Lesbos Beaches

Lesvos island is one of the largest islands in all of Greece and is nicknamed the "Garden of the Aegean" for its lush and thick vegetation that covers it as well as for the magnanimous fruit trees and its mysterious pine forests.

When one thinks of Lesbos, two things first come to mind, the transgressive poetess Sappho and in recent years the migrants. Lesvos is much more, it is a fun, intriguing, interesting island from many points of view ranging from the culinary to the historical to the naturalistic, lively and generous and for this alone it deserves to be visited.

But now let's take care of its beaches which are already an excellent reason to think about taking a holiday in Greece. A sort of guideline to intrigue you and prepare an itinerary, know that on Lesvos there are as many as 76.

Vatera Beach

We find Vatera beach in a southeasterly direction in Lesvos near its homonymous village between the Gulf of Kalloni and the Gulf of Era, also not far from the Polincito village, famous for its hot mineral springs. The identifying sign of the island we can say since when Lesbos is sponsored most of the photographs are of Vatera beach. A long coastline that reaches almost eight meters (the longest in all of Greece) made of fine gold-colored sand bathed by crystalline and transparent waters, a turquoise sea with a seabed that descends slowly perfect for families with small children, for the elderly, for those who love swimming and for lovers of snorkelling or diving. For its natural beauty, it is awarded the European Blue Flag every year. Given its extension, it will be very difficult even in high season not to have your own privacy and your own corner of paradise as well as not having problems with the wind due to the rolling hills that protect it like a hug. Vatera beach is well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, typical taverns where you can taste the local delicacies, bars, small supermarkets and shops. For those who love do-it-yourself there are many free areas so you can put your beach towel wherever you think best. Sports enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in which activity to challenge their family or old and new friends. Snorkelling enthusiasts will be able to get lost in the immensity of the depths in search of some nice sea dweller. To reach the Vatera beach there is a comfortable paved road that crosses expanses of olive trees and enchanted woods or, if you have opted to rent a 4x4, a fun dirt road.

Plomari Beach

Plomari beach is located southwest of Mytilene the capital of the Lesbos island at a distance of about forty kilometers. She too has a very large beach made of soft light sand mixed with small pebbles with spectacular rock formations that emerge from the sea. Its waters are clear and clean, the sea takes on a turquoise color and its seabed gradually slopes down, therefore excellent for families with children, for those who love to enjoy long swims and for snorkelers so don't forget your mask, snorkel and fins no a nice underwater camera to immortalize the marine inhabitants. The environment surrounding Plomari beach is almost reminiscent of a Garden of Eden with its cliffs, hills dotted with Mediterranean scrub with tall maritime pines, and in contrast the colors of the Aegean. It is not an equipped beach, so remember to bring something to shelter during the hottest hours. The village of the same name is located on the right and offers its visitors all the comforts such as typical taverns where you can sit and have a meal based on very fresh fish, while on the beach there are beach bars for something fresh to drink or something quick to put under to the teeth. Reaching it is very easy, set the navigator for Plomari, park the car in the village and continue on foot towards the beach perhaps passing through its narrow streets with charming cafés where you can stop and have a chat with the locals and enjoy moments of true relaxation.

Agios Isidoros Beach

Agios Isidoros beach is located in the south-west area of Lesvos less than fifty kilometers from Mytelene and not far from the Plomari village famous for its excellent Ouzo. An extensive coastline composed of coarse golden sand, extremely transparent waters (think that the beach is continuously cleaned by the locals), a sparkling and intense blue sea, seabeds that descend slowly and rock formations for snorkelers. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar for drinks and food. Perfect for families with children and for those who want to spend a quiet day at the beach. If, on the other hand, you want a complete lunch, move to the Plomari village, there you will only be spoiled for choice in which tavern to sit. Agios Isidoros beach can be reached via the comfortable main paved road following the road signs. It is considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Greece and is awarded the Blue Flag every year.

