We stayed in Anaxos during May a few times some years ago - a very nice quiet and laidback resort, with some good restaurants and bars. Reading reviews on the web I don't think it's changed much. Good bus service during the day to Molyvos and Petra which aren't too far away. You used to be able to walk to Petra quite easily over the headland. Of the three Petra probably has the best beach - Anaxos had a mixture of sand and small pebbles with a steepish drop a few feet in.

If you want to see most of the (large) island a car is a necessity.

Would go back again except for the limited days of travel when using a tour company and the transfer time from Myrtilini(?) airport

I have often sung the praises of Lesvos on this site ( click my user name) as its one of our favourite islands. Garin is spot on, you need a car on this island if you want to make the most of it. You have young children so Petra would be my choice.We only used the t/o transfer bus once, far better to collect the car at the airport, its just under an hour on good roads to Molyvos or Petra.

Hi joeyc

We stayed in Petra for 2 weeks last year, our first visit to Lesvos. I have to admit to being slightly disappointed we aren't going back this year (going to Parga which I know will be fab). The three resorts are pretty laid back and a lot more Greek than some places we have been to. You can get a great pita gyros easily, there is no Sky Sports, Karaoke or Full English. The beaches in the area are good although snorkelling was disappointing. In Petra there are a few places with pools which of course you are welcome to use if you buy something from the bar. One thing which saves you quite a bit of money is the fact that the sunbeds on the beach in Petra and Anaxos are all owned by the individual tavernas so they are free as long as you buy a drink or have lunch. It's a very friendly place with typical family run tavernas and bars. The large draught beer was €2.80 upwards (Alfa or Mythos), you could get a large glass of wine for €2, cocktails from €6, shorts €5, all with a bowl of nuts/crisps. soft drinks €2 so wine was just as cheap, yippee!!!
Ice-creams from €1.50. For a 2 course meal for 2 with half kilo of wine it was between €25 and €30 before tip.
There are about 3 ATMs in Petra. The bus service to Anaxos and Molyvos was good but can't remember price, not dear though. €6 for a taxi back to Petra. Lovely shops in Molyvos and a good range of tavernas and of course the castle. Anaxos is more spread out, with a nice beach.
There is lots to see on the island as others have said.

We haven't been to Santorini but been to Sidari and Agios Giordis in Corfu. I think Lesvos is more of a traditional place and the prices are probably a bit cheaper because it's less commercialised. If you are looking to hire a car try http://www.lesvoscarhire.com. Costas is based in Anaxos, married to an English ex. rep and has a lot of good reviews. We were pleased with his service. they also run a popular reataurant/bar the Omega.
Enjoy.

Hope this helps, Yiamass, Jean

i wouldn't bother with lesvos, rubbish island, probably the worst we've travelled to, stay away! far too quiet, too many deserted beaches with no body for miles, far too scenic/picturesque, we keep going back time after time to remind ourselves how much we hate it, KEEP OFF!!!!

i wouldn't bother with lesvos, rubbish island, probably the worst we've travelled to, stay away! far too quiet, too many deserted beaches with no body for miles, far too scenic/picturesque, we keep going back time after time to remind ourselves how much we hate it, KEEP OFF!!!!

Oh that sounds awful, you wouldn't want to go there