Petra - nestled around a 40-meter-high volcanic rock formation

The romantic side of Lesvos, where history meets the sea and the rock rises toward the sky.

🏛️ History & Culture

Petra, built around a 40-meter-high volcanic rock, takes its name from this striking natural landmark. At the top stands the church of Panagia Glykofilousa, a place of pilgrimage offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The area is steeped in legends, traditions, and elegant mansions, while the surrounding villages keep the past alive through music, festivals, folklore museums, and local customs.

🌿 Villages & Locations

🪨 Petra

Famous for its volcanic rock and the Church of Panagia Glykofilousa, with its 114 steps. Neoclassical mansions, cobbled alleys, wood carvings, artworks, and a lively market offer an authentic experience. The Vareltzidaina Mansion and the Church of Saint Nicholas add cultural depth to this already unique destination.

🏖️ Anaxos

The port of Skoutaros, with a sandy beach, beach bars, and options for water sports and family holidays. The sunset view is magical, while nearby you’ll find Ambelia Beach and Megali Tsichranta with the small chapel of Saint Panteleimon.

🏘️ Skoutaros

A semi-mountainous, green village with traditional architecture, stone-built houses, and the three-aisled Basilica of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The village square is a meeting point for locals and visitors, where stories unfold at the table.

🏔️ Stypsi

A stone village built on the slopes of Mount Lepetymnos, with authentic character and a strong cultural identity. The Church of the Holy Trinity stands out for its architecture and gilded iconostasis. Weddings here are celebrated with music and processions through the streets — an experience steeped in tradition.

🏡 Lafiona

A hidden, historic settlement dating back to the 1600s, strategically built to remain “unseen.” Known for its Folklore Museum and the unique story of the Monastery of Saint Alexander (325 AD), the oldest on Lesvos. A place where mountain charm and religious heritage coexist in harmony.

🏛️ Ypsilometopo

A village rich in religious heritage: the Church of the Archangel and the Basilica of Saint Demetrios with its impressive mosaics. The Aslanis Spring, surrounded by plane trees, offers a moment of peace next to a stone lion-shaped fountain with crystal-clear waters.

⛪ Religious Sites

Panagia Glykofilousa (Petra) – Sacred rock, a stairway climb, and breathtaking views.
Saint Nicholas (Petra) – A hidden gem with artistic details.
Holy Trinity (Stypsi) – Gilded iconostasis and traditional worship.
Saint Demetrios & Basilica (Ypsilometopo) – Mosaics and Christian heritage.
Saint Alexander (Lafiona) – A historic monastery dating back to the 4th century.