Car & Van Hire - Lesvos

The island of Lesvos has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the capital of Mytilene dating back to at least 1100 BC. However, there's evidence of settlement dating back far earlier than this. With car and van hire in Lesvos, you can enjoy every archaeological wonder, pristine beach and historic town this island has to offer.

Looking to enjoy some sun, sea and sand during your stay? With car hire in Lesvos, you can enjoy some of the best beaches in Europe. Agios Isidoros is often shortlisted as one of the finest beaches in all of Greece. Here, you'll find turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches. What's more, you're only a short stroll from the town of Plomari, offering plenty of dining options if you're feeling hungry after a swim.

Eager to explore the coastline? Vatera is the longest beach on the island by a comfortable margin, with more than 8 kilometres of shingles and sand to discover. With so much distance to cover, there's plenty of variety here. You'll find long stretches of near-empty beach, along with more bustling areas with live music and bars.

In the mood for some culture? Just a short drive from Mytilene is the Theophilos Museum, which houses an exhibit dedicated to the local folk artist Theophilos Chatzimichael. If you're a fan of history, head to the Archeological Museum of Mytilini. An impressive selection of unearthed treasures is spread between two grand halls, with several pieces dating back to the Palaeolithic era. The site is also home to its own natural history museum.

Ready for something completely different? You'll find the Lesvos Petrified Forest in the vicinity of the villages of Sigri and Eressos. This stretch of fossilised woodland is a geological heritage site and is awaiting UNESCO World Heritage status. The site is thought to be the result of a supervolcanic eruption some 20 million years ago.

Other must-see sights include the Castle of Mytilene. This foreboding fortress is one of the largest in the Mediterranean and dates back to at least the 6th century, although many archaeologists believe the castle was built on top of an older complex.

Want to immerse yourself in local life? A day trip to the Bay of Gera is a must. Gera was once one of the busiest harbours in Lesvos and still serves as a bustling port town. If you want to relax and unwind, there are few better destinations for a lazy afternoon or evening meal as you take in the sight of an Aegean sunset.

Despite being one of the largest Greek islands, Lesvos doesn't have its own rail network. As such, car hire is the only way to explore this epic isle. With 320 kilometres of coastal roads, this enchanting destination offers unbeatable scenic routes. Greek National Road 36 is the main highway on the island, providing a convenient route between Mytilene and the town of Kalloni to the west.

If it's your first time driving on the island, you might find the road network a little less sophisticated than what you're used to. Outside of the major towns, road quality varies. Many roads are paved rather than smooth-surfaced, which can be a culture shock for many motorists. What's more, many secondary roads have few, if any, markings. Therefore, it's essential that you plan your journeys ahead of time. If you're heading inland, bear in mind that the terrain gets more mountainous.

As with the rest of Greece, motorists in Lesvos drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are also shared with the mainland, but there's no guarantee that local drivers and other visitors will stick to them. As a general rule, speed limits are capped at 50 k/ph in urban areas, rising to 90 k/ph on secondary roads. On highways, speed limits can be as high as 130 k/ph. While road markings are few and far between on rural roads, speed limits are clearly marked on national roads.

There's plenty of parking scattered across Lesvos. Free parking is ample, with many free spots available in Mytilene. However, if you're visiting during the tourism season, you'll almost certainly have to seek out pay and display parking spaces. Parking tickets can be purchased from nearby kiosks and shops. However, bear in mind that shops tend to close early here, so don't leave it until late in the afternoon to pay for your parking.

While you won't have to worry about traffic when exploring the smaller towns and villages, you may encounter congestion when driving in Mytilene. This city is home to around 30,000 people, with many more heading into town daily for work. If you plan on getting behind the wheel, time your outward journey so you don't clash with commuter traffic.