Vasso Studios Reviews

If you're worried that you haven't seen many reviews of Skala Kalloni, don't be, it's a lovely resort.

Skala Kalloni is a laid back village set around a harbour and a pretty square. There are plenty of great traditional tavernas to try and one or two low-key bars set on the beach.

The beach is divided into two by the harbour. To the right (if you're facing the sea) is the quieter, slightly pebblier end. The sea is very clear here - you can see shoals of fish swimming around you. To the left (beyond Dionysos restaurant) is the sandier, more popular beach. Here the cafe bars offer free sunbeds and umbrellas to their customers - order a frappe and they'll bring it over to you whilst you relax by the water's edge. (It was blissful!) The sea at both beaches is incredibly warm and shallow and would be great for young swimmers.

(Ignore the beach immediately around the harbour - this is a working fishing village and so this part is used for the boats, nets etc).

A few restaurants we enjoyed:
Mimi's (on the square) - really good grill with delicious, traditional mezedes. It's quite old-fashioned but the old chaps that run it are really friendly. We got ouzos and a plate of sardines, bean salad and olives as soon as we sat down. Yum.

Seahorse (overlooking the beach on the right) - this was our favourite place to eat. The two waiters were so welcoming and hospitable. The food was fantastic; particularly the 'veal in pot'. The mezes were superb. Well worth the visit.

The Lighthouse (behind the boatbuilder) - go here for a quick gyros. It's where all the locals go. It's really cheap and tasty but very low-key.

Argo Bar (on the square) - we watched the world cup final here with a mix of locals and visitors. The atmosphere was very friendly. Lovely setting, Mythos in ice-cold glasses - what more could you want? Theo, who runs it, always has a smile. A great bar.

The bakery (towards the back of the village) - brilliant. You just walk into the back where the ovens are and choose your warm breads/pastries from the racks. The old chap who runs it might give you a free cookie if you go there more than once.

Tip - the small stone supermarket (on the road north, off the square 50 yards on the right) is the cheapest and friendliest.

Vasso Studios - typical studios in a lovely quiet location (6 mins walk to the square) but with the added bonus of free air-con and a pool. The swallows fly down and skim the surface for a drink in the afternoons. Quite a sight.

Other things not to miss on Lesvos:

Eftalou Spa - Just gorgeous! Incredibly relaxing hot water, beautiful white domed building with just small candles and sunlight sparkling on the water. (Also, further up the road, the taverna next to the mini golf is extremely good).

Molyvos - Stunning stone houses, crumbling castle, leafy-shaded shops in tiny lanes, one or two relaxed young bars. Also, open-air cinema that shows English-language films once or twice a week.

Agios Ermogenis - (Not far from Mytilini) The prettiest little sandy beach with turquoise waters. The tiny bay is overlooked by a tiny white-domed church. We were the only non-Greeks there - it seemed to be a bit of a locals' secret. Another good taverna here.

Skala Eressos - this resort apparently lost half its beach in the storms over the winter - a shame as the sand was really good here. A relaxed place, lots of lesbian couples enjoying the tolerant attitudes here. This is where the poetess Sappho taught in ancient Greece.

The Roman aqueduct at Moria - incredible. Huge. Tucked just behind the village with its beautiful crumbling mansions. We were the only ones there pottering around the site.

The Teriade modern art gallery (just outside Mytilini, on the way to the airport) - an amazing collection of artists including Matisse, Picasso, Miro, Chagall. A must-see if you like modern art.

Didn't bother with the petrified forest. Stone tree stumps just didn't appeal.

Also, driving in Mytilini was much worse that London in rush hour. Try to avoid taking the car into the centre. Seriously.

Lesvos is beautiful and unusual and well worth exploring. And the food...superb. Enjoy!