The Picturesque Village of Molyvos in Lesvos, Greece

I knew that Molyvos village was beautiful from the many pictures I have seen online, but when I first saw it from the car while we were driving the coastal road from Petra village, I fell instantly in love with it. Luckily there is a place to leave your car and admire the magnificent view.

Molyvos or Mithimna as it was called during the ancient times, has kept its traditional character through the times and in 1965 was declared a protected villages by the authorities. All the houses are made of stones and wood. The village is built amphitheatrically with a castle on the top and traditional houses that reach the coastal road and the scenic harbour.

The castle of Molyvos is situated on the top of a rocky hill and is the second largest fortress on the island of Lesvos. It was erected during the Byzantine period on the remains of an ancient fortification. Due to its strategic position it played a major role as it controlled the north passage to the bay. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Eastern Mediterranean and during the summer, a lot of cultural events are held in its walls.

The village is best discovered on foot so leave your car in the parking lot and start walking the small cobbled streets of the village. The main road is covered by a beautiful flower called wisteria. When it’s in bloom, it is covered with purple flowers. Unfortunately, when I was there, I didn’t get the chance to see it in full bloom as most of the flowers have fallen the previous week.

The main roads of the village are full of shops selling souvenirs. Here you will not meet the classic souvenirs shops but very classy ones selling ceramics, jewellery, traditional products like olive oil, honey, and herbs. I did buy a handmade ceramic boat from one of them. I wish my luggage had space for more.

The main roads of the village lead to a beautiful square with a big plane tree and impressive mansions surrounding it. Some houses around the village that are turned into museums and galleries that totally deserve a visit like the Municipal Art Gallery.

Apart from the traditional houses and mansions with the beautiful yards and the balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea, there are also some incredible Byzantine churches in Molivos. I had the chance to visit too; Ag. Panteleimon and Taxiarchis, both very charming. I should also mention the old stone fountains that can be found in the village remnants of the Ottoman Occupation.

After exploring the beautiful alleys of the village, we headed towards the small harbour located at the edge of the village. There are some charming mansions on the coastal road leading to it with beautiful pastel colours and some archaeological ruins.

The harbor itself is very picturesque, and if you come early in the morning, you will see it in action too. The fishing boats unload fresh fish like sardines, barbounia, etc., and trucks are waiting to upload them to sell them to the shops around the island. Around then harbor there are some excellent tavernas and cafes, the perfect spot to enjoy your ouzo, fresh fish, and coffee.

We were also very lucky as we had the chance to do a cruise with a fishing boat around Molyvos gulf. It was nice seeing the village from the water.

We had lunch in a beautiful taverna on the port called Octopus. We enjoyed a great variety of dishes as we were a big company like fresh fish and seafood, fresh vegetables cooked in traditional Greek recipes and of course we had the drink that the island is famous for, ouzo.

Only 4 km away lies the beautiful village of Eftalou, with its famous hot springs. The water from the hot springs has therapeutic properties suitable rheumatism, arthritis and other health problems.

Around the village of Molivos, there are some lovely beaches. The main beach of Molyvos is sandy and organized. Next to it there is a more secluded beach called Psiriara. Then some km away there is Eftalou, a big organized beach with crystal clear waters.

Even though Molyvos is the most touristic place of Lesvos island, it remains undiscovered from the masses and has retained its authenticity and tradition. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Have you been to Molyvos? What did you like the most?

I would like to thank our hosts Maria and Giorgos for inviting us to their beautiful island and showing us around, the Molyvos Tourism Association, and especially Gabriela for showing us around Molyvos, captain Nikos for taking us on a cruise with his boat and Octopus taverna for the incredible meal! It was such a memorable day!

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