Description of the attraction
Petra is a small picturesque town on the northern coast of the Greek island of Lesvos, about 5 km from the town of Mithimna (Molyvos). Petra is part of the municipality of Lesvos.
Most of the local residents (the population is just over 1200 people) are employed in the actively developing sphere of tourism, on which, in fact, the city's economy is based today. Petra is a very popular resort with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. You will find here everything you need for a comfortable stay - cozy hotels and apartments, shops and markets, restaurants, taverns and bars, and, of course, a magnificent comfortable sandy beach with a length of about 2.5 km, which is rightfully considered one of the best on the island of Lesvos. …
The results of archaeological excavations indicate that people have lived in the territory of Petra and its environs since time immemorial, but it is rather difficult to say exactly when the modern city was founded. Petra got its name because of the huge rock rising in the center of the city (translated from Greek “petra” means “stone”), the height of which is about 30 m. mid 18th century. To climb to the temple, you need to overcome 114 steps carved into the rock. And while the climb may seem a little tedious, the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea are undoubtedly worth the effort.
However, the Church of St. Nicholas with its well-preserved murals dating back to the 16th century, as well as the old mansion of Valerdzidenas and the local distillery, where the traditional Lesbian ouzo is produced, are also worth a visit.
