Overview
Mytilini is the capital of Lesvos, the third-largest Greek island and one of the most authentic corners of the Aegean. Expect a working harbour town of grand neoclassical mansions, ouzo distilleries, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and beaches that stay refreshingly uncrowded even in high summer. It's a brilliant choice for UK travellers who want real Greek island life rather than a resort strip, with excellent food, hot springs, and the fascinating Petrified Forest a short drive away.
Best time to fly to Mytilini
The main season for flights to Mytilini runs from May to October, when the island is warm, dry and at its most lively. July and August are hottest and busiest, so if you'd rather avoid the peak crowds and higher fares, June and September offer excellent weather with a calmer pace. Outside the summer months, flight choice narrows considerably, so check the When to book chart above for the best windows to fly.
Airlines and routes
During peak season, leisure carriers such as TUI Airways and Jet2 typically operate direct seasonal flights to Mytilini from a handful of UK regional airports, with a flight time of around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours. Outside these seasonal windows, the most reliable option is flying into Athens with an airline such as British Airways or Aegean Airlines (roughly 3 hours 40 minutes from London), then taking a short onward domestic hop of about 45 minutes to Mytilini with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air. Comparing both direct and connecting options is worth doing, as the price charts on this page show how fares shift across the year.
Things to do in Mytilini
Beyond the airport transfer, the island rewards a few days of exploring:
- Mytilini Old Town and Castle: Wander the harbourfront and climb up to the Byzantine-Genoese castle for sweeping sea views.
- Petrified Forest of Lesvos: A UNESCO-listed geopark of fossilised trees millions of years old, near Sigri.
- Molyvos (Mithymna): A postcard-perfect hillside village with a hilltop castle and pebble beaches below.
- Thermal Springs of Eftalou and Polichnitos: Natural hot springs right on the coast, a Lesvos speciality.
- Plomari: The island's ouzo capital, with distillery visits and a charming seafront old town.
At Mytilini International Airport (MJT)
Mytilini International Airport "Odysseas Elytis" sits only around 5-8km south of Mytilini town, making it one of the more convenient Greek island airports. Taxis take roughly 10-15 minutes into the centre, local buses run on a limited timetable, and pre-booking a transfer or hiring a car at arrivals is the easiest way to reach hotels further afield on the island.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mytilini
- Book seasonal direct flights as early as possible once schedules are released, since summer capacity is limited and seats sell out.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is often cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with dates either side of your ideal week and use the price charts above to spot the best-value days.
- Compare direct seasonal charters against connecting flights via Athens, as one route can work out noticeably cheaper depending on the month.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in Greece and can visit visa-free for tourism, though a passport valid for the length of your stay is required. Greece uses the euro (€), so budget in pounds and check your card provider's overseas fees before you travel. No special vaccinations are needed, and UK travellers should carry a valid GHIC or EHIC card for access to state healthcare while in Greece.
