Order a jug of wine at any taverna in Lesvos and the jug is likely to come from the village of Mantamados, on the eastern side of the island. Pottery, decorated with the island’s traditional geometric patterns and its bright blues and reds, shines out from shop fronts and cafes all around the village. Find out more at the Pottery and Folk Art Museum created by Stelios Stamatis on the main road from Mytilene. Stelios’ Ceramics workshop celebrates the industry of this part of the island and on most days you can watch him work.

There is much more to the town than clay and kilns. The locals are known for their good humour, so share a coffee with them. Visit Saint Vasilios Church, dating back to c.1750 with a remarkable black wood carved iconostasis. Don’t forget to stock up on the excellent yoghurt or cheese, on which the townspeople have built their dairy business.

Just north of the main village, the Taxiarchis monastery holds within it the famous icon of St Michael, the island’s patron saint and saviour. Religious believers and curious tourists congregate here during the holidays but the bustling tends to peak in November! During an island-wide holiday, you can join the pilgrims who walk through the night to arrive at the church at dawn for the Feast of the Archangels.

We strongly recommend a dose of the monastery’s loukoumades dripping with honey and walnuts after every visit!

Mantamados – a hub for local industry and the centre of religious life on Real Lesvos.

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