12 of the best beaches in Lesvos

Encased within a tranquil little bay that is easy to get to and walled by thick pine groves that reach the sea, Agios Ermogenis is close to Mytilene and one of Lesvos’ most picturesque beaches. It has fine yellow sand and green-blue water that is sweet for splashing around in, with the chapel of Agios Ermogenis standing sentry above it. There is a taverna by the shore for a meal with a great view. 

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, taverna
• Access: By road
   

Charamida is another family favourite when it comes to beaches in Lesvos. It’s close to Mytilene, fully organised and good for water sports, but you’ll still find space on the pebbly beach if you want some solitude. It’s got good access (in the southeastern part of the island) and the landscape is part of the charm, especially the mountains in the distance. As soon as you get hungry, head for the nearby tavernas.

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bar, snack bar
• Access: By road
   

Molyvos beach (also known as Mithymna) is one of Lesvos’ most popular beaches, close to the castle-topped settlement of the same name. It’s a long beach, with a mix of sand and pebbles and water that is shallow and great for swimming (pack your goggles). It’s a big hit with families, with water sports facilities like water skiing, parasailing, wakeboard and SUP. It’s also easy to get to and perfect to combine with lunch at a taverna close to Molyvos town. Alternatively, for those seeking something more secluded and less organised, the pebbly beach of Eftalou is close by. Both Molyvos and Eftalou beach have Blue Flags.

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bar, tavernas, water sports
• Access: By road
   

Fun and easy and boasting a Blue Flag certificate, Anaxos is a family-friendly, sandy beach on the northern side of Lesvos. There are amenities aplenty and some natural shade provided by trees, and there’s a great view from a neat windmill you can see on the hill. You can rent water bikes or canoes on the beach and explore the coastline, or just enjoy the 700m sandy expanse. Anaxos beach is easy to get to but note that it can be affected by the wind.

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas, cafe, water sports
• Access: By road
   

A few kilometres east of Anaxos, on the north coast, lies Petra beach, one of Lesvos’ most popular beaches due to its size and all-around convenience. It’s a mix of sand and shingle and is surrounded by a landscape that’s peppered with pine groves. You’ll find water sports facilities and beach bars that see a fair bit of action and there are food and drinks options available in the nearby settlement. Petra is another of Lesvos’s beaches with a Blue Flag and is ideal for every taste.

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, water sports
• Access: By road
   

Weighing in at just over 8km, Vatera is Lesvos’ longest beach and one of its prettiest too as it combines Blue Flag-certified waters, a serene landscape and a seemingly endless stretch of sand and pebbles. Its size allows you to pick your spot and chillax, but you can just as easily opt for the organised part. The choice of eateries and easy access make it popular with families.

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, cafe
• Access: By road
   

Melinta beach, is known for its chilled vibes and seclusion, making it an obvious choice for those who want to bask in nature’s glory. The beach is flanked by rolling cliffs and has fine pebbles and is divided by a massive boulder that provides a measure of shade – if you prefer that to sunbeds and an umbrella. The water is calm and shallow (family-friendly), while a couple of tavernas on the shore are your designated seafood lunch spots … washed down with ouzo and followed by a siesta in the shade. 

• Amenities: A few umbrellas & sunbeds, tavernas
• Access: By road
   

If you want exotic and laid back, head for Tarti beach and you may just find another gem in Lesvos’ bag of treasure. Located in southeastern Lesvos, it is surrounded by a rolling green canopy and is a mix of yellow sand and fine pebbles. The water is clear and shallow (great for families with young kids), inviting you to go snorkelling – so come prepared. There are enough amenities for you to not want to leave anytime soon. 

• Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, cafe, snack bar, taverna
• Access: By road
   

Sigri and its resident beach have to be one of the prettiest swimming spots in western Lesvos. The seaside village eases out across a small bay, with a hill-top Ottoman-period castle in the distance. The tree-lined beach is made up of yellow sand, with clear and shallow water that is great for kids. Come lunchtime, take your pick from the taverna options available. And if you want something wilder? Head north to Faneromeni beach, with fine pebbles and where there are no amenities and the water is green-blue. 

• Amenities: A few sunbeds & umbrellas, taverna
• Access: By road