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Molivos
Molivos is an enchanting town on the tranquil island of Lesvos, it is also a popular holiday resort in the Mediterranean offering a serene, laid-back ambience from its pretty harbour right through the tiers of red-roofed stone houses that slope up from the blue sea to a hilltop crowned with a medieval castle. Molivos was known as Mithymna in ancient days and has been occupied since prehistoric times, as a visit to the town's archaeological museum will demonstrate. Lazy days in Molivos are spent bathing, snorkelling, and sunbathing on the pebbly beach, or strolling the quaint cobbled streets of the wisteria-shaded market around the central square. As the day wanes, sip a cocktail on the balcony with a spectacular sunset as a backdrop, followed up by a delicious Greek dinner under the stars at a taverna on the waterfront. Many visitors confess to finding Molivos 'too good to be true', almost a stage setting for the perfect Greek village, and as one watches the world go gently by from a wisteria-shaded taverna it is easy to agree with this perception. Although it does become very crowded during the height of summer, the town is a protected conservation area and will hopefully retain its authentic atmosphere.
The resort of Molivos is picturesque and shopping can be an atmospheric experience through the cobbled alleys of the central square to the main market, which is shaded by vibrant foliage. Among the many touristy souvenirs on offer there is also plenty of local produce and crafts. While not designed for serious shop-aholics, browsing here is a pleasant way to pass an hour or two. There is also a supermarket for self-caterers.
The traditional tavernas in Molivos offer and excellent range of delicious Greek cuisine and are located in harbour region of the town. This being a fishing village, seafood is obviously the pride of most local menus, particularly mackerel and sardines. Most popular with holidaymakers is The Captain's Table overlooking the harbour, which serves up great Greek fish dishes and other specialities as well as some Italian pasta. Also recommended is the Galley restaurant, famed for its Greek desserts and mouth-watering lamb.
Holidays in Molivos offer a lively nightlife with several bars and clubs in the town, although it is not a clubbers town, the night activities are flamboyant enough to entertain the many visitors to the resort. Others prefer sipping ouzo to the strains of a bazouki, or passing their evening wining and dining over stimulating conversation in a relaxed taverna. Most of the nighttime noise and bustle is set well away from the hotels, so those who enjoy early nights will not be disturbed. In high summer Molivos has a popular arts festival with performances at the Castle, and there is also an open-air cinema showing English films.
The pebbled beach of Molivos has crystalline waters and a vast range of water sports available and for those who prefer sand beaches; they are within easy access of the town. Those who are more active can enjoy walking either up or down the coast to find their own secluded hide-away for bathing or snorkelling. Just a short distance to the south, at Petra, there is a broad sandy beach for those who dislike the pebbles. Aside from exploring the village, visitors can take organised excursions or hire their own transport and take off to see the sights of the rest of the island, which are many and varied. A popular outing is to experience the natural thermal baths at Eftalou, to the east of Molivos. There are also various boat trips on offer at the harbour, some to the Turkish mainland, or for a fun alternative try donkey trekking.
