Getting from Athens to Lesvos

If you are heading to Lesvos from Athens you are going to the third largest island in Greece and one of the most culturally rich. Lesvos is the birthplace of Sappho and Theophrastus, an island of olive groves, ouzo distilleries and a landscape that shifts between the lush green hills of the east and the volcanic moonscape of the Petrified Forest in the west. Mytilini, the capital, is a proper city with a Byzantine castle, a fine archaeological museum and a waterfront of ouzo bars and fish tavernas that is one of the most enjoyable in the northern Aegean. The Gulf of Kalloni in the centre of the island is one of the most important wetlands for migratory birds in Europe.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Lesvos ferry runs several times a week year-round, taking around 11 to 13 hours depending on the vessel and the stops. The overnight crossing is the practical approach if you want to travel by sea, arriving in Mytilini in the morning. Lesvos is also connected to Chios, Samos and other northern Aegean islands for onward connections.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Lesvos have airports. Daily connections from Athens to Mytilini take around 50 minutes. This is the fastest and most practical approach for most travellers.

Your best option

Fly from Athens. The daily flight takes around 50 minutes and is considerably more practical than the 11 to 13 hour ferry crossing for most travellers. If you want to travel by sea the overnight ferry from Piraeus is a comfortable crossing with cabins available, but flying is the right choice for most people.