Petra, on the shores of a large horseshoe bay, is a lively town on the north coast of Lesvos. Petra’s charming streets – with their mix of traditional mansion houses, shops and local tavernas – cluster around a striking volcanic rock formation in the centre of town. Climb the 114 steps up to the top of the rock, from which Petra takes its name, and find the church of Our Lady of the Sweet Kisses (Panagia Glykofilousa) which draws visitors and pilgrims from all over Lesvos and Greece.

Summer explorers will find Petra has more going on behind its bustling central square. Tucked behind the church that crowns the rock you can watch people in the village go by while enjoying wine and meze with local Yiorgos and his mother Elenis at their taverna O Kostas. Walk through olive groves to join locals enjoying excellent organic home-cooking at Caravan, or take a long lunch by the beach at Limanaki or Avalaki.

A short walk from the town’s beach, there are excellent examples of Ottoman architecture, striking churches boasting ancient frescos and contemporary artists jostling for space with the village ouzo distillery as well as traditional local shops. If you’re stopping by Petra in August, you’re in luck because the town holds a music festival with live concerts on the beach and local DJs host afterparties! We love the Vareltzidaina House Museum, where you can explore a 17th century Turkish merchant’s home and learn about what life was like in the Ottoman Empire.

All the while, out at sea, a cluster of tiny islands create the perfect setting for evening drinks or dinner.

Discover more great places to visit and things to do in Lesvos.

<<Back to Discover Lesvos list