Last Updated on 19 June 2026 by Vanessa
The small coastal village of Petra is one of the best places to stay in Lesbos if you want easy beach access, plenty of hotels and apartments, walkable tavernas, and a relaxed village atmosphere. It’s great base for exploring the island, and it works just as well for families as it does for couples.
Petra also happens to be full of cats. They are perfectly at home sleeping next to you on the beach, joining you for meals at tavernas, and casually leading the way through the cobblestone alleys.
Whenever I’m in Lesbos, Petra is one of the places I keep coming back to and happily recommend as a place to stay.
Below are eight reasons why it ranks among my favorite locations on the island, and why it might be the right choice for your trip too.
Why Petra is one of the best places to stay in Lesbos (the cats are just a bonus)
Easy access to other Lesbos attractions
One of the reasons Petra works so well as a place to stay is its location. You get the relaxed feel of a small beach village, but you’re never far from some of the most beautiful and memorable spots on Lesbos. Renting a car or scooter is the best option (you can rent yours here), but there’s also a decent bus service to take you to several other parts of the island.
Just a short drive away is Molyvos, by far the most beautiful town on the island. With its castle views, winding cobblestone streets, and magical atmosphere, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit more than once, especially in the evenings.
In the other direction, Anaxos is another easy trip and a favorite for beach days. It’s known for its long stretch of sand, laid-back tavernas, and an impressive number of cats. In fact, if you enjoy a good walk, you can even reach Anaxos on foot from Petra. It’s an ideal low-effort day trip.
For something a little different, Eftalou is well worth a visit. The hot springs are a classic Lesbos experience, especially after a day of exploring. Meanwhile, Eftalou Tavern alone is reason enough to make the short detour (for the food, the views, and the cats).
And if you’re in the mood for something especially charming, Skala Sykaminia might be the cutest fishing village you’ll see in Greece. Small, peaceful, and wonderfully photogenic, it’s perfect for a relaxed lunch by the sea.
Staying in Petra means you can enjoy all of these places as easy day trips, then return in the evening to the beach, the tavernas, and the familiar rhythm of village life—often with a few cats waiting to welcome you back.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island
The beaches of Petra are amongst the most inviting of the entire island, with plenty of seaside cafés around to keep you hydrated and happy. As soon as you step out of a taverna, you’re already on the sand. No driving, no planning, no rushing to claim a spot early in the morning.
The beach is long, sandy, and gently sloping, which makes it easy for swimming and ideal for families. The water stays clear and calm most days, and the shallow entry is perfect if you like to wade in slowly rather than dive straight into the deep.
Sunbeds line the shore in front of the cafés and ouzerias, and they’re free as long as you order a drink or a meal. You can swim, dry off, order lunch, and go back into the sea without ever leaving your spot.
The cats enjoy this arrangement too. They love napping under sunbeds and occasionally even claim a lounger as their own. In Petra, they’re part of the beach scene.
Sunset walks are an absolute much here. The bay that opens up in front of the village is protected by two isles, Agios Georgios and Psira. When the sun sets between these two small islands, it colors the water with dozens of shades.
Many hotel options
Petra offers one of the widest ranges of places to stay on Lesbos. You’ll find small family-run hotels, comfortable apartment complexes, and a few larger properties that work especially well for longer stays. Many are just steps from the beach, restaurants, and village center.
This is one of the reasons Petra appeals to so many different travelers. Families appreciate the space and convenience. Couples enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and walkable evenings. Slow travelers like the fact that you can settle in without feeling the need to move around constantly.
And then there are the cats. Many hotels have cats who spend their days on terraces, by reception desks, or in quiet garden corners.
If staying somewhere that cares for them matters to you, you might also enjoy our guide to cat-friendly hotels in Lesbos, which highlights hotels across the island known for looking after their feline residents.
Best hotel to stay in Petra
If I had to recommend just one place to stay in Petra, it would be Alma Hotel Petra.
Alma is slightly larger than many of the village’s boutique hotels, which makes it a great option for families and travelers who want a bit more space. The rooms are comfortable, the setting calm, and the location makes it easy to walk to both the beach and the village center.
What truly sets Alma apart, though, is how it treats its cats. The hotel actively takes care of homeless cats year-round, including during the winter months when tourism slows down. It’s a small detail, but one that says a lot about the place.
You can read my full review of Alma Hotel Petra here.
🏨 Check current prices and availability for Alma Hotel Petra here.
Charming village life
With many streets being closed to vehicles, the village is easy to explore on foot.