Skala Eressou Beach

Skala Eressou beach is located in the northwest of the Lesvos island. The homonymous village of her is the place that gave birth to Sappho and we point out that in the month of September every year an important festival dedicated to women is celebrated in honor of the poetess. An expanse of no less than four kilometers in length but of reduced width with rolling hills covered with high vegetation behind it, light sand bathed by a blue sea with clear and transparent waters and a seabed that has a few pebbles that descend slowly, excellent if you have children followed or if you simply like to swim. Some rocks hide a lively fish fauna and flora to be discovered if you love snorkelling. Skala Eressou beach in the center is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while on the sides it is completely free and you can choose the place you like best. As for the restaurant just behind a choice of typical taverns, small bars, cafes, minimarkets and shops. She too is awarded the Blue Flag every year for the cleanliness of her natural environment and for the excellent services. Not far from the village, an enchanted forest with a lake where there is a large community of turtles now accustomed to humans so much that it could happen that they take food directly from your hands. However, despite progress and tourism, the whole area is still uncontaminated and hosts various species of birds including some storks that nest on the church bell tower every year. For a moment of respite from the beach you can take a relaxing walk in the hinterland where you will meet wild horses, foxes and the ever-present goats.

Sigri Beach

Still on the northwestern side (remember that Lesvos is a large island) at more or less 28 kilometers, we meet Sigri beach. Mytilene is almost a hundred kilometers away. With its namesake village, perfect for a relaxing holiday, Sigri beach is a long, curved coastline protected from the winds which is divided into several areas. The smallest is the city beach in the center which has a soft golden sand beach, crystalline and transparent waters, an intense blue sea and a seabed that slowly increases, therefore excellent for families with children. Equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a classic tavern and a kiosk where you can find refreshing drinks. From this position a beautiful view of an ancient Turkish temple. On the sides, however, Sigri beach becomes wild, uncontaminated and completely free, here you can put yourself where you feel most inspired, but remember to bring everything you need. A paradise for lovers of snorkelling and long swims. This part of the Lesvos island is always tempered by a light breeze here, even in the height of the summer season you will never feel a suffocating heat making you have a wonderful night's sleep. For about a kilometer and a half of beach called Faneromeni instead the wind is felt above all in the month of September so much so that surf enthusiasts during the autumn find themselves riding the small waves that form, small because right in front of  Megalonisi islet slows down the breaths of Aeolus. Sigri beach can be reached from the main road, keeping the village as a point of reference.

Skala Kallonis Beach

We find Skala Kalloni beach in the northwest about fifty kilometers from the capital Mytilene inserted in a beautiful bay with its homonymous village. Right in the middle of the estuary of two rivers, the gulf is surrounded by mountains on both sides and in the center a prolific valley with olive groves. Skala Kallonis beach is a couple of kilometers long and has soft golden sand, clear and clean waters, a blue sea with depths that descend slowly for about ten meters, therefore very suitable for families with children where the little ones can have fun until exhaustion. It is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while behind it in the village there is a wide choice of typical taverns, bars, cafes, bakeries, small supermarkets and shops. Even the offer for accommodation is abundant, in fact if you want to spend your holidays right here in Lesbos you can choose between different opportunities ranging from small family-run hotels to studios or independent apartments. Skala Kallonis beach is very popular with locals who like to get together at the weekend and spend long days at the beach. Here you can also taste the famous sardines of Kallonis considered the best in all of Lesbos because the winter rains carry the olive oil into the sea and the fish, feeding on the precious nectar, grow with a sublime flavour. To get to Kallonis beach it is very easy, just head north and follow the comfortable paved road and the signs.

Agios Stefanos Beach

Agios Stefanos beach, is located northeast of the Lesvos island and is about forty kilometers from the capital Mytilene, not far away, the small Mandamados village a strategic point in the past as not being visible from the sea, it offered protection against the pirates and the invaders. A long and narrow strip of pebbles mixed with gravel, crystal clear waters and a turquoise sea with a shallow but rocky bottom sometimes covered with algae so bring your own rock shoes. The natural context that surrounds it is idyllic, a verdant vegetation made of olive trees and maritime pines that give life to an enchanting forest where you can also find shade during the hottest hours. Agios Stefanos beach is not equipped so bring everything you need if you don't want to move and get to the village. For a break from the sun, you can visit the Monastery of Taxiarches which houses a beautiful church from the 1700s, or in the center of the village there is the church of Agis Vasileios with very particular sculptures that are difficult to find in Greece. Also take the opportunity to buy yourself a nice ceramic souvenir as the Matamados area has a long tradition in this art.

