Visit a sun-soaked turquoise bay, perched on the northern coast of the island of Lesbos for holidays to Petra. You can expect a warm welcome when you arrive in this traditional fishing village that’s brimming with Greek charm.
And you won’t be able to resist heading straight for Petra Beach that backs onto the historic village, either. Make your way through cobbled streets, past terracotta-coloured buildings and inviting tavernas, and pick up a souvenir at the bustling local market. Must-visit attractions on holidays to Petra are the church perched high on the rocks, and the 18th century mansion-come-museum.
Things to do
There’s lots of fun to be had on Petra holidays, starting with the sand-and-shingle beach. This is the busiest area in the village, and with its picture-perfect setting and sparkling shoreline, it’s no wonder.
Once you’ve finished relaxing, you’ll be ready for a stroll around the maze of cobbled streets, where you can take pictures of the classic whitewashed architecture, and pick up a bottle of the island’s finest ouzo to take home with you.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic, the climb up to Panagia Glykofilousa is well worth it; you’ll be rewarded with glorious views when you reach the top.
Sightseeing and souvenirs
Petra is the kind of place where shopping and sightseeing perfectly merge. In the atmospheric streets around the rock and main square, you can browse little shops selling locally crafted wood, jewellery and art, and tour a small Ouzo distillery that’s been run by the same family for generations.
You might also find yourself walking past Vareltzidaina’s House, the restored home of a 19th-century merchant. It’s worth going in for a look around if you’re interested in local history, or are looking for something a little different to do on your holiday.
But by far the best of all the sights in Petra is the view from the top of the rock, so set aside some time to climb the steps to Panagia Glykofilousa, the church that overlooks the whole village and beyond.
Beautiful beach
Above all, Petra is a perfect choice for a laid-back beach holiday, where you can walk barefoot on soft, golden sand and snorkel with colourful fish in the clear blue water. You can hire sun loungers and parasols, and the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for quality.
If you’d like a change of scenery, you’ll find another great beach nearby in the resort of Avlaki, which is about 1.5 kilometres away. There are a couple of tavernas and a café there, but that’s nothing compared to what’s available beside Petra’s beach. Lined with tavernas, bars and cafés, the Petra seafront comes to life as the sun starts to set. It’s a sociable place to toast the end of a relaxing day or dance the night away.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Athens | Crete | Corfu | Halkidiki | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kalamata | Kos | Mykonos | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Zante
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