaten track, then holidays to Lesbos will be just the ticket. If you feel like a break from the coastline, you can explore the sights and sounds of the island’s historic towns, charming villages and dramatic landscapes.  

Things to do

Lesbos holidays may be a little off the beaten tourist track, but it’s sure to impress the most discerning of travellers. Holidays to Lesbos are your chance to experience laid-back Greek island life. Make your way to stunning beaches like Skala Eressos and Vetera and top up your tan during summer. You’ll also find lots of water sports going on here. over in Molyvos, you’ll discover a wealth of medieval architecture. And there’s plenty of history to uncover elsewhere, too; how about a trip to Mytilini, the island capital? You’ll find a fascinating castle here, along with some great boutique shopping.

Peaceful, traditional resorts

Mytilini is the ancient capital of Lesbos Island and well worth a look around. Steeped in history, it bears a similar resemblance to Athens. You’ll find lots to see and do in this exciting city, but the smaller villages of Lesbos have just as much to offer as their larger capital. The village of Petra is becoming a tourist magnet for all the right reasons, with its attractive pedestrianised centre and famous church perched atop a huge rock. And then the historical village of Molyvos is the epitome of Greek tradition and beauty.

Stunning scenery

Unlike many of the other, busier Greek islands, an afternoon spent on the beach in Lesbos will be a peaceful and relaxing affair. It’s not uncommon for there to be just a small handful of people on the island’s stunning golden beaches. Pure bliss. Venture further inland and you’ll find discover ancient petrified forests, lush green vegetation and mile upon mile of rural landscapes. Not to mention the classic Greek sight of olive trees growing in the warm sun.

Birdwatching paradise

The island of Lesbos has earned itself the reputation of being one of the best birdwatching destinations in all of Europe. If this is your type of thing then the best time of year to visit would be during the month of May. This is when the weather is perfect for being outdoors and you have more chance of spotting rare and beautiful species as migration is in full swing.

Places to stay

On Lesbos’ northern coast are a handful of beach resorts known for their spectacular scenery. Anaxos’ beach is sheltered by blossoming green hills, thick pines and fragrant fruit groves, creating a peaceful environment for relaxing on the beach. Around 10km east is the traditional town of Molyvos. The ideal day trip location it’s a great place to hunt for locally-made gifts and Greek specialties. Down on the south coast, beach resorts like Skala Kalloni are popular for the top choice of family-friendly hotels close to the beach, and a pleasant town centre filled with shops and places to eat.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Petra

Map of Lesbos

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26 ℃

July and August are the sunniest months.

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4 hours

Mytilene International Airport (MJT) or Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), and a ferry transfer. 

Lesbos is best for...

Beach lovers: Sit back and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine on Lesbos’ spotless golden beaches. And when you’re ready to cool off, take a dip in the mild waters (they’re perfect for swimming). 

Couples: Idyllic beaches and charming towns make this peaceful island. And you’ll discover a wealth of romantic restaurants with stunning sea views where you can watch the sunset on the horizon. It’s the perfect way to end a day. 

Adventurers: Venture out into the gorgeous countryside to explore verdant forests and hot springs. For a historic day out, look no further than the town of Molyvos, which is dominated by an ancient castle.

Fast facts for Lesbos

Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken in the main resorts, hotels and restaurants. Download our handy language app or pack a phrasebook and try out a few Greek basics for yourself.

Currency: Euro (€).

Local time: Lesbos is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Mytilene International Airport. The transfer time to the main resorts is between 1.5 hours and 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Lesbos is 4 hours.

Tourist information: It’s worth visiting www.visitgreece.gr to learn more about Lesbos Greece. 

Getting around Lesbos

By car: Planning a lot of daytrips beyond the resort? Hiring a car will allow you to take things at your own pace. The island’s roads are generally easy to navigate and it’s easy to pick up a car at the airport.  

By bus: A regular bus and tram service runs across the island, including lots of daily buses in bigger resorts like Molyvos. If you need a quick and easy way to get down to the beach, it’s a good idea to take the bus from your hotel. 

By taxis: Taxis are yellow or grey in Lesbos, Greece, and they tend to run on a meter. It’s an easy and affordable way to get from the airport to your resort, and it’s another option for short journeys during your holiday.

Events in Lesbos

International Women’s Festival: Lesbos is the birthplace of the Greek poet Sappho of Eressos. In her honour, the island hosts a two-week event every September, featuring a mix of Greek and international musicians and artists; it’s a celebration of women in the arts. 

Festival of Saint Trinity: Fancy a day at the races? The town of Kaloni plays host to a colourful, three-day celebration in early July. You can expect horse races, plenty of parties, and delicious feasts during the festival.

Lesbos weather

Temperature: Summertime average of 26°C.

Best time to visit: July and August have the longest sunshine hours and warm sea temperatures.

Lesbos has a sunny Mediterranean climate, with milder summers than in some other parts of Greece. The weather really starts to warm up around May, and in July and August, the mercury hovers in the mid-to-high 20s (°C). It’s the best time of year for Lesbos holidays if you’re planning on hitting the beach.

Best hotels in Lesbos

Popular Lesbos holiday resorts

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