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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!
As you move from the busy seafront at Plomari, Lesvos’s second largest town, the years fall away with every step you take. Behind the modern façade of the harbour lies a traditional town with mansion houses on narrow streets, tiny cafes and awesome Orthodox churches; pay a visit to Agios Nikolaos church to see the interesting icons of Saint Demetrios and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. For beach lovers, the pebbled beach of Agios Isidoros lies just east of the main town or drive on dirt roads to the famous Tarti beach.
Situated on the southern coast of the island, it can be reached from Mytilene by travelling through spectacular scenery around the Bay of Gera or by making your way directly through the wooded mountains and Agiassos village. However you decide to come, Plomari is a must-see!
Famed for being the home of ouzo – the iconic Hellenic spirit – Plomari is a household name in Greece. Visitors can sample this classic Greek digestif at a seafront taverna with weekend trippers from around the island. Or drink in the harbour views and open vistas towards the neighbouring island of Chios while enjoying fish and locally grown salads. The locals are renowned for being some of the best sailors on the island and Plomari’s old soap factory has been restored as a culture centre. Visit the Benjamin of Lesvos cultural society to learn more about the Modern Greek Enlightenment: Benjamin was a monk and scholar native to Plomari who was a prominent figure during the Greek War of Independence.
The curious can go one step beyond the town to see producers in action at a seafront taverna while sampling the taste of Greece from some of the country’s best distillers. We love the guided tour “World of Ouzo” offered at the Isidoros Arvanitis Distillery, celebrating more than 120 years of history and tradition. And don’t forget to taste real Lesvos at the Barbayannis Distillery which has been producing the finest ouzo on the island for 160 years. It was in Plomari that Efstathios Barbayannis found the best aniseed in Greece and the rarest sweet-smelling herbs in the region to create the most famous ouzo in the country!
For a real taste of Lesvos’ pride and joy, Plomari is the place to visit!
Discover more great places to visit and things to do in Lesvos.
