Petra is a relatively large town on the north west coast of Lesvos, near Mithymna. It is very busy with the tourists during the summer.
The photo above was shot from Panagia Glykofiloussa Church. The name of the town Petra (Rock) comes from the rock on which this church stands.
In the photo right is Petra Beach, just in front of the town. The temperature of sea water in northern Lesvos is relatively low. Besides, it tends to be chilly in the evening even in summer, so bring a light jacket and long trousers/skirts with you.
Central Petra is filled with small tourist shops, open till late in summer.
In Lesvos island, there are many small local distilleries of ouzo and Petra is no exception. Go in to specialist shops and ask which is Petra's; don't forget to ask their recommendations, for they will probably let you taste before you buy.
There is a big patisserie with cafeteria in the central square, called Tsalikis (the same family owns also a large restaurant situated between Petra and Mithymna and it has the same name).
You can take away as well as eat in.
Their ice creams are original (i.e. not bought-in); creamy, silky and taste natural. It cost us €1.50 a scoop to take away in paper cup (in summer 2009). Exceptional.
In central Petra, there is a restaurant run by the Petran Women's Agrotourism Association. We wanted to visit, but missed it; it is in our 'To-do' list when we revisit Petra.
Central Petra is picturesque with traditional stone-built buidlings and narrow roads.
This is an ouzo made in Petra.
According to the onwer of a ouzo shop where we bought it, it is not the best ouzo in Lesvos (personally I have no idea how a good ouzo should taste like), but I found its taste quite interesting and distinct.
Not forget to try it, when once you are in Petra (of course, you can buy it also in other places of the island).
Reference
- Lesvos : the island of Sappho. Tourbis: Koropi (Athens), 1997, pp. 96-100.
- Lesvos Guide. Empros Newspaper: Kara Tepé (Mytilene), [2008?], p. 71-76.
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