The North-east of Lesbos

If you wish to go to the NE of Lesbos take the NE exit of the town from the Epano Skala district. You’ll soon arrive in Panagiouda (6 km), a pretty village with a picturesque fishing port buzzing with life, especially during the warm summer nights. A paved Square, lined with traditional tavernas which serve mezes (appetizers) of the local cuisine : sun-dried octopus and fresh fish. The bars, operating throughout the year, attract young crowds who enjoy loud music and having fun until the early hours of morning.

Moria, a village 6,8 km from Mytilene is an interesting place to visit, offering a splendid view of its picturesque towers and old manor houses built amidst the olive groves and orchards. Don’t miss out on seeing the arches of the great aquaduct built in the Roman times which stand approximately 600 m west of the village.

The road continues through beautiful olive groves. Make a stop at Pamfila (7 km) to visit the church of Aghia (St) Barbara. A monumental church with an exquisite dome and icons; it is the pride of the local inhabitants. At a distance of 300 m from the village, you will come to “Hourmadies”, a beautiful holiday resort with a palm tree-lined coast which add a tropical note to the surroundings. Hourmadies has excellent beaches for swimming such as Vigla and Niselia.

Pyrgi Thermis lies 10 Km from the town of Mytilene. The main feature of the area is its tall, mainly 3-storey manor houses surrounded by lush vegetation a short distance from the sea. At the beginning of the century there were about 160 towers in the area, some of which still exist today. These towers are extremely impressive for their fine architecture and imposing style. The byzantine church of “Panaghia i Trouloti” is an exquisite monument of art, built in the 14^th century. This church, built in a “crusiform” style church with a dome” style is one of the few intact byzantine monuments that still exist on our island. A lovely beach called “Kanoni”, which is ideal for bathing, lies a short distance from the public road.

The road continues, bringing us to nearby Thermi (11 Km). This area is a suitable holiday resort with a relatively large availability of rooms to rent, beautiful beaches, restaurants offering a large variety of dishes and above all a relaxing, peaceful environment. Every day, particularly during the evening, fishing boats bring in their catch and locals flock to the port to buy fresh fish. The nearby ruins of an old watermill adds charm to the landscape. Here is where you’ll find the old “Sarlitza Palace” Hotel with its therapeutic mineral springs.

Situated at a higher altitude is the Nunery of Aghios Raphael. This is where the relics of the young Saint Raphael, Nicolaos and Irene are kept. These relics were found in a most extraordinary way, following a series of dreams which believers had, as some sort of sign, later came true in real-life when the pick-axes used to uncover the relics and confirmed by historical research. Thousands of pilgrims flock there every year to worship the Saints that perform miracles. The nunery has a hostel which provides accommodation for its pilgrims.

N.W. of Thermi, among olive groves and hillocks lies Pigi (29 Km). A lovely itinerary unfolds for those who love adventure and wish to find themselves in the heart of the nature of Lesbos, far from the crowds and traffic. The road goes through a beautiful forest leading to Aghia Paraskevi at the centre of the island. The coastal road from Thermi port leads to Mistegna (18,5 Km) - a village covered in olive trees - with Skala Mistegnon (1 km away), a graphic haven surrounded by rich vegetation, with its spotless beaches and fresh fish served daily. Just down the road (24 Km) you’ll reach Skala Neon Mistegnon (Baltzikiou). A lovely beach with crystal clear water and multi-coloured pebbles awaits you. The beach is surrounded by vegetable patches and gardens, while there are some restaurants just a breath away.

The next sight in this panorama of images is the beautiful sandy beach of “Xambelia”. The rooms to let and restaurants by the sea ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay. On your way to Madamados (37,4 Km) you’ll see some beautiful beaches such as Aspropotamos and Aghios Stephanos, with its few houses surrounded by olive and plane trees south of the settlement.

An idyllic bay with an exellent beach for bathing opens up. The church of Saint Stephanos, a remarkable byzantine monument built in red trachyte which is indeed a masterpiece, well worth visiting. The small islands opposite the coast are called the “Tokmakia”. One of them, “Aspronisi”, on the west side, has a beautiful beach with golden sand and blue waters. These features with the sound made by the cries of seagulls overhead, create a heavenly landscape. This is where the fullest and most delicious sea-urchins can be found, while the surrounding area is suitable for fishing. So, if you have a boat don’t miss this trip/promenade”.

Continuing along the main road artery, you eventually end up on the North side of the island. Go as far as Skamnia (Sikamnia) and from there take the road to Mythimna (Molyvos). You’ll enjoy the drive. For details on these parts please see the description of the North of Lesbos.