The area where Hotel Pasiphae is located is characterized by the flat- and wetlands surrounding the large Gulf of Kalloni, ideal for easy bicycling and walking on and off the main roads around the hotel.

For longer, yet easy routes you can pass through the beautiful and traditional villages of Papianá, Kerámi and Arianá from Skala Kallonis towards the town of Kalloni, taking in the architecture and atmosphere in places still untouched by tourism. (Ca 2 km from Skala Kallonis to the main road in Arianá, 2 km from there to Kalloni)

Off the main road are several gravel roads to enjoy the local countryside, and one of those starts just outside of Kerámi and take you outside of Kalloni town and to Arisvi; one of the ancient cities on Lesvos. (5 km from the hotel to Arisvi).

From the hotel it is no more than 6 km to the northern mountains, with a cobweb of gravel roads below taking farmers to their fields and houses. By following the signs directing you towards ”Metochi” either from Skala Kallonis or Kalloni town, you get to the starting point of the fantastic route to the monastery of Moni Limonos. Only a few hundred meters from Metochi is the small, academic Xristos Research Centre build around the old well and church of Christ, and open to visitors. From Metochi, an old monastery now used as a Norwegian run study-centre and worth a visit in itself, the old, uphill stone path offers you stunning views overlooking the Gulf of Kalloni. Moni Limonos has a museum with unique documents and icons, monk cells, churches, beautiful surroundings and a small cafe for refreshments outside the gates.

(6 km Skala Kallonis - Metochi, 4 km Kalloni - Metochi, ca 30 min walk Metochi - Moni Limonos.)

Heading west from the hotel, you reach the quiet and small village of Parákila (14 km), which in addition to the small centre upwards from the road has a long sandy beach and a few seaside taverns.  

East from the hotel are the Salt works of Kalloni. Reachable by following the main road or walking on the beachside, this is one of the largest salt works in Greece, operating since at least 480 BC. In addition to the vast salt pans and white mountain of natural salt, the area is known for its many flamingos standing in the shallow water to eat and rest, and amongst birdwatchers this is one of the most popular places during the spring migration.

Klapados

Halfway between Kalloni and Molivos starts the ecological route to Klapados. On 6.th of December 1912 the last battle between Greeks and Turks on Lesvos was fought in the now-abandoned village of Klapados, marking the end of 450 years of Ottoman rule. The ruins in Klapados tell the more recent history of Lesvos, about a period and way of life where Greeks and Turks lived together; and about conflict and liberation.

Surrounded by olive groves and with views to the village of Stipsi as well as the Gulf of Kalloni, this route can take you to Klapados (1 h 20 min) and if continued; to the village of Lafionas (additional 1 ½ h), and from here down to Petra. Along the route are several idyllic places to enjoy a light lunch, picnic or sun shaded rest.

Molivos, Eftalou, Skala Sikamnia

Molivos, the cultural capital of Lesvos and a town with unique atmosphere, architecture and beauty, is inviting to walks on the many cobble stoned streets and alleys taking you from the harbour and all the way up to the castle overlooking the town and its people.

A 4 km walk from Molivos, you reach Eftalou with its taverns, great pebble beach and the natural, therapeutic hot spring that with its simplicity offers a real and unpretentious source of relaxation and well-being. 

The gravel road continuing past Eftalou follows the coast to Skala Sikamnia, (17 km) passing the Great Spring; natural hot water coming unhindered to the surface, filtering through the ground to the nearby sea, leaving the stones burning hot even in winter. Skala Sikamnia is known for its white church on the rock, said to previously have had a fresque of Virgin Maria presented as a mermaid inside. The famous Lesviot writer Stratis Mirvillis has written a book about the village, its church and its people, taking place just after 1922 when Greek refugees from Turkey settled amongst the villagers. (S .Mirvillis: “The Mermaid Madonna”) 

Lepetimnos

With its 968 m Lepetimnos is the tallest mountain on Lesvos, situated north on the island. Reachable from the Sikamnia area either by jeep up the gravel road, or by following a varied and beautiful walking route through forests and uphill paths, you have a 360 degree view of Lesvos from the top. On a very clear day you can see the neighbouring island Limnos, and maybe even spot the valley of Troy on the now Turkish mainland. The walk takes about 2 ½ hour each way, and both during the walk and from the top you get an impression of the size, nature and variations of Lesvos.

In the book ”On Foot in North Lesvos” M. Maunders suggests also other routes in this area.

Around Agia Paraskevi

There is a picturesque route to the traditional village Agia Paraskevi (21 km from Skala Kallonis), taking you alongside the beach, crossing the river and passing the salt pans, before entering olive groves and finally ending up in the main streets of Agia Paraskevi. This can also become a circular route, ideal for bicycling.

From the village of Agia Paraskevi, a gravel road leads up to the ancient Apollo temple and the monastery of Klopedi. By car you can get as far as the river. To reach the only partly excavated temple, you can either take the road to the left after crossing the bridge (3 km), to the right (6 km), or make it a circular route. The walks take you through beautiful landscapes, with a great view as you reach the temple dedicated to Apollo. The Klopedi monastery can be seen shortly after you have turned right after the river.

The area around the previously wealthy cultural town of Agia Paraskevi has also other sights, such as the Early Christian basilica in Chalinadous, and on the road connecting with Stipsi in the north is the old Kremasti Bridge over the Tsiknias river.

Every year, two weeks after Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, Lesviots from all over the island walk to the traditional village of Mandamados and the famous miracle church of Taxiarchis (Archangel Michael). The church is filled with valuables from those claiming to have been healed and helped after praying here, and the church is known all over Greece. The pilgrimage walk is a spectacular sight and event as people come from all directions heading for the church in the late evening and night, and it is well worth joining in. 

Heading West:

The village Sigri has not only a beach, but also one of the many castles on the island.

Close-by you find the Museum of Natural History and the famous Petrified Forest.

15-20 million years ago the unique tropical and subtropical forests on Lesvos was covered with lava and ash due to intense volcanic activity. Time and erosion has brought to sight the stunning remains; one of few petrified forests in the world and the only one petrified on roots.

Covering an area of approximately 40.000 acres and with several paths, this part of Lesvos offer fascinating views into the pre-historic and volcanic past of the island.

There are several ecological routes and walking paths on Lesvos, and as the island is starting to be recognized for its walking possibilities, new routes are discovered and described all the time. An interesting project is underway with the EU sponsored book ”Olive Paths of Lesvos”. There are also other books published on walking, the most known being Mike Maunders ”On Foot in North Lesvos” , ”The footpaths of Rhododendron” (part of the EU program INTEREG II). In 2006 Steve Laing published the book “Walks and Bike Rides around Skala Kalloni, Lesvos”.

See also "Mr. Walker's" website for descriptions and inspiration to walking on Lesvos and other Greek islands:

http://home.bredband.no/harhau/islandwalking/lesvos.html

Spring and autumn (Apr/May and Sep/Oct) are the best periods for walking on Lesvos. Not only is nature showing itself form its best side, but the temperatures are comfortable and adding to your walking experience.

A good and detailed map will show you gravel roads and picturesque paths all over the island, both easy routes and more challenging ones. And who knows: maybe you will discover some new, stunning routes?

Take precautions to reduce the risk of forest fires, especially in the dry summer and autumn.

It is strictly illegal to remove objects/items of archeological/historical/cultural value or interest from any site.