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Mytilene

Greece · Island · EUR · 39.105000, 26.555000
Family friendly 6.8/10 · Rank 955 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for history buffs, nature lovers, beachgoers and authentic Greek culture.

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 105 EUR)
For 7 days
$826.00 (≈ 69 318 ₽ · ≈ 738 EUR)
Mytilene is the capital and main port of Lesbos Island, known for its neoclassical mansions, Byzantine churches, and medieval fortress. The city is famous for its lively waterfront, traditional tavernas, and proximity to famous olive groves. It is the ideal base for discovering the rich history and nature of Lesbos.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
7.0°C
Sea
26.5°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, traditional, mastic-loving.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique mastic
  • Beautiful beaches
  • UNESCO sites
  • Fewer tourists than popular islands

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Remoteness from Athens
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
26.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
10.2°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
13.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
7.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
26.5°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
winter (November-March)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand and pebbles
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Karfas and Mavra Volia
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Few dangerous animals, but sea urchins and occasional jellyfish.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occasionally appear in summer

Sharks — details

  • 62 shark species inhabit Mytilene waters, including the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). The most common are Scyliorhinus canicula, Galeus melastomus and Squalus blainville. The waters between Mytilene and Turkey are considered a potentially important breeding area. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Attractions

Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages)

Seven fortified villages known for mastic production.

Medieval Castle

13th-century Genoese castle in the city centre.

Byzantine Museum

Museum with Byzantine art collection.

Mavra Volia Beach

Unique beach with black volcanic pebbles.

Nea Moni

11th-century monastery, a UNESCO site.

Best areas

Chios Town (centre)

Main city with a port, shops and castle.

Karfas

Coastal area with a beach and hotels.

Must-try food

Mastika

Mastic liqueur, a local delicacy.

Grilled Fish

Fresh fish with olive oil and lemon.

Chios Cheese

Local soft cheese.

Where to go next

Cesme (Turkey)

Turkish resort town, ~1 hour by ferry.

Samos

Neighbouring Greek island, ~2 hours by ferry.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Митилини Международный Аэропорт Одиссеас Элитис (MJT).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (Schengen)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$72.00
≈ 6 042 ₽ · ≈ 64 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$146.00
≈ 12 252 ₽ · ≈ 130 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 71 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$13.00
≈ 1 091 ₽ · ≈ 12 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.40
≈ 285 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.60
≈ 50 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.50
≈ 629 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$44.00
≈ 3 692 ₽ · ≈ 39 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Mytilene Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Mytilene: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Mytilene: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Mytilene: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +7.0°C, during the day — up to +13.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Mytilene: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +26.5°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Mytilene: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on winter (November-March). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Mytilene: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand and pebbles" surface, golden sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Karfas and Mavra Volia. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Mytilene: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Mytilene: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Few dangerous animals, but sea urchins and occasional jellyfish.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Mytilene: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 105 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Mytilene: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $72.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $146.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $80.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Mytilene: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $13.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.40, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.60. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Mytilene: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $3.50, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $44.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Mytilene: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages) — Seven fortified villages known for mastic production.; Medieval Castle — 13th-century Genoese castle in the city centre.; Byzantine Museum — Museum with Byzantine art collection.; Mavra Volia Beach — Unique beach with black volcanic pebbles.; Nea Moni — 11th-century monastery, a UNESCO site.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Mytilene: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Mastika — Mastic liqueur, a local delicacy.; Grilled Fish — Fresh fish with olive oil and lemon.; Chios Cheese — Local soft cheese.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Mytilene: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Chios Town (centre) — Main city with a port, shops and castle.; Karfas — Coastal area with a beach and hotels.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Mytilene: is a visa required?
Visa: required (Schengen). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Mytilene: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Митилини Международный Аэропорт Одиссеас Элитис (code MJT). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Mytilene: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $118.00 (≈ 9 903 ₽ · ≈ 105 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Mytilene: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Mytilene: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Mytilene: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cesme (Turkey) — Turkish resort town, ~1 hour by ferry.; Samos — Neighbouring Greek island, ~2 hours by ferry.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.8/10
Overall rank: 955 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 639

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 39.105000, 26.555000