Molyvos Lesvos

holiday report and Lesvos map

Molyvos Lesvos

MOLYVOS or MOLIVOS is considered the tourist capital of Lesvos, but it's a reputation that has a few of the usual drawbacks.
Molyvos, also sometimes called Mithimna, is located on the north coast of Lesvos and is on a hill, topped with a romantic Byzantine castle and with ancient ruins around the town including some impressive old walls.
Molyvos has many stone houses and shops, particularly around the castle and a notably attractive harbour. The main street cobbled and covered in wisteria that seems to bloom all year. Flowering or not, it provides added shade on the hottest days.
The Molyvos main street heads up the hill and passes museums, galleries, tavernas, cafes and shops until it reaches the castle which has impressive views over the town and is the venue for many concerts and cultural events throughout the summer.
Preservation orders ensure there will be no ugly development to spoil the charm of Molyvos town centre with its attractive grey stone houses topped with red tiles.
The harbour at Molyvos is a working fishing harbour as well as a tourist attraction, with plenty of places to eat and drink. The harbour is pleasant to visit at any time of the day.
There are plenty of bars to be found in Molyvos and a few discos for those who enjoy a little nightlife, with some larger clubs to be found on the outskirts of Molyvos.
A large number of cultural events are held each year including art exhibitions, folk and dance festivals and theatre.
There is a beach of sorts at Molyvos but it is stony and small, although it does give way to sand a few metres out to sea and has sunbeds and watersports on offer.
Near Molyvos are the hot springs of Eftalou and many travel the coast road to visit. There are several small coves, stone beaches and roadside restaurants along the way.
It's a 20 minute walk to Eftalou and if the baths are closed you can enjoy hot pools in the sea or go to the beach a little further along the coast.
Even further east of Molyvos is the pretty port of Skala Sikaminias and, further still, the beach at Tsonia, stony but with a couple of shady tavernas and some great snorkelling.
There is a regular seasonal bus service to other beaches along the coast both north and south from Molyvos and regular boat trips from the harbour in the high summer season.