Travel guide – molivos
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Overview
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.
Shopping
Molivos has an enjoyable market to explore, set along cobble-stoned alleys radiating from the central square, and shaded by lush 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.
Restaurants
To really appreciate dining in Molivos visitors have to be prepared to 'go Greek' and sample the fare on offer at the many traditional tavernas, sited mainly around the harbour and the market area. 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.
Nightlife
While it may not be crammed with rowdy young clubbers and pubbers, Molivos is not totally devoid of jolly after-dark activity with a variety of lively bars in the town, and a few discos and clubs on the fringes, with enough energetic youngsters to fill them. 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 night-time 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.
Activities
Molivos is built on a rock, and therefore the town's beach is covered in coarse grey pebbles: it is, however, pristine and washed by crystal clear water, well supplied with sunbeds and seasonal watersports. 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.
Climate
Lesvos has a Mediterranean climate with short, wet winters and warm, dry summers and a high percentage of sunshine throughout the year. May, June and September are the most pleasant months to visit, with little rain and cooler temperatures than the suffocating heat of the summer months, where temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C).
Health
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a precaution.
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