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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.
The Stick Shed in Murtoa is a second World War grain storage area so unique that it has pride of place on the Australian Heritage Register. Who would have thought there would be a forest of mountain ash trees in the Wimmera.
Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake. The lake is famous for its sky reflections when it is filled with water (it’s called a sky mirror) so the best time to visit is during the July/November period.
If Saint-Malo is for pirates, Dinard is for elegance! Situated in a lovely position overlooking the Rance Estuary, the beautiful 19th century villas are just made for the aristocracy.