Skip to content 
Last Updated on 26 July 2026 by Vanessa
Planning a visit to Anaxos on the Greek island of Lesbos? Discover what it’s like, where to stay, how to get there, and everything you need to know before visiting. This guide is based on my own experience visiting Anaxos—first in the early 2000s, then again in 2022, and most recently in 2025.
Anaxos Lesbos: hotels, restaurants, beaches, and cats
About three kilometers west of Petra, Anaxos offers what many consider to be one of the nicest “Blue Flag” beaches on Lesbos Island.
From Anaxos’ long sandy coastline, you have beautiful views of Petra’s church-on-a-rock, the isle of Glaronisi, and further on Molyvos and its castle.
There are only few buildings in Anaxos. The tiny village mainly consists of a long street with beach-side cafés and restaurants, and only a handful of hotels and rooms-to-let.
Even the cats are less present in Anaxos than on the rest of Lesbos island (though there are still plenty of them). But don’t be surprised if one of them comes rubbing against your leg whilst you’re napping on the beach or enjoying traditional Greek mezze at one of the outdoor dining areas.
Where is Anaxos?
Anaxos sits between the more well-known towns of Petra and Molyvos (also called Mithymna), about a 1.5-hour drive from Mytilene Airport.
While Molyvos gets most of the postcard fame with its cobbled streets and castle views, Anaxos is the quiet cousin where time seems to stretch out—and that’s exactly why it’s so special.
You can walk to Petra in about 25 minutes along the beach road, and Molyvos is just a short drive away. The location makes Anaxos a good, quiet base for exploring northern Lesbos.
How to get to Anaxos (flights, ferries, and car rental tips)
Step 1: Fly to Mytilene International Airport (MJT)
If you’re heading to Anaxos, the easiest and most practical way to get there is by flying into Mytilene International Airport (MJT) on Lesbos.
Mytilene International Airport (also called Odysseas Elytis Airport) receives:
-
Direct summer flights from several European cities
-
Year-round domestic flights from Athens
-
Seasonal charter flights
Flying is strongly recommended.
Yes, ferries operate from mainland Greece and some islands. However, Lesbos sits in the far northeastern Aegean, very close to Turkey and quite far from popular island-hopping routes like the Cyclades. Ferry journeys are long, often overnight, and can easily take 10–17+ hours depending on departure port and weather conditions.
Unless you specifically enjoy slow sea travel, flying will save you significant time and energy.
Step 2: Rent a car at the airport (strongly recommended)
Lesbos is one of the largest Greek islands, and while public buses exist, schedules and routes are limited and not ideal if you want flexibility.
When we visited in 2025, we found our rental car through DiscoverCars, which compared multiple local and international providers and gave us the best price. The pickup process at the airport was smooth, and having a car completely changed our experience of the island.
From the airport, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive north to Anaxos.
What to do in Anaxos?
Relax on the beach
Anaxos Beach is:
-
Long and wide
-
Sandy (rare for Lesbos)
-
Calm and shallow
- Clear and gently sloping
-
Family-friendly
-
Blue Flag certified
Unlike more commercial Greek beaches, you won’t find:
-
Loud jet skis
-
Beach clubs blasting music
-
Influencer photo shoots every 10 minutes
There are tons of tavernas lining the beach, so ordering a frappé or ice-cold beer is easy. You can just wave over a server from your sunbed and have a coffee in hand five minutes later—without ever getting up.
But what I love most? The cats know where the good vibes are. They’ll curl up next to you like it’s their personal sunbed. No begging. No drama. Just a little warm fluff keeping you company as you relax under the umbrella.
Try a little water fun
Not feeling like a total beach potato? You can also rent a pedalo, hop on a paddleboard, or try windsurfing when there’s a breeze.
Walk the shoreline at sunset
Evenings in Anaxos hit different. The beach glows in that golden hour light, and the view toward Petra turns absolutely dreamy.
I like to kick off my sandals and walk along the water, a cat tagging behind me, while the sky fades from orange to pink. It’s quiet, calm, and just so good for the soul.
Anaxos restaurants
Anaxos keeps it pretty low-key, so don’t expect any standout restaurants. There isn’t a single spot that steals the show.
The best plan is to pick one of the many beach tavernas scattered along the shore and settle in for a relaxed meal with the sea just steps away. You’ll find that most places serve very similar traditional Greek dishes: fresh grilled fish, moussaka, fried calamari, and salads dressed with local olive oil.
There are cats at every single one of these beach restaurants. Unfortunately, they’re all strays. And they’re hungry. They’ll often sit patiently near your table, hoping for a bite.
However, while some restaurants tolerate them, others don’t—and it’s hard to know which is which. To be safe, it’s best not to feed cats right at the table. Instead, lure them over to a quieter spot nearby and feed them there. That way, the cats are not risking any trouble with the staff, and the cats still get their treat in peace.
Anaxos hotels
Alma Hotel
In 2025, our family booked a stay at Alma Hotel, which is tucked on a hillside right between Petra and Anaxos. You’ll wake up to incredible sea views, and you’re just a few minutes from either village. The pool is gorgeous, the vibe is calm and relaxed, and they take good care of the stray cats near the hotel. (Check prices and availability for Alma Hotel here.)
However, if you want to stay right in Anaxos, here are two well-rated places that offer comfort and easy access to the beach:
- Anaxos Garden Studios: Budget-friendly and cute, these studios are just a short walk from the beach. Each one comes with a small kitchenette, so you can whip up your own breakfast and enjoy it on the balcony before heading out for the day.
- Kallisti Villas: Traveling with family or a group? These villas give you more space and a touch of luxury, while still feeling authentically Greek. You’ll also get private terraces, peaceful olive groves, and a location that keeps everything close by.
🏨 For more options, check out our article about the best hotels in Lesbos.
Final tips
-
Rent a car or scooter if you want to explore more of Lesbos. The island is big and diverse—with hot springs, Roman ruins, mountain villages, monasteries, hidden beaches, and fishing hubs galore. You can rent a car at affordable prices here.
-
If you visit in June or September, you’ll find warm weather but far fewer crowds. However, avoid going too early or too late in the tourist season. Most restaurants and hotels will be closed then, and the village feels abandoned.
-
Anaxos is cash-friendly, so it’s wise to carry euros, especially at smaller tavernas.
-
While English is widely spoken, a few Greek phrases go a long way and always bring a smile.
- If you happen to fall in love with one of the stray cats, adopting them and bringing them home is actually doable. You can learn more in my article on how to adopt a cat in Greece. And don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m happy to connect you with the right people to make it happen.
✔️ Who is Anaxos perfect for?
Anaxos is ideal if you:
-
Prefer quiet beaches over party scenes
-
Want affordable Greece (Anaxos is actually one of the cheapest options you’ll find in Greece as a whole)
- Need a quiet base to explore and north and middle part of Lesbos
-
Love slow mornings and long lunches
-
Travel with children
-
Secretly hope a beach cat adopts you
❌ Anaxos may not be the best fit if you:
-
Need nightlife
-
Luxury shopping and activities
-
Non-stop activity
Is Anaxos your idea of a perfect Greek beach holiday? Have you ever been and have some good tips for our readers? Let us know in the comments below.
Lesbos Island has a lot of great places beyond Anaxos, though. Think hidden waterfalls, traditional villages, hot springs, hiking routes, petrified forests, and so much more. Check out this list of more than 35 things to do on Lesbos and how to make them a reality.
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan
