Is Lesbos expensive to visit?
In Lesbos, budget travelers spend $141 (€121) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $323 (€276) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $618 (€528) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lesbos.
Lesbos is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Lesbos can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lesbos is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Syros or Venice.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lesbos Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lesbos?
The average Lesbos trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lesbos travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lesbos cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Lesbos on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Lesbos on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $141 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Lesbos, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $323 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Lesbos. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Vicky Studios and Apartments is a great choice for kids, and Aklidi Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Lesbos hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $618 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Lesbos
The cost of hotels in Lesbos can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $57, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $106. Budget hotels range from $38 to $203, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lesbos for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $276 (€235). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $138 (€117) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lesbos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lesbos include:
- Archontiko Petras 1821 starting at $60
- Aeolian Gaea Hotel starting at $73
- Aphrodite Hotel Lesbos starting at $72
- Heliotrope Hotels starting at $73
- Porto Lesvos I starting at $34
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Lesbos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $72 (€61) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lesbos. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lesbos is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$72
€61
Getting to Lesbos is straightforward, with Mytilene International Airport receiving domestic flights year-round and international flights during summer. According to Greeka, there are daily flights from Athens, with a flight time of about 45 minutes.
Ferries connect Lesbos to Piraeus (Athens' port) and other Aegean islands, however the ferry rides can be fairly long.
Once on the island, renting a car is the most flexible way to explore. Several agencies offer rentals, with prices starting from around €30 per day. For budget travelers, the island's bus network (KTEL Lesvos) connects major towns and villages, with fares starting from around €2 for short journeys.
Taxis are readily available in larger towns, but can be expensive for longer trips. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the flatter coastal areas.
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
How much does it cost to go to Lesbos? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lesbos will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lesbos
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lesbos can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lesbos is $139 (€119) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$139
€119
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lesbos is around $139 (€119) per person, with previous travelers spending from $61 to $265. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lesbos are as follows:
- Breakfast: $14 to $42
- Lunch: $21 to $56
- Dinner: $42 to $97
- Coffee: $11
- Fast Food or Street Food: $21
Lesbos is renowned for its culinary traditions, with a focus on fresh seafood, local produce, and the island's famous olive oil. Ouzo, the anise-flavored aperitif, is a local specialty, with several distilleries offering tours and tastings.
Don't miss the chance to try ladotyri, a hard cheese aged in olive oil, and sardeles pastes, salted sardines - both Protected Designation of Origin products. For a sweet treat, indulge in amygdalota, almond cookies that are a Lesbos specialty.
For an authentic dining experience, visit tavernas in smaller villages like Skala Kallonis, known for its sardines, or Plomari, famous for its ouzo production. In Mytilene, the waterfront restaurants offer fresh seafood with beautiful harbor views.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lesbos
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lesbos typically cost an average of $44 (€37) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$44
€37
Lesbos boasts an array of captivating sights that showcase its natural beauty and rich history. The Petrified Forest, a protected natural monument, is a must-visit. Located in the western part of the island, this 15,000-hectare park features fossilized tree trunks dating back 20 million years. The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in Sigri provides fascinating insights into this geological wonder.
In Mytilene, the island's capital, you'll find the impressive Castle of Mytilene, one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean. Built in the 6th century AD, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Turkish coast. The Archaeological Museum of Mytilene houses a rich collection of artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman era, providing a comprehensive overview of the island's history.
For art enthusiasts, the Teriade Museum in Varia showcases works by renowned 20th-century artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. The nearby Theophilos Museum, dedicated to the painter Theophilos Hatzimihail, offers a unique glimpse into traditional Greek art.
Lesbos offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island's diverse landscapes provide excellent hiking opportunities. The E6 European long-distance path crosses Lesbos, offering trails for all skill levels. One popular route is the 24-kilometer hike from Agiasos to Karini, which takes you through pine forests and olive groves.
Beach enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with over 100 beaches dotting the island's coastline. Vatera Beach, stretching for 7 kilometers, is one of the longest in Greece. For a unique experience, visit the hot springs at Eftalou, where you can soak in natural thermal baths overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Birdwatching is another popular activity, especially in the Kalloni Gulf, a Natura 2000 protected area. Over 279 bird species have been recorded on Lesbos, making it a paradise for ornithologists.
Lesbos, Greece
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.