South Lesvos

The south part of the island is mountainous and thickly forested.  There is a lot of variety here from the mountain peak of Olympus (not “the” Olympus, but it is the highest mountain on the island, 967m) to the long open beach at Vatera.

Villages

Agiassos Αγιάσος

The mountain village of Agiassos sits at the base of Olympus.  It is known for the woodcrafts.  Greeks aren’t typically big on hiking, but there are marked trails from the village if you want to get the 360 degree panorama of the island.

Plomari Πλωμάρι

This picturesque village is home to the top ouzo distilleries in Greece.  Perched on a steep hillside by the sea, there are plenty of tavernas to grab a nice meal by the water, and you can tour an ouzo factory if you want to see how it’s made.

Polichnitos Πολιχνίτος

This is the village where Eleni’s mom grew up and where her grandmother still lives.  It’s a pretty typical village in many respects: narrow streets, shops with local produce, a church near the center of town, cafes with men playing backgammon, etc.  Centuries ago, the village was built here to be out of sight and safe from pirates in the Aegean.

Skala Polichnitou Σκάλα Πολιχνίτου

Since the main village of Polichnitos was built safely away from the water, its fishing port bears the same name.  If you are an early riser, this is a great place to get coffee and watch the sun rise while the fishermen bring in their catch. 

Sites

Polichnitos Hot Spring Ιαματικές Πηγές Πολιχνίτου

The hot springs in Polichnitos are among the hottest in Europe.  A small spa has been built, and for a few euros you can go soak in the mineral-rich water.  The facility has a separate pool for men and women, but if you go with a group, they can let you all in to one of the pools together.  There are also facilities to change and shower. (4€/person) Official Site

Theofilos’ Tree House

On the side of the road toward Agiassos and Polichnitos is a small roadside stand and café by a shady river.  Eleni’s dad likes to stop to see the ducks, but you can also see the hollow part of a large tree that Theofilos, the painter, had lived in.

Vranas Olive Press Museum

This old olive oil factory has recently been restored and turned into museum.  You can see the original presses and how the olives were traditionally pressed to make oil. (€)

Beaches

Agios Isidoros Άγιος Ισίδωρος

The water here is about most beautiful clear blue that you can find on the island.  In this part of the island, the mountains come down to the sea in steep cliffs, making for a dramatic landscape, and a great place to swim and relax on a hot day.

Nifida Νυφίδα

On the Kalloni Bay, the water at this beach is usually warmer than in the Aegean.  If the winds are blowing from the south direction, however, this beach isn’t so pleasant.

Vatera Bατερά

This is the beach that Eleni spent her summers on as a kid.  It’s where she learned to swim, and it’s still her favorite!  This is also the longest beach on the island (about 9km), so if you find the crowds around the beach clubs at one end bothersome, just keep walking and you can get a stretch all to yourself.

(€)  indicates that there is an entrance fee.