The narrow cobblestone streets are full of small souvenir shops selling local products and handmade goods. There are also many family-owned tavernas where you can taste traditional small bites, fresh fish, and the famous Ouzo of the island. It’s the ideal place to mingle with the locals and get an idea of the genuine Greek lifestyle.
Several streets are shaded by overhanging flowers and plants. It keeps the heat away and makes the village look even more charming.
Cats are everywhere. They nap on doorsteps, stroll through alleys, and seem completely at home among the shops and houses.
Church of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa
Petra (the Greek word for “stone”) acquired its name because of the steep rock of 27 meters high, which emerges amidst the houses in the center of the town.
Perched on top of this towering rock is the church of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa, also known as the Sweet Kissing Church.
The church dates back to the 18th century and is renowned for its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.
According to local legend, the icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist and was discovered floating in the sea by fishermen who were drawn to its radiance. The icon was brought to Petra, and the church was built to enshrine it, becoming a site of veneration and pilgrimage.
There are 114 steps to get up. No easy feat. But once you reach the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Petra, the Aegean Sea, and the nearby isles of Agios Georgios and Psira.
Women’s Cooperative
There are many tavernas in Petra, but one that is not to be missed is the Women’s Cooperative of Petra. It’s by far the best restaurant in town… and on the island.
Founded in 1983 by 24 women (with the help of the Council for Sexual Equality, the Prefecture of Lesbos, and the Greek Organization for Tourism), the Women’s Cooperative was formed to increase the work and financial opportunities for women in the area, so they could be more independent.
Today, the Cooperative runs a shop with local Greek products, offers small apartments and studios to rent, and serves traditional Lesbos dishes in its restaurant.
If you can find a spot on one of the balconies of the restaurant, you’ll have a great view over Petra and the Aegean sea (and possibly even a feline dining buddy).
Cats
And yes, the large number of cats is one of the reasons why Petra is one of the best places to stay in Lesbos. Everywhere you go, a cat is likely nearby.
It’s definitely heartwarming when a cat comes to lay on the beach chair with you to ask for cuddles or when it comes to sit at your table to share a meal. In Petra, everywhere you look, there is a cat somewhere.
Even though the majority of them are strays, these cats are well looked after. There’s a small animal shelter near the beach that cares for them, and a local woman in the village who does everything she can to make sure they’re safe, healthy, and well-fed.
Because of that, the cats of Petra are in noticeably better condition than in other parts of the island.
Who Petra is best for?
Petra works well for a lot of different travelers. If you fit into any of these groups, it could be the perfect base for your Lesbos trip:
-
Cat lovers: With free-roaming cats everywhere, plus a local shelter and devoted residents, Petra is a small paradise for feline fans.
-
Beach lovers: The long sandy beach, shallow waters, and easy access from most hotels make Petra ideal for anyone who wants to spend their days by the sea.
-
Families: The calm beach, many activities, walkable village, and relaxed pace make it easy to travel with children.
-
Couples: Quiet streets, romantic sunsets over the sea, and cozy tavernas create a perfect setting for a slower, more intimate trip.
-
First-time visitors to Lesbos: Petra is easy to navigate, centrally located, and gives you everything you need to explore the central and northern part of the island.
If you want to stay in Petra, check out my top hotel picks in the village, including Alma Hotel Petra, where the staff care for local cats year-round. You can see current prices and availability directly through this link [affiliate link].
Who might prefer another area?
Petra isn’t ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for nightlife or big parties, this isn’t the right spot. Mykonos or Santorini will be better for that scene.
You might also want to stay elsewhere if you plan to explore the southern part of Lesbos. Places like Plomari, Mytilini, or the Roman Aqueduct of Moria are farther away. Staying in Petra for those trips would mean a lot of extra driving.
However, for travelers who value relaxed village life, beach access, and easy connections to central and northern Lesbos, Petra remains one of the best options.
Final thoughts on Petra
Petra is one of the most charming and versatile villages on Lesbos Island. If you want a place that combines beach time, great food, walkability, and a relaxed village feel, it’s one of the best places to stay — especially if you don’t mind a few cats along the way.
However, be prepared that you will most likely want to come back once you’ve set foot there.
Looking for more things to d? Our complete Lesbos travel guide covers everything from hidden waterfalls and traditional villages to the island’s best beaches and food spots.
And when you’re in Petra, be sure to take a moment to appreciate its friendly felines, and maybe even snap a few pictures of them to remember your trip by. If you do, share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Visit next: Monastery of Ypsilou in Lesbos.
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan
Photos 4, 19, 23 and 24 by Stephan Jankovic
Pin this guide to Petra, Lesbos!
