The most picturesque town on Lesvos island, Molivos, on the
northern-western tip, is also it's most popular holiday resort,
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.
