Forty-two kilometers from Mytilene on the southern coast of Lesvos, Plomari, the ouzo capital of Greece, is built ampithitheatrically near the sea and is the second largest town on the island.
The architecture of the town is pretty amazing with giant old mansions and decaying factories, olive presses and tanneries amongst the houses of all different size shapes and colors.
The town itself straddles each side of a ravine which in the rainy season turns into the Sedountas river.
Some of the houses are built right on the river and their walls form the banks, keeping the flow contained and moving down towards the sea.
While Plomari is impressive in the summer it must be a spectacular place when the river is rushing down the mountain.
f it is a hot day there are nice beaches at Agios Isidoros which is one of the best areas on the island for swimming with a mixture of sand and a stone shelf and open sea.
HERE IS WHERE OUR HOTEL IS, right on the water and within walking distance of town. The snorkeling off the coast of Agios Isidoros is very interesting because of the rock formations which are like undersea platforms that are full of sea-life.
There are some great restaurants in town and of course many cafeneons which serve ouzo and mezedes to the young and old men of the village as well as the occasional tourist.
The main area for eating is around the large Platanos across the bridge over the river.
There are several churches of interest in the area including Agios Nikolaos, near the market, with it’s interesting icons of Saint Demetrios and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
The church of Agia Paraskevis is also lovely with it’s iconostasis of white marble.
Plomari has a hardbor full of fishing boats and pleasure craft and people prominade down the sidewalks and the coastal road in the early evening.
Take a peak inside this cafeneon on the waterfront. It is one of the best in Lesvos.
The town has an active marketplace and it’s inhabitants are known for their high level of culture, distinguished as sailors and active nationally.
There are several cultural centers including the old soap factory which has been restored and the building which houses the Benjamin of Lesvos cultural society.