Visit Petra

Visit Petra

Petra is a traditional village with a beautiful sandy beach  set in a lush, green valley against a backdrop of mountains on the north coast of Lesvos. Dominated by its famous picturesque church,  Petra is a year-round working village. Its traditional way of life still flourishes with fishermen busy on the harbour and farmers chatting noisily over their morning coffee in the bustling village square. 

Pretty, cobbled streets of small, immaculately clean houses open on to shady squares and wider streets of well-preserved neo-Classical mansions set in large gardens – all overflowing with the summer scents of jasmine and bourganvillia. The little shopping streets open out on to the lively main square on the seafront where, in summer, you can enjoy breakfast in the morning sun or spend warm evenings in the pavement cafes and tavernas.

The village is enjoying a growing popularity with tourists -many returning every year – so there are modern amenities available as well as well-stocked shops. Petra is on the north coast of Lesvos in the North Aegean, fifty-five kms from the capital town and airport of Mitilyne (about one hour 15 mins by car, taxi or bus).

The Beach is long, sandy and safe for children. In the award-winning, clear, blue waters of the bay there are three small islands which can be visited by boat. They are official nature reserves and serve as a paradise for scores of different species of birds and small wildlife. The beach has basic watersports available. Nightlife centres along the coast road and the village square which boasts a superb view of the sunset over the sea. A variety of restaurants and tavernas, offering traditional Greek and European dishes, sit side by side with cafes and patisseries where coffee, cakes and alcoholic drinks are served. 

Later, there are some bar/nightclubs with European and Greek music and dancing. Facilities include Bank, Post Office, Police station, 24-hour doctor service, Chemist, Physiotherapy clinic, Health food shop, Vet, Supermarkets, Bus service, Taxi rank, Harbour, Car, motorbike, scooter and bicycle hire.

When Greek mainlanders come to Lesvos they never leave without buying the island’s olive oil and ouzo (reputed to be amongst the tastiest and best in the country). Petra has its own famous ouzo factory, established in 1884, as well as an olive oil press where packaged virgin olive oil and hand-made food products from all over the island – such as cheese, olives and sun-dried fruit and vegetables – can be bought.

Locally carved olive wood is also available as well as other examples of Greek craftsmanship including ceramics, hand-made linen and lace.