Car & Van Hire - Mitilini

The capital of the Greek island of Lesbos, Mitilini, is captivating the moment you see it. Built over seven hills, it has traditional houses on a maze of narrow streets. The massive dome of the church of St Therapon, which may seem more like a cathedral, dominates the skyline. It's an ideal spot for some cultural sightseeing or just for a gentle stroll through the streets before you head off to the beach to soak up the sun.

Start your trip with a visit to the castle, high on one of Mitilini's seven hills. Historians believe that there was originally an acropolis on this site, with the castle being built in the Byzantine era. This is a marvellous castle with plenty to explore: the old Ottoman baths, the spooky crypts and the impressive towers. If you're visiting Lesbos in the summer, check out the programme. The castle hosts a series of events throughout peak season, including concerts, shows and exhibitions.

What would a trip to Greece be without some ancient history? While you're in Mitilini, make sure you swing by the Archaeological Museum. The most impressive sights here include ancient statues and stunning mosaics. Check out the tile pictures of the gods, animals and geometric designs, all in remarkably well-preserved condition. For even more history, you can pay a visit to the Byzantine Museum, which has a wide collection of religious icons.

Everywhere you go in town, you'll be able to see the dome of the church of St Therapon. Make sure you visit the church itself, with its stunning interiors. The church took over one hundred years to build. It was finally completed in 1935 and has become an iconic sight in the town, with its fascinating blend of different archaeological styles.

Car hire in Mitilini will let you go beyond the edge of town and discover more of the island of Lesbos. Visit a distillery on the outskirts of Mitilini to learn how ouzo is made, then continue to the beach at Agios Isidoros. This is a family-friendly beach, ideal for snorkelling in the clear waters. Something more dramatic can be found at Skala Eressos beach, with its volcanic sands. This has long been a hotspot for the LGBT community and hippies, and you'll find a number of massage services and yoga studios in the nearby village.

With car or van hire in Mitilini, you can also visit the Lesbos Petrified Forest, a one-of-a-kind sight that has no equivalent anywhere in Europe. These fossilised tree trunks date back 20 million years and were petrified by volcanic eruptions. It's a spooky, remarkable place to visit that is sure to leave its mark on your memory.

You will not be able to drive in the old town of Mitilini. Even if streets are not explicitly closed to cars, they are narrow, cobbled and far from ideal for motorists. It's a lot easier to park in the harbour area and explore the city on foot - although be warned, this is a very hilly town!

When driving around Lesbos, you'll find roads of varying quality. Be prepared for potholes and uneven surfaces, particularly on the access roads that lead to the beach. A 4WD is not necessary - in fact, it would create more problems than it solves, as most roads on Lesbos are very narrow. You'll need to take things slowly, navigating carefully over bumpy patches. It's best to avoid driving at night if you can help it, as the roads are often badly lit, and it will be harder to watch out for potholes and other hazards.

Lesbos is an island that depends on tourism, so there are always more cars on the roads in the summer months. You'll find car parks beside all the major beaches and attractions. However, these are often quite haphazard, with unmarked bays on uneven ground. If you get to the beach early in the morning, you'll have an easier time finding a spot. Be warned, though - later arrivals may block you in when choosing their own unofficial parking space.

Like most islands in the Aegean, Lesbos is very mountainous, and you won't find many straight roads. This leads to some really incredible views as you drive around the island, but you'll need to prepare yourself for lots of tight twists and turns. Watch out for motorbikes and mopeds, which are extremely popular with young Greeks, and which can come whizzing around a bend at breakneck speed.

You'll also need to keep an eye out for wandering animals, with stray dogs and herds of goats being the most common sight. Give dogs a wide berth and remain cautious around the goats. They often have no fear of cars and may try to attack your vehicle if you honk at them.