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The town of Mytilene, which lies on the south-eastern coast of the island, is a modern town with many elements from the past. It is the island capital and the chair of the Prefecture of Lesbos; an administrative, commercial and cultural centre with a population of 40.000.

Present-day Mytilene occupies seven hills, while its fortress, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, lies on a pine-covered hillock to the east of the town.

What is remarkable about the hillock is that, up until the 1^st century AD, it comprised a separate island. Later, the sea distance separating it from the adjacent town of Mytilene was gradually eliminated by soil deposits which formed banks ; thus the town expanded westward. There is evidence that the isle of Mytilene was linked to the opposite coasts via bridges during the classical times. A channel, the opening of which was found in the Epano Skala district, linked the northern and southern port.

The waterfront of the inner port (southern) lends the town its special colour; As the boat approaches the island, a combination of old manor houses and contemporary buildings comes into view. Along the waterfront, visitors come across the Prefecture Municipal Theatre (under construction), the Town Hall, the well-restored neo-classical style buildings, as well as banks, hotels, coffee shops, sweet shops, restaurants, travel agencies, shipping company offices etc. The church of St Therapon stands out among the other buildings with its imposing, elaborate dome, which virtually dominates the port. The waterfront is ideal for a “promenade”, particularly during the evening. This is when the light peers over the hills, lending colour to the port, and a sense of serenity to its visitors.

Adjacent to the waterfront lies Ermou street, which is the main shopping street in the town. As you walk through the market down toward the end of the street you’ll come across traditional antique shops and quaint little stores, while “Koumidia” and “Ladadika” sections of the market place, with a long-standing tradition of commercial activity, extend to your right. You will also come across graphic alleys and commercial buildings which are gradually being restored.

Ermou street extends to the Northern Port (Old Port), “Malois limin”, as the ancient Greeks called it, the bottom of which was purposely laid with cobble so that enemy boats could not anchor. The old port, with its crumbling pier and ruins from the past, is disused today. However, the area is being upgraded and visitors can lay back and enjoy the scenery in one of the open air soda fountains along the waterfront of the old port. From there you have a bird’s eye view of the graphic Epano Skala district to the left and the castle to the right.