Villa Issa

Villa Issa can be found in the heart of the countryside, near the resort town of Eressos, on the southwest coast of the Greek island of Lesbos, in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. The villa is a scenic eighty-seven-kilometre drive across the island from the nearest international airport of Mitilini Airport Odysseas Elytis. The laid-back town of Eressos is a three-kilometre drive from the villa, here you will find shops and supermarkets, supplying provisions for your holiday, and lots of welcoming cafes, bars, and restaurants.

The nearest organised beach is at Skala Eressos, which is blessed with a long sandy shore, bisected by the harbour, on one side shaded shores with calm waters, which is great for families and children, and on the other a rocky promontory, that is fabulous for snorkelling. Eressos is most famous for being the birthplace of the poet Sappho, its unique architecture, and the town is car-free. The coastline is populated with lots of stunning organised golden sandy beaches, within easy driving distance are Paralia Chrousos, Podaras, Tsichliodas, and Faneromeni, and even nearer if you feel so inclined is a nudist beach. There are lots of activities you can do on the island, including hiking trails, snorkelling and scuba diving, water sports, and horse riding.

Visit villages as old as time, most notably Molyvos, Agiassos, and Skala Sikimias, to see how the islanders really live. The capital town of Mytilini is home to a handful of museums including the Archaeological, Byzantine, Folk Art, Costume and Embroidery, and the Theophilus Art Museums. Climb the famous castle fortifications for some stunning sea views, then walk the Roman aqueduct and admire their technical skills. Mytilini reflects its history in the number of Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, its many Byzantine monasteries, and mosques still there from the time of Ottoman rule. Make sure you don’t miss the local markets, selling hand-pressed olive oil, hive honey, carved woodwork, and homemade cheeses.

Take a tour of over two hundred caves scattered across the island, believed to be originally neolithic places of worship. Marvel at the natural hot springs of Efthalia, Thermes, and Gera. Lose yourself in the unique and natural phenomenon that is the Petrified Forest, created from intense volcanic activity. Then visit the nearby museum at Sigri, which is dedicated to researching, promoting, displaying, and preserving it. After all that activity go on a wine tour, sample the fruits of the harvest, and take home a bottle or two. The picturesque port town of Plomari is two hours down the coast and is most famous for being the hometown of the national drink of Ouzo.

You can sample two of the most famous brands of Ouzo at the Barbayanni and Isodoros Arvanitis Museums, visit the Soap Industry and Folklore Museums, and admire the Byzantine icons in the many churches and chapels. Take a walk through the town with its traditional architecture, merchant’s mansions, souvenir stores, and seafront restaurants. End your day with a romantic dinner of freshly caught fish in a seafront restaurant, before watching the stars under the stars at the summer alfresco Cine Sappho.

Read more about Lesbos

The volcanic island of Lesvos (often spelled as Lesbos) offers visitors pretty villages, impressive nature, fascinating geology and gorgeous beaches as well as a fascinating history and rich island culture.

Seasonally, international flights arrive at the island’s airport around 7km south of the island’s capital city, Mytilene, or sail to Lesvos from various Greek ports including Piraeus, Athens.

Fall in love with the island beaches from the long shores of Vatera Beach with watersports, sun loungers and umbrellas to more remote spots accessible only by boat. Keen snorkellers will love the clear waters of Tsonia Beach or you may prefer to sip cocktails overlooking Paralia Tarti’s crystal-clear sea. If you can find the time, soak up the summer ambience of the lively beach at Molyvos with idyllic sunsets over the Aegean.  

The island’s nature is inspiring with ample bird-watching opportunities, especially around the salt pans of Kalloni where migratory birds stop en route from Africa to Europe. In the springtime, look out for rare sightings of birds and beautiful wild flowers as you follow a network of hiking trails across the mountains and wild forests. Cycling is another wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and authentic Greek charm of Lesvos.  

With archaeological sites and historic castles, there are many sites where you can learn all about the island’s diverse and often turbulent history. Admire the Roman aqueduct in Moria, the Byzantine castle in Molyvos and the impressive fort in in Mytilene. Visitors will also appreciate the island’s hot springs and spas, many which have been used for centuries, and Lesvos’ rich heritage in olive oil and ouzo production – a visit to The World of Ouzo Museum and distillery is an interesting detour.

Another great highlight of the island is The Petrified Forest, dating back 20 million years -the fossilised tree stumps underwent the process of petrification during the active volcanic period. Learn more about this unique natural site, at the forest’s Natural History museum around 11km from the remote fishing harbour of Sigri.