Petra Beach

Petra beach, we find it in the northern part on the west side of the island about fifty kilometers from Mytilene and also has its homonymous village behind it. Well known by tourists as it is one of the favorite destinations to spend a holiday on Lesvos. The beautiful bay that welcomes it is rich in vegetation and the still intact natural environment offers a real panacea for body and mind. A wide beach of soft light sand, clear and clean waters, a blue and almost always flat sea. The seabed slopes down flat, therefore perfect for families with children and for those who like to swim. Well equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a choice of water sports to challenge your friends, while as far as catering is concerned, you will only have to choose whether to indulge in a full meal in one of the many taverns, or something light and quick in a bar and for finish a good coffee in one of the many cafés where you can relax and meet the locals. Go for a walk in the village made up of ancient stone residences embellished with fragrant jasmine flowers and among its narrow streets you will find delightful local craft shops. For a little trip out of town, the three islets facing the beach, obviously uninhabited but the destination and home of some bird species. The most beautiful is Ai Yogi islet also known as the rabbits isle, a real wildlife nature reserve. You can reach them by boat perhaps by asking the fishermen. To get to Petra beach, just follow the directions set on the navigator via a comfortable paved road.

Anaxos Beach

Anaxos beach is located to the north west about sixty kilometers from the capuologo between the villages of Petra and Molyvos. A long coastline of soft golden sand, transparent waters and a blue sea, unfortunately often rough as the position of the beach exposes it to the Hellenic winds. The seabed drops flat therefore suitable for those who like to swim and also for families with children when obviously the Aegean is not lashed by the air. The landscape is truly beautiful and represents the classic Greek places, wonderful and immense olive groves, ancient oaks and pine forests that merge with the sea. Anaxos beach is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars and taverns where you can find something delicious and local to eat (taste the fresh seafood, the excellence of the area) as well as refreshing drinks. Reaching Anaxos is easy, just follow the directions on the main road and you're done. For those who do not have their own transport, there are public buses from many tourist resorts of Lesbos but in this case always pay close attention to the timetables so as to organize yourself in the best possible way.

Melinta Beach

Melinta beach, we find it on the western side of Lesvos in the north not far from the Plomari village and between Palehori and Drota villages. A still original, wild and uncontaminated natural environment with luxuriant vegetation made of olive trees and fairy woods, perfect for those who love to stay in contact with nature and want a holiday in Greece dedicated to relaxation and simple things. Melinta beach is spread over a large beach of soft gold-colored sand bathed by clear, crystalline waters and a sea with emerald green hues with shallow waters, excellent for lovers of long swims. Given its position, the wind is hardly felt here, therefore it is also an ideal place for families with children to spend a quiet and relaxing day at the beach. A large rock formation stands on the beach giving an almost exotic atmosphere. Melinta beach is not equipped so remember to bring everything you need. To eat or drink something instead you will find a couple of classic taverns where you can taste traditional local dishes and Greek cuisine. If they don't satisfy you, just move a little to one of the three nearby villages where there is certainly more choice. Reaching Melita beach is possible by simply following the paved road, then set the navigator to Plomari and you will arrive at your destination.

Mythymna Beach

Mythymna beach also known as Molyvos beach, is in the northwest of the Lesbos island quite distant from the capital, we are talking about seventy if not something more than kilometers with its lively and homonymous village. Let's say that it is one of the most sought-after areas for a holiday on Lesbos, as it offers a wide and long coastline of fine gold-colored sand mixed with a few pebbles, clear and clean waters, a sparkling blue sea with sandy bottoms that descend slowly. Mythimna beach is a favorite among families with children and lovers of long swims. On the sides of the beautiful bay that houses it, many rock formations, a paradise for snorkelers who with fins, snorkel and mask can have a lot of fun discovering the lively and mysterious underwater world. Even sports enthusiasts can choose from a vast range of water sports here and try their hand at new disciplines. Molyvos beach or Mythymna beach, call it as you prefer, is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas as well as several typical taverns, bars, snack bars and gourmet restaurants. If, on the other hand, you feel more wild, on the left side between the boulders there is a free part so you can spread your towel where you feel most inspired, the only caution, put on some shoes because it is full of sea urchins. To get there, follow the signs for Molyvos and a comfortable paved road will take you directly to the beach.

Geras Beach

We find Geras beach to the southeast, wedged in a stupendous gulf with the village of the same name behind it, Mytilene just twelve kilometers away. The bay is of such overwhelming beauty that it is considered one of the most beautiful areas in all of Greece. An up and down of hills and mountains covered with olive groves, woods and marshes that become the habitat for many species of sedentary and migratory birds, and still thermal springs of hot water that also attract many visitors for their beneficial therapeutic properties. A small paradise, enriched by a beach with a golden sand coast, clear and transparent waters, an intense blue sea with gently sloping seabed, ideal for families with children and for those who want a quiet day at the beach. Due to its location, Geras beach is always protected from the wind. It is not equipped at all in the sense of no parasols or deck chairs so to shelter from the sun, bring something by yourself. For something to drink or eat instead if you are not a do-it-yourselfer, behind the village you will find several traditional taverns offering fresh fish at still affordable prices compared to the more well-known Greek Islands frequented by mass tourism. Getting there is child's play, follow the road signs keeping the capital as a reference point via the comfortable paved road.

