Village

Molyvos (Mithymna)

Name: Molyvos (Mithymna)
Address: Greece

Molyvos, officially Mithymna, lies on the north coast of Lesbos, 62 kilometers northwest of Mytilini. The houses climb from a small fishing harbour up to a medieval castle on the hill.

Molyvos, officially Mithymna, lies on the north coast of Lesbos, 62 kilometers northwest of Mytilini. The houses climb from a small fishing harbour up to a medieval castle on the hill. Six kilometers south is the resort town of Petra.

Castle Town on the North CoastMolyvos, officially Mithymna, lies on Lesbos's north coast, just five nautical miles from the Turkish mainland. In 2011, the town had approximately 1,400 residents. A castle, expanded by the Genoese Gattilusio family in 1373, stands above the steep alleys.Harbor, Beach, and SurroundingsBelow the old town lies a small fishing harbor with a jetty, from which small boats travel to Skala Sykamias. Kitesurfing is popular on the long beach. In the vicinity are the hot springs of Eftalou and the seaside resort of Petra.

Sights in Molyvos (Mithymna)

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Dimitris Eleftheriou / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Castle of Mithymna

The Castle of Mithymna is on the hilltop, Molyvos spreading below. It occupies the site of the ancient acropolis, fortified into a castle in 1373 by the Genoese Gattilusio, then rulers of Lesbos. Ottomans seized it in 1462 after a siege. Today, the castle is accessible for a fee; summer sees classical concerts for the Molyvos Festival.

Open in Google Maps

illuminatusds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Port of Molyvos

The small natural harbour is located below the Old Town on the west side of the castle hill and is protected by a mole. It still serves as a fishing port today. From here, small boats depart for Skala Sykamias on the north coast. From the harbour, alleys and steps lead up into the town and further to the castle.

Open in Google Maps

Rosa-Maria Rinkl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Panagia Glykofilousa in Petra

In the seaside resort of Petra, six kilometers south of Molyvos, stands the church of Panagia Glykofilousa on a rock in the middle of the village, from which Petra gets its name. The Greek Orthodox church is open to visitors during the day. Below it stretches Petra beach, from which a coastal path leads to Anaxos.

Open in Google Maps

Sights in Molyvos (Mithymna)

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Dimitris Eleftheriou / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Restaurants in Molyvos (Mithymna)

The Captain's Table

This family-run taverna in Molyvos harbour, established in 1994, specializes in Mezedes, with a menu featuring over 60 small dishes. These include fish and seafood caught by local fishermen, such as anchovies, octopus, and mackerel, as well as meat dishes and vegetarian plates.

Show on Google Maps

The Octopus

The tavern, a stone house at the northern end of the harbor, serves Greek dishes and fish, and is famous for grilled octopus.

Show on Google Maps

Nisi

The restaurant is on Platia Kyriakou, a small square in the upper village, with tables under old plane trees. Mediterranean cuisine.

Show on Google Maps

Byzantino

The tavern is in the village on the castle hill slope, serving Greek cuisine. From the tables, you gaze west over the sea.

Show on Google Maps

Food & Drink

The tavernas of Molyvos are located at the fishing port and in the small squares of the upper village. Primarily served are fish, Mezedes, and products from the island of Lesbos.

Ioannis Protonotarios / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ouzo from Lesbos

Lesbos is the home of Ouzo, especially the Plomari distilleries in the island's south. A glass of Ouzo typically includes some Mezedes.

Anchovies from Kalloni

Sardines from the Gulf of Kalloni in the middle of the island are served freshly grilled or salted as meze.

Ladotyri Mytilinis

A firm cheese from sheep and some goat milk, traditionally matured in olive oil, with a Protected Designation of Origin.

Olive oil

Olive groves cover much of Lesbos, the island's oil is on every table in tavernas and sold directly in villages.

History and Culture

Ancient MethymnaIn antiquity, Methymna was the second city of Lesbos and a long-standing rival of Mytilini. In the 8th century BC, it founded the city of Assos on the Anatolian mainland. As a member of the Delian League, it did not join the island's revolt against Athens in 428 BC. During Roman times, its wine was renowned, praised by Virgil and Galen.Genoese and OttomansIn 1373, the Gattilusio, Genoese lords of Lesbos, fortified the acropolis into a castle. After a siege, Mithymna fell to the Ottomans in 1462, whose rule lasted until 1912. 18th-century Ottoman-style houses with wooden upper floors remain.Music and ArtThe ancient cithara singer Arion originated from Methymna. Since 2015, the Molyvos Festival has taken place in August, featuring classical concerts in the castle.

Arrival and On the Go

Getting ThereMolyvos is about 62 kilometers from Mytilini. The island's airport and ferry port are both located in Mytilini.In the VillageThe old town is steep and winding; you'll explore on foot between the harbor and the castle.ExcursionsPetra is located six kilometers to the south, while the hot springs of Eftalou are on the coast east of the village. Small boats depart from the harbor to Skala Sykamias.

Day Trips

Petra

The coastal town six kilometers south features a long sandy beach and the church Panagia Glykofilousa on a rock in its center.

Hot Springs of Eftalou

East of Molyvos on the coast are the thermal springs of Eftalou with a small bathhouse right by the sea.

Skala Sykamias

The small fishing port on the north coast is reachable in summer by small boats from Molyvos harbour. Above the port stands the chapel Panagia Gorgona.