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About Mytilene

Cruise port Mytilene is the charming capital of the Greek island Lesbos but, just to confuse visitors, islanders also sometimes refer to the whole island by that name. But, whichever name they choose, it does not change the beautiful island landscape of pine forests and olive groves.

Set in the north Aegean Sea, just off the coast of Turkey, the island is now a major olive oil producer but it also has ancient ruins dating back three millennia BC and, of course, is most famous as the birthplace of the poet-turned-gay icon, Sappho.

Mytilene is definitely worth a wander as it has some outstanding neoclassical architecture and an excellent museum as well as some tempting antique stores.  Outside the capital, there are some fascinating rural villages, historic churches and castles as well as some attractively rugged scenery around its coastline

 

Shore excursions in Mytilene

Please note: The shore excursions listed are typical for this port. The full programme of shore excursions available for your cruise will be displayed on Cruise Personaliser at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

Lesvos Highlights

Activity medium

Duration: 4½ hours

Lesvos has many charms, including fertile valleys, mountains and crystal-clear seas. Discover them all on this fascinating trip.

Start your tour with a picturesque drive through the capital of the island, Mytilene, and continue to Agiassos, past the Bay of Geras, with splendid views of the sea. Agiassos Village is perched on a hill with sloping, steep and cobbled streets lined with wooden houses. Take a short walk through this traditional mountain village, followed by free time to explore independently.

Papados Village is an area with a long tradition in olive oil production. The Vrana Old Olive Press was one of the first steam-powered factories on Lesvos and in the Aegean. In its heyday, the olive press was a major industrial facility and today it has been renovated into a museum and displays the age old tradition of producing olive oil.

A brief stop will be made to photograph the imposing Venetian Fortress of Mytilene Town, which has dominated the town since the 13th Century.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The visit to Agiassos Village involves some walking.

Molyvos - The Charm of Lesvos

Activity mediumMeal includedShopping

Duration: 8 hours

Molyvos, arguably the prettiest village on Lesvos, is dominated by its castle and fringed by the blue Aegean Sea.

Enjoy a visit to the Limonos Monastery, built by St Ignatius in the 16th century and set in extensive grounds. Your guide will take you through one of the finest examples of monastic buildings of the later Byzantine style. Free time will be given for gentlemen only to visit the church, still the only place in the monastery that abides with the ‘Avatos’ (which translates to ‘only males are allowed in’).

In the north of the island discover the pretty fishing village of Molyvos, situated in a serene landscape filled with olive groves and perched high upon a rock. Molyvos is dominated by a medieval Venetian fortress, which stretches to the sea. Enjoy a guided walk through the old fortress and then down to the town. Here, traditional buildings built of stone or brightly painted wood are spread in a labyrinth of narrow streets.

A delightful local lunch will be served at a leading venue on the outskirts of Molyvos.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Passengers are advised that shorts are not permitted within the Limonos Monastery. (Ladies are not permitted to wear trousers) and must have shoulders covered. Only men are permitted inside the church at the Monastery. The visit to Molyvos will involve a high level of walking over uneven and uphill terrain with steps.

Petra Beach Break

Activity lowFamily

Duration: 6 hours

Relax and unwind at Petra Beach and cool off in the crystal, clear Aegean Sea.

A scenic drive to the north western coast will take you to the traditional town of Petra, with its lovely sandy beach. Enjoy approximately 4 hours of free time to top up your tan and take a refreshing dip in the cooling crystalline clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Take a stroll along the horseshoe shaped bay, lined with numerous tavernas, cafés, shops and bars, or admire the Church of the Glkfylousa Panagia, perched in the centre of the town on a rocky pinnacle.

Essential information

Passengers are required to take a towel and sun protection. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer watersports, these are provided by parties unconnected to P&O Cruises. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Picturesque Plomari and Ouzo

Activity medium

Duration: 4½ hours

Plomari is famous today for its distilleries, which provide Lesvos with some of the best ouzo in Greece.

Begin with a scenic drive through Mytilene town and admire the fine architecture of many old mansions before heading south towards the picturesque village of Plomari. Your drive will follow the shores of the Bay of Geras and give you the chance to enjoy the pure beauty of the landscape.

Lesvos is blessed with fertile soil and covered with lush vegetation, of which the olive tree is most evident. A short stop will be made at Papados, an area with a long tradition in olive oil production, to visit the Vrana Old Olive Press. Built in 1887, this press was one of the first steam-powered factories on Lesvos and the Aegean and today it has been renovated into a museum.

Upon arrival in Plomari, you can enjoy limited free time and stroll through the streets of the village with its local cafés and shops. Afterwards, you will visit the Barbayannis ouzo distillery and have the chance to taste the Barbayannis ouzo, arguably the best in the world.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is limited walking over relatively flat ground on this tour. There are approximately 10 steps to negotiate at the entrance to the distillery. Ouzo will only be served to passengers over the age of 18.

View all shore excursions

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