Information about Lesvos
Lesvos (Mytilini) is in the North Aegean and it is the third largest Greek island after Crete and Evia, spaning an area of 1.632.819 km2 (630 mi2) and with a population of approximately 90.000. On the western part of the island is Eressos, the birthplace of the ancient poetess Sappho and close by is a petrified forest, one of the few known, with fossilized plants that date back 20 million years. Further south is the gulf of Kalloni and the hot springs of Lisvori and Polichnitos, Vatera beach, the village of Plomari, famous for its ouzo produce, and Tarti. On the southeastern side is the capital and main port of the island, Mytilini and close by is the monastery of Agios Raphael. On the north is the second largest town of Lesvos, Mithymna and surrounding it are the beaches of Petra, Efthalou and Sikaminia.
Interesting information about Lesvos can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) and Wikipedia.The island has two ports:
- Mytilini, which is situated on the southeastern side of the island.
- Sigri, which is situated on the western side of the island
The bus station is 20 meters from the port of Mytilini at Agia Irini square. The busses connect the port with the rest of the island.
Useful info: Lesvos port authority tel.: +30 22510 24115, Greek Tourist Police: +30 22710 81539 (in Chios)Travel times
Ferry from Athens to Lesvos
- Conventional ferries: Min 9 hours - Max 12 hours, depending on the vessel and the route.
Lesvos ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like to Lesvos, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.
Ferry types operating routes to Lesvos
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Ferry connections to & from Lesvos
- Attica – Piraeus
- East Macedonia & Thrace - Kavala
- Macedonia – Thessaloniki
- North Aegean – Chios, Ikaria, Limnos, Samos, Psara, Oinousses
- Cyclades islands: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros
- Dodecanese islands: Patmos
Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.
Ferry to Lesvos prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Athens – Lesvos ferries | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Piraeus (Athens) - Lesvos ferries | approx. 46€/adult | -- |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
