Things to do in Lesbos

Southern Lesbos Tour with Plomari and Ouzo Tasting

Lesbos is scattered with silvery olive groves and fringed with golden beaches. And it just happens to have the perfect growing conditions for aniseed, the major ingredient in ouzo. On this southern Lesbos tour, you'll get to know Plomari, the capital of ouzo production, on a guided walk and visit the Ouzo Museum for a factory tour and tasting. Plus, there's some free time on Agios Isidoros beach for swimming and relaxing, too. Vasiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The best aniseed in the world grows abundantly on Lesbos. Its distinctive aromas make it unique to the island and give ouzo its depth of flavour.'To kick off, you'll head to Skopelos village to explore the ancient catacombs underneath the church of Saint Mary Magdalene. Next up is the Varvagianni ouzo museum, where we'll get an insight into the secrets of distilling ouzo, Greece's national tipple. After a look around the factory and museum, you'll be able to sample the aromatic aniseed liqueur under the guidance of the experts.Vasiliki adds, ‘The traditional way to drink ouzo is to dilute it with a splash of water and add ice. Always the water first because the ice will dull the flavours.' After a guided tour of the seaside town of Plomari, you'll have free time to relax on the beach at Agios Isidoros - swim, laze in the sun and perhaps pop to the taverna to try out some of that wonderful meze – with a glass of ouzo, of course. The last stop is a quick break at the salt flats near Kalloni where you might spot flamingos.

Olive Oil Tasting and Lesbos Mountain Villages

The third-largest Greek island in the Aegean Sea, the ever-photogenic Lesbos has lots to see. Experience a trio of top things to do here in just one tour. There'll be a chance to visit Papadellis olive oil producer, a stop at the mountain village of Agiassos and free time to explore in Mytilini town.The day starts in the traditional village of Agiassos, famous for its potteries and woodcarvings, the Virgin Mary church and the ‘cafenions' – Greek coffee houses. Here you'll have free time to explore and sip a coffee. Lesbos is famed for its top-quality oils, so at the Papadelis family's olive oil company you'll get the lowdown on the local tradition of olive cultivation and pressing.The nearby olive groves are located in Loutropoli of Thermi which is one of the most renowned regions of quality olive oil production in the world, though the company we'll visit is not in the same location as the olive groves. To finish the day you'll have some free time in Mytilini town to make the most of your free time for shopping or perhaps to grab some lunch.

North Lesbos Boat Cruise with Barbecue

If you're after some chill-out time and an ocean-going adventure, this boat cruise will tick all the boxes. Cast off early from Molyvos and we'll sail along the north coast of Lesbos, passing by Skala Sykaminia on route to Kagia. Here, we'll dock metres from its sandy stretch for a swim. Then, it's off to Korakaki for an on-board barbecue feast to the sound of traditional Greek music.

North Lesbos Boat Cruise with Barbecue from Petra

If you're after some chill-out time and an ocean-going adventure, this boat cruise will tick all the boxes. Cast off early from Petra and we'll sail along the north coast of Lesbos, passing by Skala Sykaminia on route to Kagia. Here, we'll dock metres from its sandy stretch for a swim. Then, it's off to Korakaki for an on-board barbecue feast to the sound of traditional Greek music.

Boat Trip to Rabbit Island from Petra Ticket

As lazy holiday mornings go, it's hard to beat this boat trip to the deserted islet of St George, off the north coast of Lesbos. It's locally known as ‘Rabbit Island' because it used to be overrun with them. Hop on the boat at Petra port and enjoy a quick cruise over. Once there, do as you please – sunbathe, swim or take selfies by the dinky chapel. A Greek salad and drink are included.

Skala Sykaminia Boat Trip & Free Time Ticket

Buffered by the bright blue Aegean and blessed with bags of seafront scenery, northern Lesbos is almost made for boat trips. Cruise along the coast towards the tiny fishing village of Skala Sikaminia, where for three hours you can explore the pretty port, sit by the beach or drop into a waterfront taverna for lunch. It's a taste of traditional island life.

Rabbit Island Sunset Cruise Ticket from Petra

For a sunset with a difference, look no further than this return cruise from Petra to Molyvos on the north coast of Lesbos. Along the way, you'll stop at the islet St George – locally known as Rabbit Island' – and the Molyvos sea caves. There's also a feta and cucumber snack with a drink to enjoy on board.

Starlight Evening Cruise Ticket

Evenings out in Lesbos don't get more romantic than this. You'll start off with a cruise along the coast towards the tiny fishing village of Skala Sikaminia, where for three hours you can sit and admire the sunset or dive into one of the waterfront tavernas for dinner. On the way back, you'll have the stars twinkling above you.Once you've boarded the boat in either Petra or Molyvos, you'll get the evening underway with a leisurely cruise along the coast. Your destination will be Skala Sikaminia, a tiny fishing village on the northern coast. White and blue fishing boats are moored up inside its horseshoe-shaped harbour, while seafront tavernas will already be grilling up the day's catch.You'll have three hours to do as you wish. That might be heading to the small rock beside the church of Panayia Gorgona to watch the sun go down, or you might be easily tempted by the smells of freshly-grilled seafood for dinner. Afterwards, you'll cruise back with the stars above and some Greek melodies for company.

Lesbos 4x4 Safari Tour

This open-top 4x4 safari gives you an unbeatable close-up view of the raw beauty of Lesbos. The island's hills, rivers, valleys, beaches and ancient sites are the backdrop of this thrilling full day adventure. Hop onto your 4x4 and leave nothing more than a cloud of dust behind, as you pass through rustic villages and hamlets towards the main event - a secluded beach stop for the chance to relax and swim.

Lesbos Wild West Tour

Lesbos's wild and rugged west will come into focus on this full day tour. You'll explore the likes of the volcanic Petrified Forest, Moni Ipsilou Monastery and mountain villages. The final stop at Sigri will provide an opportunity for lunch and some well-deserved beach time.Leaving the north of the island, you'll make your way into the centre where the landscape switches between pine tree forests and fertile plains. Pass rustic villages and learn their history and legends with your knowledgeable guide.We'll continue further west, stopping at the mountain village of Vatoussa for a stop before delving into the Moni Ipsilou Monastery in Sigri, atop Mt Ordymnos. The village also boasts a Geological Museum of Petrified Forest.

Lesbos Relaxing Boat Trip from Molyvos

Relaxing aboard a boat is the perfect way to get away from it all. And this mid-morning cruise from Molyvos ticks all the boxes for letting your hair down. Set sail and you'll coast along the shores of Lesbos towards Ambelia beach. Then, after some time to unwind with the beach as your backdrop, you'll tuck into a freshly-cut salad with seasonal fruits, as you make your way to your next stop – Rabbit Island. Soak up the sun on deck or jump in for a swim – the choice is yours.

Lesbos Relaxing Boat Trip from Petra

Relaxing aboard a boat is the perfect way to get away from it all. And this mid-morning cruise from Petra ticks all the boxes for letting your hair down. Set sail and you'll coast along the shores of Lesbos towards Ambelia beach. Then, after some time to unwind with the beach as your backdrop, you'll tuck into a freshly-cut salad with seasonal fruits, as you make your way to your next stop – Rabbit Island. Soak up the sun on deck or jump in for a swim – the choice is yours.