Petra holidays

Petra holidays

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 | KalamataKefalonia | KalamataKos | Mykonos | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | SkopelosZante 

 

Map of Petra

world_map
27 ℃

Enjoy the best weather in early summer

View live forecast

4 hours

Mytilene International Airport (MJT)

Petra is best for...

Couples: Boasting a romantic old village, a pretty beach and plenty of waterfront restaurants, this is the perfect setting for a break for two. Watching the sunset over the horizon is the ideal way to end a day in the sunshine. 

Beach lovers: You’ll love relaxing on one of the finest Blue Flag beaches on the island. Think silky-soft sand backed by a bustling waterfront, with lots of cafés to laze around in, and water sports galore. 

Sightseers: Petra is an absolute treasure trove of attractive architecture. You’ll find a picture-perfect church (Panagia Glykofilousa) on towering 40 metres high over the village.

Fast facts for Petra

Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken throughout Petra’s main tourist hotspots, hotels and restaurants. Pick up a phrasebook or download our handy language app and try out a few Greek basics for yourself.

Currency: Euro (€).

Local time: Petra is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Mytilene International Airport. The transfer time to Petra is 1.5 hours.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Petra is 4 hours.

Tourist information: To find out more about Petra, Lesvos, visit www.visitgreece.gr.

Visa / health: Check out www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece for health and visa recommendations and advice for holidays to Petra.

Getting around Petra

By bus: There’s an efficient network running from Petra to nearby resorts like Mytilene and Molyvos. They go every hour or so, and tickets are cheap.

By car: If you’re interested in exploring further afield, driving is the best way to get around in Petra. There are plenty of car hire companies at the airport, and the roads in Lesbos are generally good and well signposted.

By taxi: Taxis run on a meter here, and they’re readily available at the airport and in the resort itself. They can be a good option for short daytrips if you aren’t hiring a car, but check the fare before you start your trip.

Events in Petra

Skala Kalloni Sardine Festival: Around half an hour’s drive away, you’ll come across the island’s sardine capital in the Bay of Kaloni. Every August, Skala Kaloni celebrates the fruits of its region, and the festival features (you guessed it) freshly-caught sardines. They’re served with a side of free ouzo in the town square, plus live music and Greek dancing.

Carnival: In the week leading up to Lent, the island joins in with traditional Carnival festivities. Events take place across Lesbos, and in Petra you’ll enjoy lively parades and colourful costumes, plus plenty of local food to go around.

Petra weather

Temperature: Summertime average of 27°C.

Best time to visit: Want the best beach weather? Book Petra holidays for the early summer months (it’s hot but not too hot). 
The island of Lesvos enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, and that means hot, dry summers with long hours of sunshine. Average temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 20s (°C) from June to September. The hottest months of the year are July and August.

Places similar to Petra to visit