Molivos
Molivos Introduction
The main holiday destination in Lesbos is the town of Molivos in the north of the island. It is a beautiful medieval town that has been protected from development by a preservation order dating from 1965, and it is a pleasure to stroll through its narrow stone streets and its well preserved buildings. Dominating the skyline, on the hill above the town, is an imposing Byzantine fortress. The red tiled roofs of the houses creep up the hill towards their great protector. There is an attractive harbour with tavernas and small restaurants serving delightful traditional dishes. Molivos does not have the best beaches on the island but, because of its charm, it attracts very many holidaymakers every year.
Why Go To Molivos?
Molivos is the jewel in the crown of Lesbos with its unspoiled medieval streets, its well preserved wooden buildings and its imposing fortress towering above. Wander the steep narrow streets and the small squares, enjoy the many tiny shops so loved by tourists and explore the fortress when you reach the top. The beaches provide bathing and a number of water sports. There is an excellent variety of restaurants and tavernas catering for most tastes.
A Molivos holiday offers spectacular natural surroundings as well as the beauty of a well preserved and protected medieval town.
Who Is Molivos Popular With?
Molivos, because of its charm, has almost universal appeal. The exception is families with small children, who would probably prefer beaches with better sandy conditions
When To Go To Molivos
The Molivos holiday season lasts from April until October when the temperature ranges from twenty to thirty degrees. Summer is the most popular time to visit Lesbos which is said to be the sunniest of all the Greek islands.
Molivos - The Place
Molivos is as charming when viewed from a distance as it is when strolling through its cobbled streets. Its beautifully preserved buildings rise up the hill from the harbour, their red tiles glowing in the sunshine, towards the great Byzantine fortress that overshadows the town and captivates the eye. It is an even more imposing sight when illuminated at night. The streets are free of traffic enabling the visitor to amble in safety around the town enjoying the many shops and pavement cafes.
The harbour is an attractive area with many traditional tavernas. To the south is a narrow pebbly beach which leads into stony water that is often inundated with sea urchins. Shoes should be worn to protect the feet. Towards the town there is a small sandy beach with shallow water. This area can become quite crowded at the height of the season.
A Molivos holiday provides a range of leisure activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, wind surfing, waterskiing, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking. There are also many excursions from the harbour enabling exploration of the coast.
Molivos Nightlife
Molivos nightlife is fairly low-key with evening entertainment centred round the tavernas, bars and restaurants. There are bars with music for those wish for livelier nights and also plenty of opportunities for enjoying a romantic meal for two under the stars.
The labyrinth of narrow streets in the heart of Molivos, have many small shops filled with the sort of goods that tempt tourists to part with their holiday euros. Favourite souvenirs include rather tasteful ceramics, embroidered linens, leather goods and soaps made from olive oil.
Molivos Eating
Molivos has a good number of tavernas, cafes, bars and restaurants which provide a wide range of food to accommodate most tastes. At the tavernas on the waterfront the emphasis is on traditional food. Being a fishing community, fish plays an important part in the diet and small fried fish, shellfish and kalimari are firm favourites. Lamb and chicken are used most commonly in meat dishes. Ouzo from the distilleries in the south at Plomaria is recommended.
Eating in Lesbos meant to be an unhurried pleasure, so please don’t mistake the relaxed attitude of waiters for tardy service.