Skala Kalloni
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Skala Kalloni

Skala Kalloni

Lesbos beach village on the Gulf of Kalloni, beside shallow family beaches and bird-rich wetlands

Kalloni is a quiet market town about 40 km west of Mytilini, sitting at the intersection of most of the island's bus routes. The beach resort of Skala Kalloni lies about 3 km south of the old town at the head of the Gulf of Kalloni. The long, gently shelving beach is one of the better options on Lesbos for families with young children — the water is shallow and warms quickly in summer.

The gulf and its surrounding wetlands are famous among birdwatchers across Europe: flamingos, spoonbills, waders, and rare migrants gather here in spring numbers that have made Lesbos one of the top birding destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. The main sight in the area is Limonos Monastery, about 7 km away, a substantial 16th-century complex with a good ecclesiastical museum and a fine old library. Other attractions nearby include the Temple of Aphrodite at Mesi, about 14 km east on the southern shore of the gulf.

Guide

Eating Out

Skala Kalloni has the usual range of Greek tavernas along its seafront, serving grilled fish, salads, and mezedes. The local speciality worth seeking out is Kalloni sardines — small, salt-cured, and extraordinarily flavourful, packed in olive oil and sold in tins throughout Lesbos. Eaten with bread and local ouzo on a terrace above the water, they are as good as anything the island has to offer.

The village of Kalloni, 3 km north, has a broader selection of restaurants and a weekly market on Thursdays that is the main commercial hub for the western half of the island.

Guide

Things to Do

Skala Kalloni is a relaxed beach resort at the southern end of the Gulf of Kalloni, which is famous among birdwatchers as one of the best spots in the eastern Mediterranean for migrating waders and flamingos. The beach is one of the gentlest and shallowest on Lesbos, making it popular with families. The area also gives access to Limonos Monastery, one of the largest religious complexes on the island.