Southeast of Lesvos

This side of the island is where the capital Mytilene and the Gulf of Yera are located. Mytilene has 4 main exits.

The Northern Exit is from Epano Skala - leading to many seaside villages with seafood taverns and picturesque havens such as Panagiouda, Skala Pamfilon and the coast of Thermes. This is the route to take if you wish to visit the Nunery of Aghios Raphael or Mandamados.

If you chose the Southern Exit you’ll soon realise how prosperous this region was in the past, particularly during the last century. Unique manor houses, most of which are well-upkept, lend the town of Mytilene a note of elegance, which is not easily found elsewhere. The coastal zone leads south to the districts of Vareia, Taxiarches (Kayiani), Aghia Marina ; areas covered in olive trees, with many traditional taverns offering visitors pleasant evenings. Moving on down the coastline you’ll reach Vigla, Neapolis, the airport and then Kratigos. The road is lined with restaurants, hotels and havens frequented mainly by the local population who go there for a quick dip in the sea after a day’s work. This is where local surfers , depending on whether winds are prevailing as well as their direction, ride the waves, offering a spectacular show during both summer and winter.

The pine forest begins at Kratigos, where the main artery ends and a dirt road begins this point forward on. However the latter is under construction and so you can keep on going ahead for a bird’s eye view of the mouth of the Gulf of Yera. You can reach Haramida and the captivating cove of Aghios Ermogenis. The salt water virtually caresses the pine tree trunks in this area. If you continue along this road you’ll end up in Loutra and Kountouroudia which are areas that look on the Gulf of Yera. These areas can also be reached by the SW Exit (from the textile factory). In Skala Loutron and Kountouroudia there are a number of coffee shops which also serve fresh fish. You’ll also see a shipyard where small vessels are repaired. The last stop of the urban bus (Mytilene -Koudouria line) is Kountouroudia and from there there are large wooden boats which make the sea-crossing and take passengers to the other side of the Gulf.

If you have enough time try climbing Amali (the mountain rising above the the airport). You’ll get a magnificent bird’s eye view from the forest. We highly recommend this itinerary, particularly during winter if it’s a “good year” and you’re an expert in collecting edible mushrooms !

The NW Exit of Mytilene (from Alysida) is the most important exit since it brings travellers to “the heart” of the island. This is the exit to take if you’re headed in the direction of Yera, Plomari, Agiassos, Vatera, Kalloni, Molyvos or Eressos.

Along the road that leads to Yera, approx. 10 Km out of Mytilene, you’ll reach the Mineral springs of the Gulf of Yera. The Gulf of Yera has been classified amongt the most graphic in the world. It is 7,5 miles long and 2,5 miles wide. One of the most significant wetlands in Greece is found at the Dipi-Larsos site. By driving along a road that cuts through vast olive groves, you’ll reach the other side of the Gulf with its cluster of picturesque Yera villages : Palaiokypos, Papados, Plakados, Skopelos, Mesagros. Don’t forget to go through Evreiaki (with it’s significant tourist development and beautiful beach) and Perama, up to the Towers and even further towards the mouth of the Gulf. At sunset, nature in this area is exceptionally beautiful. Go boating in the calm gulf waters during the evening; the experience will fill you with pleasant memories.

Small quaint beaches outside the gulf are those of “Tarti” and “Aghia Barbara”.

On your way to Plomari you’ll find Aghios Isidoros, a beautiful, long sandy beach. As one would expect, there is great tourist development in this area.