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Last Updated on 22 June 2026 by Vanessa
Does your ideal vacation include sun, sea, food… and a lot of cats? If so, you’ll feel right at home in Alma Hotel Petra on Lesbos Island. This accommodation doesn’t just have stunning ocean views and spacious bungalows. Its employees also take really good care of the cats that have decided to make the hotel their home.
Even when the tourists are gone and the island falls quiet for winter, this hotel makes sure the cats that live around its grounds are fed, warm, and safe.
Unfortunately, many hotels and restaurants in Greece do the opposite. They shutter their doors in the off-season and leave the stray cats in the area to fend for themselves. Alma Hotel Petra, on the other hand, continues to care. There’s always a hotel keeper on site, even when the property is officially closed to guests. That person makes sure the cats are fed every day and that they can take shelter inside when the weather turns.
I stayed at Alma Hotel Petra during the first week of May 2025. So, let me tell you more about the hotel and about the cats that are living their best lives there.
Meet the happy cats of Alma Hotel Petra
We arrived in Petra just as Lesbos began to stretch and yawn after a long, quiet winter. Restaurants had only just reopened, hotels were dusting off their lounge chairs, and the streets still had that peaceful early-season calm.
The weather? Absolutely perfect — sunny, warm, but not too hot. Ideal for exploring without breaking a sweat.
Cats with VIP access
We quickly noticed we weren’t the only ones enjoying the peaceful start of the season. All around the hotel were cats. Lounging in the shade, patrolling the hotel grounds, or curled up in sunbeams on the patio.
Two had even made themselves quite comfortable in the lobby, snoozing away on the couches like they’d paid for their deluxe stay.
These cats weren’t scrappy or skittish. They didn’t sneak around nervously or beg desperately for leftovers. Instead, they carried themselves with that typical feline confidence — because they knew they were welcome. They were all clearly at ease, well-fed, and very much at home in this upscale hotel.
Sure, some cats came over during breakfast, rubbing against our legs or meowing sweetly for a little taste of what was on our plate. But it wasn’t out of hunger. It was more of a “We’d love a nibble, but we’re doing just fine, thank you.”
Winter care
Because these cats looked so relaxed and well taken care of, I asked the receptionist if someone looks after them in winter (and double-checked with another staff member, just to be sure). It turns out that the hotel does close for the season, but someone always stays on-site. And part of their daily routine is feeding the cats and letting them inside if the weather turns cold or wet.
How amazing is that? It’s rare, and it’s generous, and it’s exactly the kind of travel ethic I want to support.
As a result, cats here don’t just survive; they thrive. And as guests, we get to enjoy their gentle presence without the guilt of wondering what happens to them in a few months.
Want to know more about Greek stray cats?
Curious about what life is like for stray cats in Greece during the off-season? Then check out Surviving Winter: The Plight of the Stray Cats in Ornos. Even though i’s about the cats of Mykonos, their struggle is the same all across Greece.
About Alma Hotel Petra
Interested in spending a few days in the company of these happy cats? Here are a few things that really stood out during our stay:
A location that’s hard to beat
Alma Hotel sits on a gentle hill right next to the sea and the beach. It’s also just a short walk to the center of Petra, where you’ll find cafés, shops, tavernas, and bus connections to other parts of the island.
Spacious grounds and bungalow vibes
Instead of a towering hotel block, Alma Hotel is made up of charming low-rise bungalows spread across lush, green grounds. Trees, flowers, and little stone paths create a calm, natural setting — and the views stretch all the way across the rooftops of Petra to the Aegean Sea.
A poolside bar + cozy indoor hangout
There’s a big swimming pool perfect for cooling off after a warm afternoon of exploring. And yes, there’s a bar right there for your iced coffee or cocktail needs.
Inside, the lobby has a cozy bar too.
The prices were affordable, too. Definitely a spot to unwind after dinner.
A breakfast worth waking up for
I always appreciate a good hotel breakfast, and this one didn’t disappoint. Think Greek yogurt with honey, fresh fruit, eggs, different types of bread, cheeses, pastries, Greek salad, and more.
Perfect base for exploring the island
From Petra, you can easily visit nearby towns like Molyvos (with its fairytale castle and cobblestone streets), Anaxos (with its broad sandy beach), and Eftalou (known for its hot springs).
Want a hidden gem? Go to Stipsi. It’s quiet, local, and just what you need when you’re tired of the tourist trail.
Check out our ultimate travel guide to Lesbos for even more places to visit on the island.
Dinner and cats at Avlaki
Don’t miss Avlaki Restaurant. It’s almost part of the hotel — not officially — but the most convenient way to reach it is by walking through the hotel grounds. It’s perched right on the edge of the sea, and the views at sunset are amazing.
The food? Traditional Greek recipes, made with love: moussaka, tzatziki, Greek salad, and the best Feta Saganaki I’ve had in years.
And yes, there are cats here too, and they love to pose for photos.
How to book your stay at Alma Hotel Petra
Ready to pack your bags? Alma Hotel Petra is open from May through October, making it the perfect spring, summer, or early fall getaway.
You can compare prices and read reviews on both Agoda and Booking.com to find the best deal for your dates. I always recommend checking both — sometimes one has a better rate or extra perks like free breakfast.
Final thoughts
Animal-friendly businesses deserve our support, especially in places where cats still face stigma or hardship. By choosing a hotel like Alma Hotel Petra, you’re voting for kindness, responsibility, and care.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Lesbos, Alma Hotel Petra is a great option.
Please share this post with fellow travelers, animal lovers, or anyone who cares about ethical tourism.
And if you’re looking for more stays like this, don’t miss my other article on cat-friendly hotels in Lesbos. Let’s support the places that do the right thing — even when no one’s looking.
Cat books worth curling up with
Looking for something to read during your stay at Alma Hotel Petra? I read Cats Who Changed the World when I was there. This non-fiction book takes a closer look at real-life cats who’ve made a remarkable impact on the world—whether through acts of heroism, cultural influence, or surprising historical roles. If you’re curious about how cats have shaped human lives beyond the cozy couch, be sure to check out my review of Cats Who Changed the World.
And, of course, it’s never too late to check out my own book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. This book explores the roles of cats in genre cinema. From iconic feline appearances to lesser-known cult classics, Meow! is a must-read for both movie buffs and cat lovers.
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5 responses
It’s wonderful to find a hotel so focused on animal welfare!
Oh my gosh STOP IT I had no idea this place existed….Is this my paradise? Maybe?!?!?! I loved all the cat photos!
Cats in Greece find there owners. It’s quite a unique circumstance. My little cat found me, and happily travels with me, by car everywhere I go. I live in Crete and there are a number of local places that cats are welcome, and cared for by the locals and expat locals.
This looks like an awesome experience. I am so glad that I read this post and now know about this The Alma Hotel Petra because I am definitely going to try to get there!
This is such a unique post and blog in general! I just discovered your website and it’s so cute. Love the cats. I’ve stayed at a few hostels that have cats and even though I’m not a cat person, it defintely warms the place up and makes it more cozy.