Welcome to
There's a reason we've been coming here for 20 years
Sitting in the sparkling turquoise Aegean Sea, Lesvos is a warm and sunny emerald gem of Greece. It is a whole continent in miniature: spectacular beaches, high mountains and wild forests on Greece's third largest island.
Due to the island's size and variety, there's something for everyone: beach holidays, activity holidays, gastronomic tours, nature attractions and spectacular geography.
Here at Real Lesvos we aim to gradually make the wonder and attractions of Lesvos more easily available to the UK traveller. In the map below you'll find an ever-increasing list of our favourite things to do and see on Lesvos!
Experience traditional island life in the many lively cafes and tavernas that line the main street of Agia Paraskevi which gets its name from the curious church of Agia Paraskevi built over an old pagan temple. Agia Paraskevi church is situated in a cave in which there lies a well: drink the water from this well and it is said you will have the Virgin Mary’s protection.
Agia Paraskevi is at the heart of Lesvos – and its agricultural life – set in fertile farming land near Kalloni. As you approach the town, look out for the old community olive press, built in 1910. It has been converted into the fascinating Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Greece so those interested in the history of Lesvos’s liquid gold should definitely pay a visit. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of low-acid olive oil straight from the source on your way home! Agia Paraskevi also offers local meat, cheeses like gruyere, Ladotyri, sweet and salty “Mizithra” cheese, local fruit and vegetables and high quality honey.
Partake in an ancient folk tradition in the agricultural town of Agia Paraskevi: The Feast of the Bull dedicated to Saint Haralambos, the protector of the farmers. This Feast lasting three days takes place 50 days after Easter. We love joining the locals at the most important social event of the village, accompanied by horse-racing and all-night festivals of course!
Agia Paraskevi is also of architectural interest; shaped in an open rectangle “U” shape, it is a symmetrical town boasting traditional stone mansion houses, with many built in the early 20th century, including an imposing neo-classical school building built on the proceeds of olive oil trade. Some of Agia Paraskevi’s older houses are also proof that Venetian and Roman occupiers lived and traded there. Three kilometers east of Agia Paraskevi is the Mylopotamos river; for a peaceful day out and to see the remains of the many mills that once stood there. Take a stroll to Kremasti bridge which dates back to medieval times; it has a perfect bow and sits in harmony with nature over the Tsikinas stream and the surrounding olive groves
The busy town of Agia Paraskevi has its roots in Antiquity: enjoy a historical tour around the ruins of the Aeolian temple at Klopedi (3rd-4th century B.C.) dedicated to Napaius Apollo and the remains of an Ionian temple at Messa, possibly dedicated to the Gods Zeus, Hera and Dionysos. Agia Paraskevi is an important stop in the exploration of the history, archeology and trades of Lesvos.
Discover more great places to visit and things to do in Lesvos.
