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Lesvos Towns

On the Greek Island of Lesvos Mytillini Town is the capital and port. There's a large university here, so the city nightlife is active all year round. The once-grand 19th Century mansions are being restored and there are jumbled streets, traditional cafes and back street ouzeria, antique shops, embroidery and ceramic sellers, and jewelry shops. The architecture on Lesvos has Italianate influences.

There are two harbors in Mytillini Passenger ferries dock at the southern harbor, called Pavlou Kountourioti. The northernmost harbor is called Navmahias Ellis.

The protective fortress was first built in Byzantine times. It's since been renovated by Gatelouzo and the Turks. The surrounding forest is a favorite picnic spot.

Added value is derived from the two archaeological museums for the price of one in Mytillini Town. One block north of the quay is the original museum with an impressive display. Your ticket also gets you into the new archaeological museum, which is 400 meters away. Both are worth a visit.

The Greek Orthodox Church is powerful enough so that from almost anywhere on the waterfront you can spot the dome of the Church of Agios Therapon, which has a very ornate interior. There's a Byzantine museum in the church courtyard.

Four km south of Mytilini, the village of Varia has the not-to-be-missed Theophilos Museum. Many of the painter's works are displayed here. Right next door, is the Teriade Museum with works from Teriade (or Stratis Eleftheriadis). Teriade's collection of works by other artists is shown too, including works by Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse.