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We hired a car in the capitol of Lesbos, Mytilini, and headed up the coast.
Our goal was Molyvos – and don’t be confused with the ancient sign posting as the town was called Methymna; or is still called that, I could never really work it out.
Molyvos is one of the most enchanting villages that you will find on a Greek island. It clusters up the hill towards the (magnificent) Genoese castle, the stone houses crowding the cobblestoned streets that are draped in ancient wisteria vines.The fishing boats rock gently behind the sea wall of the harbour on the point, and in between all of this we found the wonderful hospitality of the restaurant called ‘Once Upon a Time in Molyvos’. I’m afraid to say that the restaurant may have been aptly named because Penny and Kosta are no longer in Molyvos and I believe they have moved back to Athens.
Molyvos - stone houses crowding cobblestoned streets that are draped in ancient wisteria vines
We used Molyvos as a base to see the rest of the island and stayed there for eight days. After a day of sightseeing, we would return to our little balcony around 4pm and have a glass of wine. At around 7.30pm (maybe early by Greek standards) we would wander down to the quay and ask Penny what was special that night (and it always was special).
Some tourists will go to a different restaurant each night. We prefer (providing the first one is a good one) to stay the course and build up a relationship.
Molyvos is a lovely place – but don’t rush in and rush out. Take your time to let its magic be absorbed.
Have a quiet ouzo with some meze at one of the restaurants on the harbour and watch the fishing boats bring in their catch, climb up through the wisteria covered alleys of the town and buy a trinket or two, visit the castle on top of the hill and look at the view – enjoy yourself.
Skiathos is a small Greek island with some historical significance – it was here in 1807 that the blue and white Greek flag was first flown. The ceremony took place at the Evangelistria Monastery which is about 10 minutes out of town (or around 2 hours if you walk).
It’s worth all the steps up to the Molyvos Castle. Besides the view, you pass a lot of shops on the way up.
Mytilini, the capitol of Lesbos is situated on a harbour that is circled by shops, houses, restaurants, churches and a huge castle.
Most visitors to the picturesque Phillip Island are day-trippers who come especially to see the penguins as they surf ashore at dusk and waddle up to their burrows with full tummies to feed their young. We made our visit a four-day trip to have a decent break, enjoy the peaceful surrounds and experience some of the gastronomical highlights of the island.
Whalers Way on Eyre Peninsula The very tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia reveals magnificent coastal scenery in a drive along Whalers Way.
Ortigia – Syracusa’s Stunning Island The ancient island of Ortigia has many delights. The Fountain of Diana in the Archimedes Square on Ortigia Island. Syracusa