North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos
Six days across three North Aegean islands: Molyvos and the Petrified Forest on Lesbos, Mesta and Nea Moni on Chios, and Pythagoreio and the Heraion on Samos.
- Distance
- 337 km (210 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 39 min
- Suggested days
- 6
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- May 12, 2026
At a glance: 6-day road trip of about 337 km (210 mi) with 6 stops, from Molyvos (Mithymna), Lesbos to Heraion of Samos. About 4 h 39 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece
Route description
These are three separate islands, so you need ferries or flights between them and to reach the first; check the current timetable, services are thinner outside summer, and book vehicle space early if you bring a motorhome. Begin on Lesbos at Molyvos (Mithymna), a hillside town of stone houses, tiled roofs and cobbled lanes above a fishing harbour. Climb the lane from the agora to the castle for one of the island’s best views.
In the west of Lesbos lies the Petrified Forest, a protected natural monument where tree trunks, roots and leaves were fossilised by volcanic eruptions 17 to 20 million years ago. Sigri Park has walking trails, and the Natural History Museum in Sigri is the place to pick up a guide to the park. Distances on Lesbos are long, so allow time for the drive.
On Chios, head south to Mesta, a medieval village-castle with a pentagonal fortified perimeter and labyrinthine lanes built to repel pirate raids and strengthened under Genoese rule. Mastic growing, recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage, is its main activity. The narrow lanes are best explored on foot; a motorhome is better left outside the village.
Nea Moni is an 11th-century Byzantine monastery begun in 1042, known for mosaics among the finest of the Macedonian Renaissance. It stands on Mount Provateio about 15 km from Chios town and is still a working convent. Dress respectfully when you visit.
On Samos, Pythagoreio is a harbour town with ancient fortifications, Roman remains and a museum, part of a UNESCO site listed in 1992. About 2 km to the north is the 1,036 m aqueduct tunnel dug from both ends in the 6th century BC. The Heraion, a sanctuary of Hera, lies roughly 6 to 8 km away, where a single column survives of a temple once surrounded by 155 columns.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Molyvos (Mithymna), Lesbos
HistoryMolyvos, GreeceA hillside town on northern Lesbos of stone houses, tiled roofs and cobbled lanes above a fishing harbour, crowned by a castle on the site of the ancient acropolis. Climb the lane from the agora to the castle for a view rated among the island's best.
- 239 km
Petrified Forest of Lesbos
NatureSigri, GreeceA protected natural monument in western Lesbos where tree trunks, roots and leaves were fossilised by volcanic eruptions 17 to 20 million years ago. Sigri Park has walking trails, and the Natural History Museum in Sigri is the place to pick up a guide to the park.
- 3133 km
Mesta and the Mastic Villages, Chios
HistoryMesta, GreeceA medieval village-castle in southern Chios, its pentagonal fortified perimeter and labyrinthine lanes built to repel pirate raids and strengthened under Genoese rule. Mastic growing, recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage, is its main activity; the narrow lanes are best explored on foot.
- 423 km
Nea Moni, Chios
HistoryChios, GreeceAn 11th-century Byzantine monastery begun in 1042 under Constantine IX Monomachos and Empress Zoe, known for mosaics among the finest of the Macedonian Renaissance. It stands on Mount Provateio about 15 km from Chios town and is still a working convent.
- 5136 km
Pythagoreio and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, Samos
HistoryPythagoreio, GreeceA harbour town on Samos with ancient fortifications, Roman remains and a museum, part of a UNESCO site listed in 1992. About 2 km to the north, reachable by car or on foot, is the 1,036 m aqueduct tunnel dug from both ends in the 6th century BC.
- 67 km
Heraion of Samos
HistoryPythagoreio, GreeceAn ancient sanctuary of Hera, traditionally her birthplace, where a vast 6th-century BC temple once stood among 155 columns; one lone column survives. It lies roughly 6 to 8 km from Pythagoreio, so combine it with a visit to the town.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
6 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Molyvos (Mithymna), Lesbos → Petrified Forest of Lesbos · 39 km · 0 h 32 min
- Day 2: Petrified Forest of Lesbos → Mesta and the Mastic Villages, Chios · 133 km · 1 h 50 min
- Day 3: Mesta and the Mastic Villages, Chios → Nea Moni, Chios · 23 km · 0 h 19 min
- Day 4: Nea Moni, Chios → Pythagoreio and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, Samos · 136 km · 1 h 53 min
- Day 5: Pythagoreio and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, Samos → Heraion of Samos · 7 km · 0 h 06 min
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Petrified Forest of Lesbos → Mesta and the Mastic Villages, Chios. Ferry crossing needed
- Nea Moni, Chios → Pythagoreio and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, Samos. Ferry crossing needed
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos?
6-day road trip of about 337 km (210 mi) with 6 stops, from Molyvos (Mithymna), Lesbos to Heraion of Samos. About 4 h 39 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos?
We suggest 6 days: about 4 h 39 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos start and end?
It starts in Molyvos (Mithymna), Lesbos and ends in Heraion of Samos.
Which countries does North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos?
OpenStreetMap lists 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Molivos Camping (CLOSED).
When is the best time for North Aegean: Lesbos, Chios and Samos?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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