The perfect day trip to Mytilene from Turkey

The Turkish Riviera is a world of wonders, but if you are looking to compliment your vacation with a dash of Aegean magic, look no further than Lesbos: a Greek island with a different pace of life, where seaside strolls, ancient castles, ouzo by the sea, and golden beaches are all just a ferry ride away.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a day trip to Mytilene from Turkey, including tips on where to go, what to see, what to taste and more! Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and let's get into the nitty-gritty:

• Get the ferry to Mytilene
• Explore Mytilene’s history & culture
• Hit the beach in Mytilene
• Savor local flavors and ouzo by the sea
• Return to Turkey

Get the ferry to Mytilene

Traveling by ferry to Mytilene from Turkey is straightforward and easy, as there are 3 departure ports to choose from: Ayvalik, Dikili and Alsancak in Izmir.

The Ayvalik-Lesvos ferries run all year round, with multiple crossings every day. The earlier ferry leaves the Turkish port at around 8:45, with a travel time of 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Ticket prices usually start at €30.

The Dikili - Mytilene ferry connection is seasonal, operating during the summer months, from June to September. The ferry from Dikili takes as little as 30 minutes, with 1-2 crossings per day. The first ferry usually sets sail at 08:00 and ticket prices start at €35.

It is also possible to travel on the weekly ferry to Mytilene from Alsancak in Izmir, which usually operates on Friday. Keep in mind that there is no return ferry for the same day. The ride from Alsancak takes 2 hours 45 minutes on average and tickets are priced from €60.

Next stop, Mytilene!

Explore Mytilene’s history & culture

You’ve just disembarked, so what better way to start your day trip in Mytilene with a stroll along the waterfront promenade? Near the port you will find many cozy cafés where you can get a Greek coffee (or a freddo espresso, should you prefer something cold), along with a slice of bougatsa (semolina custard-filled pastry) if you’re feeling peckish.

At about 10-15 minutes from the port, you will find one of the most impressive attractions on Lesbos is the Castle of Mytilene: a massive fortress from the 6th century CE that tells the island’s long story from the Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman eras. You can wander through the pine-covered grounds and enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean from its elevated position.

For a deeper dive into Mytilene’s history, head back into town and the new and old buildings of the Archeological Museum, where you can get a closer look at mosaics, sculptures, and other artifacts dating back to ancient times. Alternatively, you can head to the Yeni Mosque and the old Turkish quarter of Mytilene, which reveals the island’s shared history and heritage.

If you're also curious about the island’s artistic side, make sure you stop by the Teriade Museum of Modern Art, where you can marvel at curated works from legends like Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. 

The Castle of Mytilene is by the port, on the northeastern end of town

Hit the beach in Mytilene

After getting your bearings and exploring a bit of Mytilene, both past and present, you may have worked up a sweat, so it’s time to hit the beach! Whether you want to cool down with a quick dip, or are looking to unwind by the sea, Mytilene has you covered.

If you're sticking close to town, Tsamakia Beach is just a 10-minute stroll from the port. This is an organized, family-friendly beach with the crystal clear Aegean waters you have come to expect, along with a striking view of the Castle of Mytilene.

Alternatively, if don’t mind traveling a bit out of town, hop in taxi or rent a scooter and head over to Agios Ermogenis or Charamida, both of which are about a 20 to 30-minute drive away. Agios Ermogenis is a small bay with turquoise waters and surrounded by pine trees. Despite its proximity to Mytilene, the beach still feels like it flies under the radar and is the very definition of slow island life.

Charamida, just around the corner, is a longer stretch of golden sand with a much livelier atmosphere. As one of the most popular spots on the island for swimming and sunbathing, it has retained its natural beauty, with hotels and restaurants nearby making a day on the beach a stress-free, relaxed experience.

Mytilene will spoil you with its beaches

Savor local flavors and ouzo by the sea

By now, you will likely have worked up an appetite and lucky for you, gastronomy is Mytilene’s ace up its sleeve. There is no shortage of family-run tavernas and restaurants across the island where you can enjoy some of the finest local delicacies: sardelles pastes (salt-cured sardines), sougania (stuffed onions), and local cheeses such as ladotyri, and kolokythokorfades (stuffed zucchini flowers), which is one of the most delectable vegan dishes from the Greek islands.

Mytilene might not be the birthplace of ouzo, but the aniseed-flavored drink is deeply intertwined with the island’s culture and identity. Simply put, no meal in Mytilene is complete without a glass (or two), optionally served with ice or diluted! 

There are many dedicated ouzeries in Mytilene by the seaside, where you can try different varieties with a side of mezedes (finger food to nibble). For an extra treat, you can also arrange to tour one of the many ouzo distilleries on the island, to get an idea of the artisanship that goes into creating the iconic Greek apéritif. 

Ouzo goes great with sardines and meze

Return to Turkey

As the sun begins to set, it’s time for your return trip to Turkey. Again, you have multiple options, depending on your schedule and where your accommodation is located on the Turkish Riviera.

The Mytilene-Ayvalik ferry route has most crossings, with the last departure for the day usually scheduled at 19:45. The ferry docks in Turkey at around 21:00, with tickets priced from €30.

Alternatively, you can also catch the afternoon ferry from Mytilene to Dikili, which normally departs at 18:00. With a travel time of just 30 minutes, you will be back in Turkey at 18:30 and ticket prices start at €35.

Finally, the weekly return ferry to Alsancak from Mytilene usually sets sail on Sundays at 17:00. The journey to the Izmir port normally takes 2 hours 45 minutes and ticket prices start at €60.

Tip: for all your return options in greater detail, check out our guide on Greece - Turkey ferries.

Until next time, Mytilene!

If you fall in love with Mytilene (and you might!), it’s worth staying a night or two to explore more of the Greek island and beyond! On Ferryhopper, use the Map of ferries to chart your cross-country island-hopping adventure in the Aegean and then you can book your ferry tickets online in just a few clicks!