Mytilene, Greece

Capital City

With a population of just 27,871, Mytilene is a sleepy Greek island town that can't quite shake its bureaucratic headaches. The seat of the North Aegean Region, this port city serves as the administrative center, but its quaint charm belies the persistent hassles of local government. While the climate is balmy, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters, the silt-filled harbor is a far cry from the sparkling beaches that draw tourists to other Aegean isles. For those seeking an authentic Greek island experience, Mytilene may offer cultural riches, but the grind of daily life can be a turnoff.