podaras ... beautifully secluded and private
The ancient farming area of Podaras is located on the south coast of the island, west of the entrance to the Gulf of Kaloni. This is the volcanic side of Lesbos, with spectacular rock formations, natural water sources and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Its very nature, and part of its charm, means it is isolated and secluded.
There are three lovely and lived-in bungalows along the beach road, and several tucked away farmhouses along pathways behind the beach. In winter the riverbed, almost dry in summer, fills with the rain from the mountain sides and fresh water flows into the lake and underground, where it collects and provides all-year round irrigation for the surrounding farmland.
What remains of the lake in summer is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many birds, terrapins, frogs and a vast array of insects. Farming is varied, but the main things the visitor will notice in summer are the goat-like sheep that graze on the hillsides. There are lovely walks along the tracks behind the beach amongst tall shady bamboo and old farm buildings.
The fishing village of Tavari is 1.5km (10–15 mins) along the coast road. Here there is a hotel, tavernas, coffee bars and shops, as well as a small harbour where fishing boats unload their catch.
From Tavari it is approx 3km inland and uphill to Mesotopos – a gorgeous, traditional Greek village, where every turn of the road yields something new. A ‘must-explore’ for any visitor, who can complete their visit with Greek coffee in the village square.
Eressos, 12km from Mesotopos, is the tourist capital of this side of Lesbos. Here the visitor will find a mixture of traditional and contemporary bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops – everything for a great day or night out! For the more erudite, the history of Eressos, which goes back beyond Roman times, is well worth studying, as are the local art and artists.
Accommodation in Podaras
Places of Interest
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