MOLYVOS

Mithymna, or Molyvos as it was called during the middle ages, is truly an amazing town. When you pass through Petra and follow the coastal road you really are unprepared for the dramatic first view you get when you come around that last bend.

The town is situated on a small mountain topped by the dramatic Castle of Mithymna, built by the Byzantines and renovated by the Gattelusis, who were from Genoa and were ceded the island when Francesco Gattelusi married the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor John Paliologos. The original castle which this one replaced, was conquered by none other then Achilles during the Trojan war.

As one enters the village there is certainly a lot of tourist activity, at least more then anywhere else on the island. There are a number of interesting stores in Molyvos and visitors can pass the time between their afternoon naps and their first ouzo and dinner by looking at some of my favorites. There are a few interesting shops in the harbor but be sure to check out Mythos on the main street in the village as well as a few dozen other interesting gift shops and jewelry stores. If you are serious about reading go into the wisteria shaded agora and wander the car-free streets until you find the small book store called Bibliopoulio Estrabazario where you can also find maps, cards and other gifts.

Also, there is a stone beach and a small park in Molyvos down by what used to be the village Olive Oil factory but what is now the Olive Press Hotel, one of the most interesting hotels on the island. The Olive Press is a large stone building, broken up into different rooms with a beautiful courtyard garden, pool, and a very nice restaurant right on the water. The beach is small stones but once you get out a few feet this gives way to soft sand and there are few beaches that have the view you get when you turn around and face the land. It is a view of the town and castle so beautiful that you will risk the possible destruction of your camera in order to get a photo.

For those who crave a little nightlife with their relaxing holiday, Molyvos will not disappoint. There are many bars in town and a few discos and some large clubs on the outskirts of town and enough young people to make it interesting.