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Midilli (Lesvos) Adası, Mytilini — Yunanistan Adaları · 4 active ferry routes
The main port located in Mytilini, the capital of Lesvos Island. It serves as the eastern terminal for the Ayvalık-Lesvos route, situated near Mytilini Castle and the Statue of Sappho. Lesvos is the second closest Greek island to Turkey.
Mytilini Port is the main gateway to Lesvos, the third largest island in Greece. Located in the island's capital of the same name, this port has historically served as a strategic and commercial hub in the Aegean Sea. As the capital of ancient Lesvos and the homeland of the famous lyric poet Sappho, this region welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year, blending its rich historical heritage with modern port operations.
Positioned as the second closest Greek island to the Turkish coast, Lesvos is only 25 kilometers (approximately 14 nautical miles) away from the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir. This proximity makes the port a highly attractive destination, especially for Turkish tourists and day-trippers. The port is equipped to handle not only passenger transport but also car ferries and commercial vessels. The coastline, bearing traces of traditional Greek architecture, welcomes docking ships, while the magnificent Mytilini Castle rising right next to the port gives visitors their first glimpses into the island's deep-rooted past.
Mytilini Port is situated on the eastern coast of the island, facing the Anatolian mainland. With exact coordinates of 39.1064° N latitude and 26.5550° E longitude, the port is located right in the heart of the city. This central location allows passengers disembarking from the ferry to walk directly to the city center, hotels, restaurants, and shopping streets without needing any additional transportation.
The port complex consists of customs buildings, passport control checkpoints, waiting lounges, and ticket sales offices. There is a wide ramp and waiting area for car ferries, while separate and safe walking corridors are allocated for foot passengers. The southern part of the port is mostly reserved for commercial ships and large cruise liners, whereas the northern part serves catamarans and car ferries arriving from Turkey, as well as domestic vessels operating to the Greek mainland (Piraeus) and other islands.
Internationally, the busiest traffic at Mytilini Port is on the Ayvalık-Lesvos route. Ferries departing from Ayvalık reach Mytilini Port in approximately 90 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions, as well as the type of vessel used (fast catamaran or standard car ferry). During the summer months, multiple daily round-trip sailings are scheduled on this route to meet the high passenger demand.
In addition, Mytilini Port is a critical transfer hub for Greece's domestic maritime transport. Regular sailings operate from here to Athens' main port of Piraeus, as well as destinations like Chios, Lemnos, and Kavala. If you wish to expand your itinerary in the Aegean Sea, you can transit from here to other Greek Islands locations. For travelers seeking alternative routes and planning to hop between different islands, our Kuşadası–Samos Guide page also provides useful information about other popular crossing points in the Aegean.
Due to its geographical size, Lesvos Island has a well-developed transportation network. Mytilini Port is located right at the center of the island's transit system. Traveling by road from the port to other parts of the island is highly practical. Regular bus services operate from the KTEL (Greece Intercity Bus Network) terminal located just outside the port to popular tourist destinations on the island, such as the towns of Molyvos, Petra, Plomari, and Eressos.
For those who prefer air travel, Odysseas Elytis Airport, which is also open to international flights, is only 8 kilometers away from Mytilini Port. It is possible to reach the port from the airport in about 15-20 minutes by taxi or local buses. The airport hosts flights from major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as charter flights from various European cities during the summer months. Sea travel remains the backbone of transportation to the island, and the port provides uninterrupted service on both domestic and international routes.
Holding the status of an international border crossing, Mytilini Port is equipped to meet all the basic needs of passengers. After passport control, there is a Duty Free shop where you can make tax-free purchases. Inside the terminal building, there are air-conditioned waiting lounges, clean restrooms, and free Wi-Fi access.
As soon as you step outside the port, you can find car rental offices, currency exchange bureaus, and ATMs. Furthermore, numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants lined along the port street (Kountouriotou) offer quality alternatives to rest and grab a bite while waiting for your ferry or upon taking your first steps on the island. Travel agencies and ferry ticket sales offices are also lined up side by side at the port entrance.
