GreekGERA
The region of Gera expands around the homonymous Gulf. It is an area with endless olive groves reaching to the sea. The landscape is ideal for lovers of hiking and trekking at an area of mild tourism development. Do not miss to visit its picturesque villages. Perama is a seaside settlement with tavernas next to the sea where you can enjoy fresh fish and much more. It is located near the gulf’s mouth and from there you can have a boat ride to the opposite side of the gulf in Koundouroudia. Near Perama you will find Papados, a village with impressive samples of neoclassical architecture. Here you have to visit the Vranas Olive Press Museum, one of the oldest olive presses of Lesvos, which belonged to the family of the famous poet Odysseas Elytis. Adjacent villages amphitheatrically built with a view to the olive groves and the Gulf are Skopelos, where the centenary plane tree at its square will offer you its shade, and Mesagros where you will be impressed by the Ottoman mosque and its minaret found at the heart of the village. Just opposite to it, there is an old bakery decorated by the famous folk painter Theophilos. In the broader region in the olive groves you will find the small villages of Plakados and Palaiokipos with the latter to be said that it is the birth place of the notorious pirate of the Mediterranean, Barbarossa.
EVERGETOULAS
The region of Evergetoulas took its name after the homonymous river that crosses it and flows into the Gulf of Gera. It is worth wandering in the nearby villages such as Ippeios with the beautiful square and Kerameia which is built in a fertile flatland, Sykounta with its haven Ntipi which is part of the important wetlands of the island, Lambou Myloi which took its name by the running waters and the water mills operated there in the past, Kato Tritos and Mychou. In the same area at a slope of mount Olympos you will find the beautiful mountain village of Asomatos. Stroll around in the picturesque alleys of the settlement, visit one of the village’s woodcarving workshops, sit at its traditional coffee shops for a drink or a snack and enjoy delicious sweets from the women’s cooperation. If you like hiking, a trail will drive you to Agioi Anargyroi, a verdant place full of plane trees and running waters.
AGIASOS
At the slopes of Olympos, you will find Agiasos, a mountain village the atmosphere and the colour of which will make you forget that you are on an island. Stroll around in the picturesque stone paved alleys, see from close the artifacts of famous local potters and wood carvers and then hike in its wonderful chestnut forest. In the heart of the settlement at the temple of Koimisi of Theotokos (Mary’s Dormition) known as Panagia of Agiasos you will have the chance to see the unique icon of Virgin Mary Holding the Infant Jesus, as well as an important collection of ecclesiastical manuscripts and vessels. It is a village with long cultural tradition, home of one of the most historical and prominent countrywide associations, the Anagnostirio of Agiasos “I Anatptyksi”, founded in 1894 and since then it continues to be active in theatre, music, promotion of literature, collection of folklore material and the promotion of Lesvos’ folklore acts.
PLOMARI
Plomari is a coastal picturesque village with many traditional features, closely related to the ouzo production. There are many distilleries and some of them are open to public for visits in order for visitors to meet the history of this aromatic drink. There are tourist accommodation facilities of all types, traditional tavernas serving delicious dishes, cafes and bars. The beach of Agios Isidoros found in that area with beautiful crystal waters and the fine light coloured pebble is a popular summer destination. It is also worth visiting by boat the church of Panagia Kryfti (Hidden Virgin Mary). It is a church hidden in the rocks next to the sea and then enjoy your swim and meal at the nearby beach of Melinda. The nearby mountain villages called Plomaritichoria, have their own particular character. Palaiochori is one of the oldest villages of the region and in Megalochori you can rest at the beautiful square with the plane tree, the walnut trees and the traditional coffee shops. In the past, Ambeliko had a long tradition in resin-collection from pine trees. Here you can visit the Museum of Resin-collection, stroll around the forest at the Resin Park and stay at the hostels of the village. Also visit the picturesque settlements of Neochori which is built at a slope covered with olive trees and gardens and running waters and Akrasi with the beautiful square and the traditional alleys. The villages Plagia with its haven, Agia Varvara, and Trygonas are also amphitheatrically built in the olive groves and very close to Plomari. Another beautiful route with special natural beauty where you will meet many samples of traditional architecture of the countryside is that alongside the river of Sedountas.
POLICHNITOS
Polichnitos is a traditional settlement with interesting architecture and thermal springs. In the village, the imposing cathedral temple of Agios Georgios will impress you with its tall stone bell-tower. In its haven, Skala of Polichnitos, you can enjoy your swim, as well as your coffee or your meal in the fish taverns of the region. Very close, in the west, at the mouth of the Gulf of Kalloni, the beach of Nyfida is found, with shallow waters ideal for families and tavernas next to the sea. If, however, you prefer more lively beaches, you will have to drive to the opposite direction, pass the settlement of Vrisa and visit Vatera, the biggest beach of the island, of 9 km long, with beach-bars and tavernas next to the sea.
LISVORI – VASILIKA – STAVROS
Lisvori is a picturesque settlement known for the production of the aromatic herb anise, used in the production of ouzo. In that area you will also find thermal springs. It is worth mentioning that in that region and in particular at the site called Rodafnidia, an important archaeological research is currently taking place by the University of Crete, that has already reveled a large number of Paleolithic finds. Near Lisvori, at a flat area you will find Vasilika which the recent years has developed in a summer settlement with holiday houses and tavernas near the sea. Stavros is a picturesque village with hospitable inhabitants, built in a valley. You can relax drinking your coffee at the coffee shops of the village or follow one of the hiking trails in the lush vegetation of the region.
