Getting There
There are a couple of ways to travel to the island of Lesvos. By sea or by air.
By Sea:
The boats to the island leave from 2 places. The ports of Piraues and Rafina.
The port of Piraeus, which is approximately 9km South-West from the center of Athens is by far the most practical departure point for those who travel without cars. The trip to the island from the port of Piraeus is approximately 12 hours. Typically the ships leave early in the evening and arrive early next morning. The ships are big and it is highly recommended you book a cabin if you want to get a good night's sleep. The port of Piraues is huge and chaotic. Plan to get there ealry. The boats tο the island leave from the far end of the port as you arrive to the port from Athens.
Alternatively you can catch a boat from the port of Rafina, which is approximately 20km East of Athens and should only be considered if you have a car and can drive there. The trip to the island from Rafina is approximately 6 hours and usually you arrive at the island on the same day.
For more details on ship arrivals and departures from the port of Piraeus and Rafina, please click here.
By Air:
If you are flying in from overseas you may want to consider catching a connecting flight to Mytilene as both international and domestic flights use the airport of Elefterios Venizelos in Athens. Tickets booked over the internet are usually the cheapest, such as those of Aegean Airlines and can be purchased before your arrival in Greece. Alternatively you can book your Olympic Airways tickets through your local travel agent.
Whether you travel by sea or air you will land in Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos.
Places to Visit
The island is big and cannot be explored by foot in a day. You can travel around the island either by hiring a car or motorcycle (if you feel confident enough to drive). By far the most convenient way of getting around the island is by bus. The bus terminal or the KTEL as the locals call it can be found in Mytilene just around the corner from port of Mytilene. Click here for bus departure times from Mytilene to various towns and villages of the island.
Below are places of interest you can visit once on the island.
Things to Do