North to South Tour of Lesbos

Last night's sunset over Molyvos - our last one there.

























Bid goodbye to Molyvos this morning and drove through Sikamanias (missing out a visit to the beach this time!). Great drive through the mountains to Mandamos, past a prison and Greek Army war games. After miles and miles of wiggly roads, it was a delight to hit a straight length and coast down to the coast. We stopped for a break at Thermi (opposite hot springs and a rather magnificent dilapidated old hotel), where we saw our first recycling bins on Lesbos.



Also saw this rather fine circular building - speculated that it may have been a windmill, not sure what it has been turned into.


Then we went on to Pyrgi Thermi in search of tower houses - saw a couple. Then it was on to Panagiouda, where we stopped for lunch - delicious sardines in a local taverna (pictures on Su's blog. On the way there, we passed this church with shining roof.


Also an inspiring bas relief of some sort.


Saw a derelict olive press with bites out of the chimney.


After that, we went to Moria in search of an ancient aqueduct. We were on the right road but did not spot it, despite the signs, and ended up on the north shore of the Gulf of Geras. We went down to Kedro and admired the view.


Found another in what is becoming single-Greek-shoes collection.


After that it was off to (another) Pyrgi and on to Loutra, before once more climbing into the hills and the coast road. Somewhere on the way, we passed this wonderful olive grove bursting with flowers.


Positively Monet-ish.


Drove into Mytilini town and amazingly navigated our way straight back to the car parking area at the back of the rather swish hotel we have treated ourselves to. After coffee, it was time for a shower and thinking about dinner. Tomorrow, we hop on a Sky Express plane to Rhodes, where we'll stay for the night. Symi on Wednesday!

This day a year ago, we walked down into town to Toppings bookshop for a guided walk that we abandoned for our own route back up the hill.




Apologies again for the mismatch of text and pictures. The sequence of both should make sense....