By Olena Kiva, MESPOM 2007-2009
After long and winding road you finally get to this small and cosy place… several-storey white-and-blue houses, curly paths leading towards the beach, friendly local people – these are probably the first things you notice about Sigri. But don’t think that it is all that this awesome place may offer you.
Sigri being itself a fishing village has long history as western sea port of the Lesvos island with castle built in 1757. Advantageous geographical position is caused by the small island of Nisiopi that protects Sigri from the sea winds and creates fascinating view as well as better swimming conditions on the village’s beach.
Local architectural attractions combine Turkish and Greek masterpieces as the whole island of Lesvos was for long time under the Turkish occupation. In the center of Sigri one may find mosque converted to an orthodox church and ruins of the Turkish bathes, as well as a church in the typical Byzantine style. Going further one discovers several restaurants and cafes with hospitable staff and menus full with Greek specialities (e.g., musaka, fried octopuses and squids) and locally produced spirits (wine, ouzo etc.).
Among the main attractions of the village is the fact that there are no huge all-inclusive hotels in Sigri. So everybody coming here is fully exposed to the local lifestyle and in the same way can contribute to the development of local community (e.g., by buying souvenirs and food products produced by women’s cooperatives).
Getting used to Sigri and its dwellers as well as having relaxing action may cause a feeling of monotony. But here the journey only starts as you will discover nearby beaches (e.g., Faneromeni beach) and the Museum of Petrified Forest, which main exposition is located in the village itself, but includes protected areas all around Sigri. Travelling further you may go to visit Eressos and Antissa, which are also among of the most picturesque and historically important places of the island.
Therefore Sigri is perfect option for family vacation as well as for intimate and romantic honeymoon. Visiting Sigri promises not only sunny and “salty” vacation, but also a lot of genuine impressions of Greek cultural, natural, and historical heritage. So whenever you feel like escaping from grey and monotonous big-city dweller’s lifestyle and like learning something new from the place you are going to visit, you should just take a plane and find yourself in the fairytale that has a simple name – Sigri.
After long and winding road you finally get to this small and cosy place… several-storey white-and-blue houses, curly paths leading towards the beach, friendly local people – these are probably the first things you notice about Sigri. But don’t think that it is all that this awesome place may offer you.
Sigri being itself a fishing village has long history as western sea port of the Lesvos island with castle built in 1757. Advantageous geographical position is caused by the small island of Nisiopi that protects Sigri from the sea winds and creates fascinating view as well as better swimming conditions on the village’s beach.
Local architectural attractions combine Turkish and Greek masterpieces as the whole island of Lesvos was for long time under the Turkish occupation. In the center of Sigri one may find mosque converted to an orthodox church and ruins of the Turkish bathes, as well as a church in the typical Byzantine style. Going further one discovers several restaurants and cafes with hospitable staff and menus full with Greek specialities (e.g., musaka, fried octopuses and squids) and locally produced spirits (wine, ouzo etc.).
Among the main attractions of the village is the fact that there are no huge all-inclusive hotels in Sigri. So everybody coming here is fully exposed to the local lifestyle and in the same way can contribute to the development of local community (e.g., by buying souvenirs and food products produced by women’s cooperatives).
Getting used to Sigri and its dwellers as well as having relaxing action may cause a feeling of monotony. But here the journey only starts as you will discover nearby beaches (e.g., Faneromeni beach) and the Museum of Petrified Forest, which main exposition is located in the village itself, but includes protected areas all around Sigri. Travelling further you may go to visit Eressos and Antissa, which are also among of the most picturesque and historically important places of the island.
Therefore Sigri is perfect option for family vacation as well as for intimate and romantic honeymoon. Visiting Sigri promises not only sunny and “salty” vacation, but also a lot of genuine impressions of Greek cultural, natural, and historical heritage. So whenever you feel like escaping from grey and monotonous big-city dweller’s lifestyle and like learning something new from the place you are going to visit, you should just take a plane and find yourself in the fairytale that has a simple name – Sigri.
