We got back last Thursday - 28th June. Petra and Molivos were as great as ever but the last few days were the hottest June weather we've ever experienced over there. The power station wasn't coping with the demand for air conditioning either and we were also having short power cuts twice a day. Hopefully this was the freak heatwave everyone said it was and not the shape of things to come.

It was cooling down when we were leaving but do always appreciate that any quoted temperatures you read are the air temperature, in the shade, inside a mini weather station. It was 51C / 124F out in the sun at one point on Wednesday and if you don't treat that with respect you end up very ill. One young waitress who'd suffered badly with the heat visiting Mytilene then collapsed in the Lemon Tree on Tuesday night. She said her hands and feet had gone numb. I saw a helicopter coming down to the beach a little later so guess that was her off to hospital...

Definately had enough of this weather, booked a late one back to Molyvos on Thursday

Have a good one RDV

We are going back to Eftalou in September and really looking forward to it.

Have a Mythos or two for me.

Cheers
Peter

Thanks Peewee, we're actually staying at the Panselinos in Eftalou. Its unusual for us to stay in the same place twice but with Molyvos on the doorstep and some good tavernas close by this suits us.

Going back is fine. Just goes to show how much you enjoyed the place.

Have a great time.

We are thinking of going to Lesvos for our next Greek holiday. Which resort has the best beach please? Is there somewhere with soft sand, no stones or rocks? Also, is there somewhere where I can be on the beach, whilst my other half can go off for a wander somewhere? We've just returned from Tolon which was ideal as he walked off up to the hill of Ancient Assine each day.We would like to be in a resort where there are enough tavernas to try a different one each evening, then return to our accomodation for a few drinks at the bar. All info greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I loved Petra.
You'll find some beach info here - http://www.lesvos.com/beaches.html

We are going back to Molyvos for the 7th time, love the laid back feel to it and also the Hot Springs at Eftalou, wonderful, tavernas excellent as well in Eftalou and Molyvos. We stay at the Olive Press Hotel, Diamantes Apts and Studios are excellent as well.

Thanks for that both of you.

Puddleduck, loads of info on that site. I think I have fallen for Skala Eressos!

We arrived back in the UK yesterday from Lesvos and within minutes it was raining, we didnt see a cloud in two weeks out there. Managed to see most of the Southern half of the island on this visit and feel that the guide books dont do it justice. Plomari is frequently portrayed as industrial and run down, it is'nt and the beach just to the east (Isodoras) is excellent. As before, the food on this island is consistantly good and fish is available everywhere. Ignore the 40 to 50 euros per kg. on the menus, go in and have a look, pick a fish and ask the price, it will be a lot less than advertised. Found some great fine sand beaches without any stones or shingle usually almost deserted. Watch out for the ouzo loving police/customs guy at the hand luggage check. People were walking through with water bottles and my wife had a bottle of Fanta and 2 jars of honey but the ouzo was his, I offered to open it but he just pointed to the 'no liquids' notice, I bet they have some great parties!!

I believe that it is possible to do a day trip to Turkey from Lesvos. Does anyone know if this is from all resorts, or only certain places, and if so, which ones?

Sandie,
The ferry to Turkey goes from Mytilene to Ayvalik. It is a scheduled service rather than a tourist day-trip. There are agents in all resorts that will "package" this for you with transport from your resort to the port and return. On the Turkish side, Ayvalik is a small place and a Turkish resort (rather than like Marmaris/Bodrum etc which are resorts for "Westerners") but interesting never-the-less. The best day to go is market day - can't remember which day that is, but the travel agents in resort will know. The ferry will be busy with Greeks going over for the shopping - cheaper for them let alone us!

Last time we were there (5 years ago) you had to leave your passport with Turkish immigration on arrival. They give you a receipt which you exchange for your passport when you get back to the port for the return trip - allow a little time for this!

Cheers,
Jet

Hi Helen
I take you are now returned from your holiday in Lesvos. I would love to hear if you had a good time and what you thought of the places you visited.
Kath

Hi Kath

Yes, we are back from Lesvos and had a truly wonderful time. It does seem to be an "undiscovered" island because although we were there at high season it was quiet everywhere - unlike most of the islands we have been to.

We hired a car from the airport and spent the first week at the Pasiphae Hotel - from there we visited Vatera Beach (lovely stretch of beach with loads of different eating places), Polichnitos and the hot springs, Skalla Erossos, a small beach at Parakila and drove up the east coast and visited a beach called Skala Mystegnon - both of the last beaches were perfect for us - very quiet but with our requirement of loungers and tavernas!

Our second week was at Molyvos - and when we entered the room at the Sea Horse and looked out from the balcony, it literally took my breath away! We could have spent all the week just sitting there watch the fishing boats and people go by - in fact, I think the Danish couple of the balcony next door but one, did just that! It is by far the hotel with the most beautiful view that I have stayed at.

We ate in Molyvos in the restaurants hanging off the cliff. Also at the Captains Table and others round the harbour - being a lover of fish, it was great being able to choose the fish for them to cook.

From Molyvos we visited Petra, Annaxos, and found a really lovely small beach just at the end of the harbour in Petra - you drive through a hotel to get to it - but it was very quiet with two tavernas, the main one was excellent.

The second week was quite windy, so on a couple of days we returned to the almost deserted (!) beaches of Skala Kalloni, as they seemed to be the most sheltered on the island.

One places that really stood out was Sigri - it is quite a drive to reach but well worth it. The village is quite picturesque with a long beach and great swimming as the water was so clear. Also, lots of really good places to eat.

Definitely, we will return to Lesvos and particularly to the Sea Horse - and by booking the flights, car from the airport and hotel independently, it worked out really easy rather than waiting round for coaches, etc.

In fact, I am still washing and ironing from the holiday as when we got back we went straight up to Edinburgh for a few days at the festival - which (although not Greece), I do highly recommend!!!

Many thanks for everyone's help in choosing resorts and hotels. Next year, we are looking at maybe one week in Paxos and one week in the North East of Corfu! Suggestions welcome!!

Helen