Molyvos (Mithymna)

Wednesday in Greece, the weather is pleasant, slightly overcast and somewhere in the mid-60’s. Yesterday we saw a young couple on the beach dressed in swimming suits, and in the water for a brief time. Actually the young lady dipped her toe in the water and urged the guy to dive in, after some hesitation he did just that, mere seconds later there was a yell and he bounded out of the water headed for a beach towel. So while the young and foolhardy go swimming in early April, the older folks are content to sit and watch the young people get cold.

This morning we stopped at the mineral springs and spent about one half hour in the hot water, this seemed to be a better idea than jumping in the cold ocean. Later we drove to Molyvos, which is supposed to be the tourist capital of the island. Molyvos is on the North end of the island which requires a long drive through hills and valleys, on narrow winding roads and through several small villages. The drive is through olive groves, along the coast with great views of the Aegean Sea, and finally a view of Molyvos that is truly a postcard view.

The region of Molyvos is known for ancient vineyards, and of course full of Legends about Achilles, the birthplace of Arion, the 7^th century BC poet. The village is built on the hillside which is topped by a Byzantine castle later modified by the Genoese adventurer Frencesco Gattelluzi in 1373. In 1462 the castle fell into Turkish hands during the campaign of Mohammed the Conqueror. Until 1923 over a third of the population was Muslim and the architecture of the buildings reflects the Turkish influence. In 1923 politics forced the relocation of all the Turkish peoples from Lesvos to Turkey and Greeks in Turkey were sent back to Greece. This relocation ripped friends apart and changed both the Turkish and Greek countryside. Just another chapter in the centuries old conflicts in this part of the world. Molyvos is the Turkish name of the town, the Greek name Mithymna has been revived in recent times and is used as an alternative. Overall this is a beautiful town with a nice harbor and lots of hotels, but of course none are open since it is still early in the season.