From the moment you step into Mytilini Port, a rich cultural heritage welcomes you. Located just north of the port and accessible on foot, Mytilini Castle is one of the largest castles in the Eastern Mediterranean, bearing the architectural traces of the Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman periods. At the southern end of the port area stands the Statue of Sappho, dedicated to the island's most famous figure, the poet Sappho; this spot is also a popular meeting place for locals.
In the city center, the Ottoman-era Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and the historic bazaar streets draw attention. For those interested in antiquity, the Ancient Theater, built during the Hellenistic period and located in the upper parts of the city, is well worth a visit. The Old Port (Epano Skala) area stands out with its traditional tavernas and tranquil atmosphere.
As you head towards the inland and western parts of the island, the Petrified Forest, a natural wonder included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network located about 90 kilometers from Mytilini, awaits you. Additionally, the picturesque fishing village of Skala Sykamnias, 40 kilometers from the center, and Eressos, known as the birthplace of Sappho and boasting magnificent sandy beaches, are other essential spots on the island that must be explored.
All passengers traveling by sea from Turkey to Lesvos must hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity from their travel date. Additionally, the passport must not contain a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) entry-exit stamp. You can review the most up-to-date and detailed rules regarding border crossings and visa processes on our Passport and Visa Guide page.
Visa Status: European Union citizens can enter the island freely with their passports or national ID cards. Turkish citizens with a valid Schengen visa or a green passport (Special Passport) can also enter the island without the need for additional visa procedures. For Turkish citizens without a visa, the "Gate Visa" program implemented by the Greek government is available. Under this program, provided that the necessary documents are submitted to the agency a certain period before travel, a single-entry visa valid for up to 15 days can be obtained at Mytilini Port. For stays longer than 15 days, a standard Schengen visa application is mandatory.
Tickets, Baggage, and Check-in: Ferry tickets are issued personally and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Due to cancellation regulations, ticket cancellations are not permitted; however, for open-ticket formats, the right to change the date is offered up to at least 2 days before the departure. Full refunds are only issued to passengers if the sailing is canceled due to adverse weather conditions. As a baggage allowance, each passenger is permitted to carry 1 standard suitcase and 1 handbag free of charge; additional baggage is subject to a fee. According to customs rules, there is a limit of 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume per person upon entering Greece. Passengers must be present at the port at least 1.5 hours before the departure time for ticket control, passport, and customs procedures.
Traveling with Children: If children under the age of 18 are not traveling with both parents (traveling with a single parent or a third party), the original notarized letter of consent obtained from the non-traveling parent(s) must be presented to the border police.
For all the details you wonder about ticketing, port procedures, and pricing before your trip to Lesvos, you can visit our Ferry Prices page and compare sailings. Below you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions from our passengers.
Do I need to get a visa to go to Lesvos?
Yes, Turkish citizens holding an Ordinary (Maroon) passport must have a valid Schengen visa. If you do not have a visa, you can obtain a "Gate Visa" valid for up to 15 days at Mytilini Port by preparing the necessary documents in advance. Green passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.
Can I cancel or change my ferry ticket?
In accordance with international maritime rules, cancellations or refunds cannot be made on tickets. However, you can convert your ticket to an open ticket or request a date change at least 2 days (48 hours) before the departure time. You are only entitled to a full refund if the sailing is canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
What is the baggage limit on the ferry?
Each passenger has the right to carry 1 standard-size suitcase and 1 handbag (or backpack) free of charge. Additional baggage or bulky items exceeding these limits may be subject to a fee.
How long before the ferry departure should I be at the port?
To ensure the smooth completion of passport control, customs procedures, and ticket check-in processes, you are required to be present at Mytilini or Ayvalık port at least 1.5 hours before the departure time. It is of great importance to pay attention to this timeframe, especially during the summer months and public holidays.