Eftalou Beach

Eftalou beach is located in the northwest part of Lesbos at the foot of the mountain villages of Asomatos and Ayii Anargyri, about three kilometers away from the Molyvos village. The capital Mytilene at more than seventy kilometers. A long and wide beach of pebbles mixed with sand (in small proportion), crystal clear waters, a dark blue and sparkling sea with a seabed that descends quickly and above all full of pebbles therefore shoes are mandatory. A wild beach, loved by naturists and by those who want to enjoy a still original and untouched nature, perfect for snorkellers thanks to its rock formations where you can venture out to discover the lively underwater fauna and flora or simply to fish. Efalou beach, as you may have already understood, is very wild, no comfort whatsoever, forget sunbeds and umbrellas for shade, a magical forest on the right where you can take shelter during the hottest moments. A particularity of Eftalou are the natural hot springs rich in radon which is beneficial for the bones and the muscular system. As for catering, if you want you can move nearby to one of the adjacent villages where you will find taverns and restaurants as well as bars for something quick and light and cafes where you can relax and maybe start an interesting conversation with the locals. Reaching Eftalou beach is convenient, just follow the paved road towards Molyvos and from there orient yourself with the indicator signs.

Gavathas Beach

Gavathas beach which takes its name from its village, is located in the northwest of the Lesbos island away from the capital are about seventy-five kilometers away. A quiet coast like the whole area on the other hand, the town is a small pearl not yet besieged by tourists, some accommodation that mostly hosts regulars, a handful of typical but really typical taverns where it seems that time has almost stopped , in short, perfect for solitary travellers, for those who want a relaxing holiday and for those who love nature. Here 'no nightlife or entertainment just tranquility and a slow flowing pace. If you want a more lively atmosphere however just head to the hilltop Antissa village less than five miles inland. A beach with a sandy shore mixed with pebbles, transparent, blue and surprisingly warm waters (the Aegean is difficult to find warm and is usually on the cool side), a seabed that gradually descends, perfect for families with children and swimmers who can enjoy hours of activity especially towards the end of the beach near the tavern. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, cabins for changing and a small tavern where you can find excellent home-cooked food and refreshing drinks. Given its position, it is well sheltered from the wind but when Eolo is particularly raging, waves form, so check the weather well before coming. To get to Gavathas beach you need to have your own vehicle and follow the paved road proceeding and keeping an eye on the road signs.

Kampos Beach

Kampos beach is close to Gavathas beach in the northwest area of Lesvos. A long coastline is almost two kilometers of golden sand mixed with pebbles, clean waters and an almost always flat blue sea. Kampos beach is almost like a mirage in a desert, here nothing reigns only nature and the noises of nature nothing more, therefore perfect for those who want to escape from the frenzy and stay away from civilization and tourism for a few hours mass. No trees for some shade, no sunbeds and umbrellas, just a sort of covered shack where you can take shelter from the sun and maybe have your meal. It is essential to bring everything from home, perhaps abounding with water because within three kilometers there is no trace of modernity. If you decide to drop by and perhaps treat yourself to just a few hours, going up the river bed which you will be forced to do to get to the beach, turn left and you will come across a small, truly authentic tavern where you can enjoy excellent food and have a pleasant chat with the owners who will be happy to tell you incredible stories of their island. To reach Kampos beach you have to follow the road towards Gavathas and pass the first sign indicating Kampos Beach, follow the second turning which after half a kilometer will begin to descend into an ancient river bed (don't worry the road is cemented), continue to another kilometer and you will have arrived.

Kampo Antissa Beach

Kampo Antissa beach is another coast located just after Gavathas beach, also on the north-west side of the Lesbos island. A beach of sand mixed with pebbles, quiet and deserted where you can find absolute privacy (there could be only you) and an almost boring tranquility, it is defined as one of the most secluded of Lesbos. Its waters are clean and blue with a seabed that descends very slowly, excellent for families with children. It is not equipped so you can put yourself where you like best. To eat or drink something, a small tavern where you can try local specialties and Greek cuisine. For some shade, take advantage of one of the trees that frame the beach. However, a couple of kilometers away, you will find the Antissa village, cosmopolitan, traditional and one of the most beautiful in the pre-mountain area of Lesbos. Just up the side of the mountain and passing through orchards and olive trees to get there, it has a beautiful square with three huge plane trees to rest in the afternoon when the sun is beating down. A good choice of taverns or restaurants offering local meat dishes cooked according to ancient recipes, obviously fish and dishes linked to the territory. A few "sleepy" cafés where you can have a chat with the locals and discover secrets you won't find anywhere else.

