Mytilene Ferries

The port of Mytilene plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Mytilene serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Mytilini, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Piraeus - Mytilene connecting Mytilene with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Blue Star Ferries, Superfast Ferries, Hellenic Seaways run regular services from Mytilini, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Mytilene offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Mytilene is accessible through multiple transportation options, with the most convenient being flights to Mytilene International Airport, which connects to Athens (45 minutes) and Thessaloniki (55 minutes) year-round. Ferry services operate regularly from mainland ports including Piraeus (Athens), with journey times ranging from 7-9 hours depending on the vessel type. The city is well-connected by bus services from the airport (about 15 minutes) and taxis are readily available at both the airport and ferry terminal. If arriving by car via ferry, the port offers both short and long-term parking options, though summer months may require advance booking.

Mytilene stands as the captivating capital city of Lesbos, Greece's third-largest island nestled in the northeastern Aegean Sea. This historic port city blends Byzantine, Ottoman, and Greek influences across its colorful harbor front and climbing streets. As your ferry approaches, you'll be greeted by the imposing Mytilene Castle overlooking azure waters, setting the stage for an authentic Greek island experience where traditional tavernas, lively markets, and warm hospitality await.

Mytilene enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. The prime visiting window spans May through October, with July and August bringing peak temperatures (often exceeding 30°C/86°F) and the highest tourist numbers. June and September offer the perfect balance of warm weather and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and beaches. The annual Lesvos Food Festival in late September showcases the island's culinary heritage, while ferry services operate more frequently during summer months. Winter visitors (November-March) will find a more authentic local experience, though some tourist facilities may have limited hours.

Mytilene serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring nearby Greek islands and Turkish coastal cities. Regular ferry services connect to Chios (about 3 hours), known for its medieval villages and unique mastic production. Travelers can also reach Ayvalık, Turkey in just 1.5 hours, offering a fascinating cross-cultural experience with its Ottoman architecture and vibrant bazaars. The nearby island of Lemnos (4-5 hour journey) rewards visitors with pristine beaches and ancient archaeological sites. For those seeking island-hopping adventures, the summer months bring additional connections to smaller Aegean islands like Psara and Oinousses, each offering their own distinctive charm away from mainstream tourism routes.

Mytilene Castle dominates the northern part of town, offering panoramic views across the strait to Turkey and housing fascinating archaeological exhibits spanning multiple eras. The waterfront district with its neoclassical mansions provides a picturesque setting for sampling ouzo (the island produces some of Greece's finest) alongside fresh seafood at traditional ouzeries. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Teriade Museum, showcasing works by Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse in a surprising island setting. For a local experience, wander through the bustling Ermou Street market where vendors sell local delicacies like ladotyri cheese and preserved fruits. Just a short drive from the port, Vatera Beach stretches for nearly 10 kilometers, offering golden sands and crystal waters perfect for a post-exploration swim.

Mytilene claims fame as the birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose lyrical verses about love and beauty were so influential that Plato called her the 'Tenth Muse.' The city features one of the largest Roman/Byzantine aqueducts in the Mediterranean world, portions of which still stand throughout town. Interestingly, Mytilene was designed around two harbors (north and south), a rare configuration that ancient Aristotle praised in his writings as the ideal city layout. The local ouzo tradition dates back centuries, with the island housing over a dozen distilleries that use a closely-guarded anise-based recipe passed through generations.