 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Where does one start describing Greece’s third largest island? In fact, how does one ‘visit’ and do justice to an island that can boast medieval and Ottoman architecture including castles from the late 14th century, not to mention the varied scenery that shifts from vast olive groves (some over 500 years old) to oak and pine forests to stark, apocalyptic, parched, boulder-strewn hills. Our accommodation on Lesvos is based in three main centres plus the island’s capital and port Mytilini. We would describe Mytilini as stimulating. Straddling a promontory capped with an impressive castle, this busy harbour town’s skyline is dominated by the domed church of Agios Theodoros. A drive of one hour and forty minutes north west of Mytilini will reveal Molyvos, Lesvos’ most famous village and tourist capital. It is easy to see why Molyvos is so attractive to the holiday maker. The small, taverna and café lined fishing port can adorn any picture postcard with ease. Likewise the backdrop of red-roofed mansions that cover the hillside and secret narrow, vine-shaded alleyways which in turn contain a myriad of shops and tavernas that snake ever upwards to the Genoese fortress.
Sigri, on the extreme western coastline of Lesvos, is a one hour 20 minute drive south west of Molyvos. , Sigri is a quiet haven, attracting far, far fewer visitors by virtue of its seclusion. A small port, home to the local fishing fleet and overlooked by an Ottoman castle, a smattering of low key tourist accommodation, the obligatory handful of tavernas and shops and a tree-fringed, sheltered sandy beach are what visitors can expect.
Last and far from least, we introduce Plomari and its neighbouring hamlet of Agios Issidoros on the south coast, two hours and 25 minutes drive time from Sigri. Plomari and Agios Issidoros manage to combine the best attributes of Mytilini, Molyvos and Sigri. Plomari itself is sustained by a vibrant economy anchored on the local ouzo distillery and farming and has little need of tourism, though visitors are made extremely welcome. The town’s scenic appeal is centred on the attractive harbour and tree-shaded, café-lined promenade. A pebble/shingle beach is located just 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Walk 25 minutes along the coast road to the east of Plomari and one enters the small tourist hamlet of Agios Issidoros. Here, there is a more conventional but low key tourist atmosphere. A long pebble/shingle beach is the area’s mainstay attraction along with a reasonable selection of tavernas, cafes and local tourist shops.
Twin centre and Island Hopping: Lesvos can be combined with Athens and Chios.
Excursions & Activities: From Molyvos there are a number of boat trips. Sigri and Plomari/Agios Issidoros are not so organised when it comes to such activities, but with your own car it is possible to make your own day trips whether it be to a beautiful monastery, traditional village, Petrified Forest or deserted beach.
Car Hire: Car hire is included in the cost of your holiday. If you would prefer to have transfers, please contact us.
Guide Book & Map: A 130 page guide book worth £16.00 is included free of charge with your tickets if your stay includes 7 nights or more as part of a holiday on Lesvos only and is in stock. Otherwise, you can purchase the book in addition to the cost of your holiday or we will include a free map worth £5.00 if in stock.
|
|
|
|
