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Last Updated on 19 June 2026 by Vanessa

The little port village of Sykaminia is one of the most popular destinations on the Greek island of Lesbos, and for good reason. It is crowded with colorful fishing boats and a small boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants and tavernas. Skala Sykaminia is also home to an overwhelming number of cats, making it a must-see destination for cat lovers.

So, let’s embark on a trip to this feline paradise and discover the purr-fect charm of Skala Sykaminia!

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Welcome to Skala Sykaminia: a quaint fishing village full of cats on Lesbos island

Skala Sykaminia sits on the northern coast of Lesbos, Greece’s third-largest island. It still feels very much like a working fishing village that has retained its authentic charm over the years. Life moves slowly here. You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, bougainvillea spilling over walls, and locals going about their day.

The harbor is the heart of the village and looks like a scene straight out of a postcard. Here, you can observe local fishermen as they bring in their catch of the day and witness the time-honored fishing practices that have been passed down through generations.

If you love seafood, you’re in the right place. Many of the local tavernas and restaurants in the village serve traditional Greek seafood cuisine such as sardines cooked with local herbs and spices or grilled calamari drizzled with lemon juice.

Meet the cats of Skala Sykaminia

The first thing you will notice in Skala Sykaminia are the large number of community cats.

From the moment you get out of the car or boat, you will see the cats patiently waiting for the fishermen to share their catch, or trying out their luck at the restaurants, attempting to snatch some fish from unsuspecting tourists.

The cats of Skala Sykaminia are mostly stray or feral, but they are well taken care of by the tourists who are usually more than happy to share some food with them, at least during the tourist season (read more about what happens to Greek cats in the winter).

You’ll find cats of all colors, sizes, and temperaments, from playful kittens to wise old cats lounging in the sun.

For cat lovers, Skala Sykaminia is a must-see destination on the island of Lesbos. You can easily wander around the village, interacting with the friendly felines and taking countless photos of their adorable antics.

The cats are quite accustomed to human presence and are generally friendly. However, do remember to respect their space and to not disturb them while they’re resting or eating. You can also bring some cat food or treats to win their hearts and make some furry friends.

Church Panagia Gorgona (Mermaid Madonna Church)

In addition to the cats, Skala Sykaminia’s highlight is the characteristic Church Panagia Gorgona (also called the Mermaid Madonna Church). It is situated on a large rock over the sea, looking out over the port, its fishing boats, and beyond to the coast of Turkey.

Stratis Myrivilis

Sykaminia is also known to be the birthplace of the famous Greek writer Stratis Myrivilis, a three-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Myrivilis’ best-known work, the 1949 novel The Mermaid Madonna, was named after the little whitewashed chapel and takes place in Skala Sykaminia.

The village and its church owe much of their tourist fame to this book, which recounts how the Turks torched the coastal city of Smyrna (part of what is now the Turkish city of Izmir) in 1922 and how refugees arrived at the port of Sykaminia.

However, the most striking story in The Mermaid Madonna is that of a green-eyed girl who was found in a fishing boat, and who, according to local legend, was the daughter of a mermaid.

Elsewhere in the book, Myrivilis describes how villagers began to worship a mural that a sea captain painted inside the church, depicting the Virgin Mary with a mermaid’s tale. The painting disappeared from the church decades ago, if it even existed in the first place.

Since Myrivilis is famous for his descriptions of Sykaminia and the beauty of the island of Lesbos in general, reading his novel would be the perfect beach read prior to visiting the skala.

How to reach Skala Sykaminia?

Skala Sykaminia is a little isolated, but the village can be “easily” reached by car (preferably a Jeep) by directly following a bumpy dirt road along the coastline, which goes from Efalou‘s hot springs to Skala Sykaminia.

The road is less than 20 kilometers long, but the trip will take at least half an hour because of the many pits and bumps along the way.

If this sounds like too much of an adventure, boat excursions from Molyvos or Petra to Skala Sykaminia are also an option. These cannot be booked online.