Plomari Lesvos

holiday report and Lesvos map

Plomari beach Lesvos

PLOMARI is found south of Mount Olympos and is the only sizeable coastal settlement on the south coast of Lesvos, and the second largest town after the capital Mytilene and about 42km away.
Plomari is not only is a very scenic spot it is also the site of the island's notable ouzo distilling industry and Lesvos is reputed to have the best Ouzo in Greece.
Plomari is a city that manages to combine the past with the present. Although the site of abandoned olive-presses and tanning factories can be depressing Plomari still has a lively café and festival scene.
Plomari architecture is notable for the huge old mansion houses with projecting upper floors and small balconies. There are a number of Turkish fountains in the village as well as many houses with a Turkish architectural style.
Plomari town straddles a ravine and the main area for tavernas is around the large Platanos across the river bridge. Plomari has several interesting churches including Agios Nikolaos, near the market, with some fine icons, and Agia Paraskevis which has a iconostasis of white marble.
The cultural centre of Plomari is a former soap factory, now fully restored and a focus for cultural activities, conferences, permanent and periodic exhibitions.
The summer resort of Agios Isidoros is 2km to the east, once voted one of the best beaches in Greece, while picturesque Amoudelli is to the west.
Also west of Plomari is the beach at Melinda, a 700-metre sand-and-shingle strip at the mouth of a canyon. Beyond Melinda is the long beach of Vatera and the cape of Agios Fokas.
Plomari is famous for its ouzo production. The ouzo of Plomari is considered the best to be found and there are several local brands. Varvayianni is the most famous but Yiannatsi and Arvanitou are reckoned to be just as good.
Ouzo is made from a mixture of grapes, herbs and berries including aniseed, coriander, cloves, angelica, liquorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel, hazelnut and even cinnamon.
The Plomari festival season kicks off in mid-July with an ouzo festival, and culminates towards the end of the month in horse racing.