Escape the nine-to-five treadmill with a relaxing beach-based break in Lesvos, the Greek island with a whole lot of charm. Offering an appealing combination of historic sites, natural attractions and pretty beaches this Greek island getaway offers the perfect spot for a budget break in the sun.
The third largest of the Greek islands, Lesvos offers a taste of authentic Greece with its olive groves, traditional tavernas and abundance of wildlife. With average flight times of just under four hours this gem of an island provides an affordable short-haul holiday.
July is the hottest month on the island with temperatures averaging 26°C and the most daily sunshine hours around mid-August. Upbeat beach resorts and colourful towns are dotted with cafes and tavernas serving delicious authentic cuisine, while inland there are an array of natural attractions to enjoy. A regular and affordable tram and bus service operates across the island offering visitors who don't wish to hire a car access to the local amenities and attractions.
With its laid-back vibe, sandy beach and selection of public outdoor pools, Anaxos is ideal for those wanting to relax and recharge their batteries. Skala Kalloni is popular with beach lovers and the windsurfing set due to its shallow waters and gentle winds, while Molyvos boasts a fascinating historic centre, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile Petra, with its long sandy beach and terracotta-topped dwellings, offers traditional charm and a glimpse of bygone times.
Beyond the coastline there are a wealth of treasures to be explored in Lesvos including fascinating historic towns and medieval sites. Top of visitors' to-do lists is a trip to the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, which incorporates a forest, museum and nature reserve. The Castle of Mytilene, situated between the city's ports, is another big draw.
Anaxos is perfect for lazy beach days and long walks, with a small stream to the west offering an ideal spot for picnics and reasonably priced tavernas and cafes lining the three-kilometre-long beachfront. A favourite with hikers, Skala Kalloni is famous for its wildlife and birdwatching – a fascinating free pastime, which adds the opportunity to spot some rare species into the bargain.
Or you can take a stroll around Molyvos town centre with its cobbled streets and impressive castle while doing a spot of window-shopping along the way. In Petra there are numerous buildings of interest to look at including the poetically named Our Lady of the Sweet Kiss Church and an 18th-century mansion turned museum called Vareltzidena's house. Nature lovers may want to visit the three small islands just off the coast that are designated nature reserves – Rabbit Island even has an observation centre, ideal for spotting a variety of rare birds and wildlife.
For more inspiration, check out these further options for cheap holidays on Greece's beautiful islands. Kefalonia was inspiration for the book and film Captain Correlli's Mandolin and Naxos has ancient ruins and whitewashed houses. However, if Lesvos has won your heart take a closer look at our travel guide for more information on planning your affordable break. To help get you started here are a selection of cheap hotel choices in Lesvos.
A favourite with couples, the Plaza Palace Hotel offers a host of amenities and friendly staff. The beach is around 700 metres away but if you prefer to sunbathe sand-free the on-site swimming pool, surrounded by a sun terrace and loungers, provides the ideal spot for relaxation. There's also a restaurant, poolside snack bar and bar with satellite television as well as occasional evening entertainment. Those wanting to sample the local cuisine will find a selection of inexpensive restaurants and bars nearby.
Offering affordable Bed and Breakfast accommodation and a good range of amenities, the Imerti Studios are a great base for a beach holiday. The inviting pool area incorporates a whirlpool, sun terrace with loungers and a kids' pool. Other family friendly facilities include a playground and playroom. There are bars and tavernas around 400 metres from the complex and budding ornithologists may be interested to learn that it's just one kilometre to a well-known bird-watching site.
The inviting outdoor pool and terrace area is the focal point of the Sunrise Hotel, providing a tempting base for a lazy sunshine break. Active types may want to have a game of tennis or work up a sweat in the gym before relaxing in the whirlpool bath. The a la carte restaurant serves up a selection of tasty treats, while the pool snack bar is on hand for light snacks. Family friendly amenities include a playground and kids' pool. There's a pebble and shingle beach just 350 metres away and the hotel provides a regular courtesy bus to take guests into Molyvos for shops, bars and restaurants.
Just 800 metres from the resort centre of Petra and 200 metres from a sandy beach, the Panorama Hotel offers a comfortable Bed and Breakfast break at a wallet friendly price. The outdoor swimming pool and terrace is a relaxing spot to soak up the Greek sunshine, while the pool bar offers a shady spot in which to cool off and sip an icy drink. As well as an on-site restaurant there's also a barbecue area. The lounge bar, with satellite television, is a great spot to plan the next day's schedule.