About 9km west of Andissa, the Byzantine Moni Ypsilou stands atop a solitary peak surrounded by volcanic plains. Founded in the 8th century, this storied place includes a flowering arched courtyard and a small but spectacular museum with antique icons and Byzantine manuscripts. From the top of the monastery walls, you can gaze out over the desolate ochre plains stretched out against the sea.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
4.57 MILES
This fascinating state-of-the-art museum chronicles what a volcano can do at a moment's notice – in this case 20 million years ago. Don't miss the…
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23.2 MILES
This impressive site in the village of Gülpınar includes a partially reconstructed 2nd-century-BC Temple to Apollo, two Roman baths complexes that were…
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27.97 MILES
Built in 540 BC on top of a 238m-high hill overlooking the Gulf of Edremit, this temple with its squat Doric columns has undergone a reconstruction that…
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Church of the Panagia Vrefokratousa
25.58 MILES
A pilgrimage site of national importance, this elegant walled-off church contains a namesake icon depicting the Virgin, which is believed to make miracles…
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22.31 MILES
Around 36km north of Mytilini Town, near Mantamados village, stands one of Lesvos’ most important pilgrimage sites. An axis of Orthodoxy, myth and…
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18.18 MILES
Eftalou Beach (also called Agii Anargyri Beach), 2km northeast of Petra, is the place for solitude seekers. Backed by a cliff, the serene, narrow pebbled…
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16.01 MILES
This handsome 14th-century castle stands guard above Molyvos. A steep climb is repaid by sweeping views over the town and sea – even across to Turkey,…
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Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production
17.83 MILES
South of Molyvos, this museum is a handsomely restored oil mill, full of polished equipment and well-signed displays. The original 'people's machine' was…
Nearby Lesvos attractions
1. Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
4.57 MILES
This fascinating state-of-the-art museum chronicles what a volcano can do at a moment's notice – in this case 20 million years ago. Don't miss the…
2. Eresos Archaeological Museum
6.63 MILES
This is a modest museum, but the outside (and fenced) mosaics are of great interest. It is located on a quiet street in the southeastern part of the…
16.01 MILES
This handsome 14th-century castle stands guard above Molyvos. A steep climb is repaid by sweeping views over the town and sea – even across to Turkey,…
4. Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production
17.83 MILES
South of Molyvos, this museum is a handsomely restored oil mill, full of polished equipment and well-signed displays. The original 'people's machine' was…
18.18 MILES
Eftalou Beach (also called Agii Anargyri Beach), 2km northeast of Petra, is the place for solitude seekers. Backed by a cliff, the serene, narrow pebbled…
6. Vrisa Natural History Museum
19.39 MILES
Associated with the Museum of Palaeontology and Geology at the University of Athens, the museum displays impressive and well-signed prehistoric fossil…
22.31 MILES
Around 36km north of Mytilini Town, near Mantamados village, stands one of Lesvos’ most important pilgrimage sites. An axis of Orthodoxy, myth and…
23.2 MILES
This impressive site in the village of Gülpınar includes a partially reconstructed 2nd-century-BC Temple to Apollo, two Roman baths complexes that were…