Gera

Municipal Unit of Gera

Paleokipos, Pappados, Skopelos, Mesagros, Perama, Plakados

The region of Gera with its stunning gulf is sprawled at the south-eastern side of the island in the midst of green hills and olive groves. The gulf of Gera with its particularly narrow ‘throat’ is smaller than the gulf of Kalloni but equally beautiful and animated. In its expanses of reed many kinds of birds and small animals find refuge here. The wider region of Gera is marked by the alternation of scenery that makes it unique for nature lovers. Exploring the region of Gera you will come across six villages: Palaiokipos, Pappados, Skopelos, Mesagros, Perama and Plakados. All six villages are developed in harmony on the west coast of the Gulf of Gera. The landscape here is amazing as there are vast olive groves and fertile valleys overlooking the deep blue color of the Aegean.

The village of Papados has a long tradition in olive-oil production and is the hub of economic activity of Gera. The Olive Press-Museum of Vrana was one of the first steam-powered factories on Lesvos and the whole Aegean. It was built in 1887 by Nikolaos Vranas who was the grandfather of the great poet Odysseas Elytis, in Papados. Walking through the picturesque settlement you will come across traditional houses and spectacular mansions. The Vrana Mansion stands out and was the house where Elytis’ mother used to live. Definitely visit the church of Archangel “Taxiarchis” built in 1836, where the archangel’s icon is wood-carved and the church bell, built in 1911, is a great sculptural masterpiece made of dark-coloured marble.

Paleokipos village was the birthplace of the world famous pirate Barabarosa. It’s name means “old garden” in Greek, which comes as no surprise as numerous beautiful gardens can be found all around the village. Well-maintained traditional stone-built houses and cobbled streets will impress all visitors. The church of St. Ermolaos is an imposing basilica, built in 1795 and has an outstanding wood-carved iconostasis, as well as Ionic capitals.

The port of Paleokipos, Evriaki is a quite long beach lined with cottages, restaurants, waterfront fish taverns, café bars and boasts a vivid nightlife. Evriaki has preserved its “blue flag” status since 1996, is well- organized and ideal for wind-surfing.

Skopelos is a traditional village with picturesque paths, cozy coffee-shops and an impressive town square. A stone built fountain and the church of St. Mary Magdalene which has catacombs beneath it, are of great interest!

The remains of a Mosque built during the Ottoman Empire lie in the village of Mesagros, with a well-preserved Minaret. According to legend, the Ottomans had repeatedly attempted to build the mosque on the site of a church dedicated to Saint John. While the Ottomans would work all through the day, they would return to the site only to find the structure had collapsed overnight. In the end, a pledge was made in order to appease Saint John: both the Christian cross and the Ottoman crescent moon would adorn the minaret of the mosque! Opposite the Mosque there is an old Bakery which belongs to the Ministry of Culture and is covered with Theophilos paintings that animate scenes from the cultivation of wheat and bread baking. You will also find the Church of Zoodohou Pigis, built in 1796 that has an interesting “templo” which is half made of wood, and half made of marble.

Industrial buildings of tannery and soap that used to produce a great amount of products still exist in Perama. Moreover, the historic monument of The Windmill which dates back to the early 20th century, is located just in front of the “Sourlaga tannery». From this spot, boats can take you to “Kountouridia” on the opposite coast. Pyrgi Peramatos and Marmaro are both small, but really beautiful harbors with traditional kafeneia and tavernas where you can enjoy local mezes and plenty of ouzo.

The second largest wetland of Lesvos is in the surrounding area of Dipi. It is an ecosystem of enormous importance to the fauna and flora as there are many rare plants, birds, insects, amphibians. Black Storks, shrikes, flamingos, kingfishers, harriers, buzzards, eagles, goshawks, cormorants, falcons and kestrels are attracted to the area.

Plakados is the smallest village in the area of Gera, but is highly worth visiting. The Church of St. Vlasios dating back to1841 was built with materials which were transported to Plakados from the archaeological site of Manna. Moreover, the charming village square is a cool, idyllic spot to visit on a hot summer evening. Manna itself is situated a little outside Plakados. If you are in the area, visit the ruins of the Classical Temple of Manna, then wander off to the location of Vigli with its ruined medieval fort. The ruins of an old Turkish bathhouse and mosque can still be observed in the village location of Sapouni.

Therma Spa

Papados

The seaside settlement of Evriaki

Perama

Pirgi, Marmao, Avlonas

Skopelos

Mesagros