Skala Sikamias Beach

Skala Sikamias beach is in a northwesterly direction on the Lesvos island twelve kilometers from Molyvos. A pretty village where you breathe a relaxed air made of simple things and a generous nature. A small port where fishermen moor their boats, a few typical taverns where you can taste dishes based on extremely tasty fresh fish, a wonderful Church of Santa Maria "Panagia Gorgona" erected on top of a rock on the roadstead and its silent and relaxing beach , long and narrow made of mainly pebbles and sand (better if you wear shoes anyway because some pebbles are a bit sharp), crystal clear and clean waters and a clear blue sea where you can swim and get lost over time. It is not equipped, there are no parasols or deck chairs, you can put yourself wherever you want and enjoy a wonderful day at the beach. To get to the beach and the Skala Sikamias village keep Molyvos and Petra as reference points following the road signs on the comfortable paved road. Other more active alternatives are either on foot or by mountain bike from Molyvos via Efatlou following the mountain dirt road.

Kagia Beach

Less than two kilometers northeast of Skala Sikamias beach, we find Kagia beach. A wonderful coast of reddish sand and pebbles, transparent water, blue sea all surrounded by a suggestive landscape made of cliffs on the sides covered with Mediterranean scrub. A secluded and extremely wild beach where you can enjoy a day out of the ordinary but above all out of the frenzy and comfort. It is not equipped but thanks to its trees that frame it you can find shelter during the hottest hours. Snorkelers don't forget fins, a snorkel mask and an underwater camera to immortalize the lively fauna with flocks of colorful fish that inhabit the seabed. It will also not be difficult to see the dolphins that in this area usually swim close to the shore. Kagia beach also offers natural hot springs with healing waters, a free open-air spa. Before reaching the beach, there are a couple of taverns where you can find excellent food and fresh drinks. Here is the sore point, getting there is not so easy, you can opt by sea with a boat from Molyvos or by foot by a steep path through a wood.

Skala Mistegnon Beach

We find Skala Mistegnon beach on the eastern side to the north in the beautiful Lesbos island, more or less seventeen kilometers from the capital. Together with its small village we can say that it is an excellent point for your holiday in Lesvos for many reasons. The small but cuddly village offers some truly authentic taverns where you can find dishes based on extremely fresh fish-based products made with even very ancient recipes, accommodation away from the frenzy but with everything one is looking for when coming to Greece, a nearby beach, a screaming sea and unforgettable panoramas with a luxuriant vegetation of endless olive groves and tall maritime pines. Not least and not least, its coast, not exactly small, measures 500 meters but quiet where if you are lucky there could be only you. A mixture of stone and white gravel, transparent waters and an intense blue sea which, in contrast with the white of the beach, almost looks like a postcard. A beach in this beautiful, almost secret bay that few know and which offers moments of pure ecstasy. To reach it, set the navigator on Skala Mistegnon and cross one of the paved roads of the island, you will get there easily.

Skala Polichnitou Beach

We find Skala Polichnitou beach to the southeast in the beautiful Kalloni bay about forty kilometers from Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. A picturesque fishing village which in recent years has transformed into a highly sought after tourist resort and with all the comforts for a wonderful holiday in Greece. The area is rich in marshes, salt marshes and salt mountains, consequently one of the favorite places for birds that stop for the winter during the migration period such as flamingos, black storks and many others. Certainly an interesting part of the island especially for birdwatchers. The atmosphere in Skala Polichnitou is quiet and familiar, people come here just to relax and enjoy Mother Nature. Its beach is made of sand mixed with a few pebbles, clear and clear waters and a blue sea perfect for a fresh swim. It is not equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, you can put yourself where you prefer. For something to eat or drink, no problem behind the village with its fabulous taverns where you can find fresh seafood caught in the morning by its fishermen. For fun on the beach there are various water sports in which to try your hand involving the family or for the sake of challenging your friends. Reaching Skala Polichnitou beach and its village is very simple, select the location on your navigator and through comfortable and paved roads you will get there.