You are right in thinking that Anaxos is fairly small and quiet. Wonderful beach and lots of little windy streets that lead down to the beachfront lined with bars and tavernas. A "must visit" place to see is Molyvos which is visible from the resort with its castle on the hill and its "Lindos type" little streets full of little gift shops and bars and restaurants which tumble down to the harbour and the small beach. I am not sure wether there are any boat trips from Anaxos or you may have to go into neighbouring Petra with its church on the rock overlooking the town or into Molyvos. Another little harbour worth a visit is Skala Sykaminias, just the other side of Molyvos with its small fishing fleet and tavernas lining the waterside. a perfect place to sit and watch the boats unloading their catch and selling to the locals with much haggling and arm waving taking place!! Also close to Anaxos are the thermal springs at Efthalou. Just inland from the resorts is the delightful village of Stipsi....in fact I did a lovely trip that included walking through the village, visiting the local bakery and kafeneon on route and ending up in Skala Sykaminias for lunch. Do try the stuffed Zuchini flowers, they are a Lesvos speciality that are well worth sampling.
Lesvos is by far and away my favourite island so if you want any more info about the rest of the island I will gladly do my best to help.
Kath

Thanks very much for the information Kath it is really helpful, Anaxos sounds like just what I was looking for, two weeks of walking, reading, fishing and relaxing with the occasional drink or two whilst topping up my tan. Lenny

Dear Scrumpy 1,

You have picked our favourite Greek Island. We stayed in Molyvos 2 years ago, what a fantastic place to eat in the evenings. They also have open air theatre in Molyvos, the castle at the top of the hill is also worth a visit. As is the fantastic bakery half way up the hill.
There is no beach to speak of at Molyvos, but you have good one at Anaxos and another one at Petra, just a short taxi/bus ride away. Our favourite beach was Vatera, in the south of the Island. It is a large Island, so hire a car. Places to visit include Scala Eressos which has a 1960's hippy feel to the place. Go on a boat trip from Pthygorian (not sure about the spelling), a harbour anyway with plenty of shops. The Island trip was the best we have ever been on in Greece.
You will also find it quite a bit cheaper than a lot of other Islands. We went to Skaithos last year and found it to be almost double the price of Lesbos.

A pleasant boat trip runs from Molyvos harbour to Skala Sykaminias. There are some great tavernas here for lunch with lovely views of water. Definately rent a car, this is a big island and at the moment its not too touristy. Certainly one of our favourites. Be aware of the very long transfer from the airport, it took 3 hours last time (to Eftalou) so next time we'll collect the car in Mytillini.