About
Antissa (Ancient Greek: Ἄντισσα) was a city of the island Lesbos (Lesvos), near to Cape Sigrium, the western point of Lesbos. The place had a harbour. The ruins found by Richard Pococke at Calas Limneonas, a little NE. of cape Sigri, may be those of Antissa. This place was the birthplace of Terpander, who is said to be the inventor of the seven-stringed lyre.
Before you go
What to expect
Walking through the ruins of ancient Antissa, you feel the full remoteness of Lesvos's northwestern edge — wind off Cape Sigri, sparse vegetation, and the silence of a once-thriving harbour city. This was the birthplace of Terpander, the musician credited with inventing the seven-stringed lyre, which gives the site an almost mythic quality beyond the scattered stonework. It rewards visitors who come for contemplation rather than polished interpretation.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are most pleasant; the exposed northwestern coast can be very windy in July and August.
How to get there
From Mytilene, drive northwest toward Sigri and the village of Archaia Adissa — expect roughly an hour and a half on winding roads through the island's interior and western landscape.
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Make a day of it
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