Getting from Mykonos to Lesvos

Lesvos is the third largest island in Greece and one of the most distinctive. It sits in the northeastern Aegean close to the Turkish coast and has a character shaped by its size, its history and its geography. The island is known for its olive groves, some of the oldest and most productive in the Mediterranean, its ouzo distilleries, the petrified forest in the west which is one of the most unusual natural sites in Greece, and Mytilini, the capital, which functions as a proper city with a university, a strong café culture and a waterfront that the locals actually use. Lesvos rewards the people who give it time and it has enough variety to justify a long stay.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Lesvos. The connection goes via Piraeus and the total journey by sea is around 10 to 12 hours depending on the service. Lesvos is well connected to Piraeus with regular departures through the summer season so finding a sailing is not difficult. It is a long crossing but some people do it overnight which makes the journey time irrelevant.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Lesvos have airports so flying is a straightforward option on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Lesvos, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Mytilini Airport is close to the capital and well connected through the summer season. Book ahead as flights fill up in peak season.

Your best option

Fly. The crossing from Piraeus is long and unless you have the time and inclination for an overnight ferry, the Athens connection gets you there in a fraction of the time. Hire a car when you arrive, Lesvos is large enough that you need one, and give yourself at least five or six days. The drive across the island from Mytilini to Sigri on the western coast alone is worth the trip.