When is the best time to fly to Mytilene?
Like the rest of the Mediterranean, Mytilene is most popular between May and August, and flights to Mytilene will increase during these months. Cruise ships dock in the harbour during this period, bringing tourists to the many popular landmarks across the island. If peace, quiet and cheap flights to Mytilene is what you are after, the off-season is equally as attractive, with the weather peaking at 22 C until the middle of October. The warmest months are July and August, with average highs hovering around 30 C, with December and January being the wettest.
Book a flight around some of the city’s most popular attractions such as the Beach Street Festival in August that takes place over three days and celebrates music and graffiti in a magnificently unique way. The other is the Open Air Festival held in July which showcases popular music and theatre from local artists.
City overview
As one of the oldest cities on the planet, Mytilene on the island of Lesbos is an ideal spot for admirers of the Classical World to get their fix. A flight to Mytilene will connect you with over 10,000 years of history that is nestled within this intimate settlement on the shores of the Mediterranean, with attractions ranging from ancient Greek ruins to a large number of neoclassical buildings. An impressive 6th century fortress lies between the city's northern and southern ports, while Yeni Mosque in the heart of the city is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture. The 18th century Church of Saint Symeon Mytilene is also worth a look, as is a visit to the city’s very own Statue of Liberty.
Consolidating all of the local history is the Archaeological Museum on the seafront. Split between two buildings, the museum is packed to the gills with all manner of interesting artefacts from prehistory all the way up to more recent finds. While in the city centre, be sure to take a walk along Ermou, Mytilene’s main bazaar street, running between south port and north port. The street is lined with a wealth of interesting stalls, including a fish market on the southern end, as well as antiques shops and old mansions.
Food is also a big part of Mytilene’s charm, with fresh fish the undoubted highlight. Restaurants are many, and can be found scattered along the streets in and around the harbor. Specialties include grilled sardines with lemon sauce, deep-fried courgette flowers stuffed with cheese, and fried squash and aubergine with cheese and tzatziki.
Looking further afield, hire a car and explore the island’s main attractions, of which there are many. One of the most famous parts of Lesbos are its petrified forests, prehistoric woodlands that have now turned to stone. The island’s very own Mt. Olympus is popular with hikers, while the wealth of quiet alcoves and private beaches scattered across the coastline are excellent spots for an intimate picnic.