Getting from Zakynthos to Lesvos

If you are heading to Lesvos from Zakynthos you are making your way to the third largest island in Greece, in the northeastern Aegean close to the Turkish coast. It is the birthplace of Sappho, an island of olive groves, ouzo distilleries and a capital at Mytilini with a Byzantine castle and one of the most enjoyable waterfronts in the northern Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Lesvos. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and then travelling by road to Piraeus for the Piraeus to Lesvos ferry, which runs 4 to 5 times a week and takes around 11 to 13 hours. The total journey takes the better part of two days.

Getting there by air

Both Zakynthos and Lesvos have airports. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Mytilini gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours including the connection. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly via Athens. It is the only realistic approach for most travellers. If you are travelling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Lesvos.