Visitors say
The Bougatsa is fresh and heavenly and the traditional Greek coffee is made authentically in embers. Also the atmosphere is so beautiful with the shady arbor outside.
A fantastic Oasis under the trees and a refuge from the scorching heat this traditional café is just perfect for a greek coffee and traditional rice pudding. Good and friendly service too
About
Tucked into the charming mountain village of Agiasos, Cafes sthn Xoboli — whose name evokes the beloved Greek tradition of the komboloi, the string of worry beads that has long been a symbol of leisurely contemplation — is exactly the kind of place that captures the unhurried spirit of Lesvos. Agiasos itself is one of the most distinctive villages on the island, a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, neoclassical stone houses, and a vibrant cultural scene that has nurtured poets, musicians, and thinkers for generations. A cafe here is not merely a place to drink coffee; it is a living room for the community, a stage for conversation and the quiet passing of afternoon hours.
Visitors stepping inside can expect the full sensory pleasure of a traditional Greek kafeneio atmosphere — strong Greek coffee served in small cups, perhaps a frappe on warmer days, and the kind of homemade sweets or small bites that remind you food here is still made with care. The setting, whether inside a characterful stone interior or at outdoor tables where the village life unfolds around you, offers a front-row seat to the authentic rhythms of Lesvos. The pace slows here, and that is entirely the point.
For travelers exploring Agiasos after visiting the celebrated monastery of the Panagia Agiasos or wandering the village's famous medieval bazaar quarter, a stop at Cafes sthn Xoboli makes for a natural and rewarding pause. It is the sort of place where you sit down for one coffee and find yourself still there an hour later, watching the world drift pleasantly by — which, on an island as soulful as Lesvos, is a perfectly worthwhile way to spend an afternoon.
Before you go
What to expect
The name nods to the komboloi tradition, and the café itself carries that same quality — strong Greek coffee in small cups, outdoor tables on the cobblestones, the sound of the village moving unhurriedly past. Sit down after wandering the bazaar quarter or the monastery and you will find the afternoon quietly disappearing around you in the best possible way.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal; Agiasos hosts lively summer festivals, so avoid peak weekends if you prefer a quieter pace.
How to get there
Agiasos is about a 30-minute drive from Mytilene, heading southwest through chestnut forests into the central hills of the island — the road is well-signposted and the climb into the old quarter is part of the experience.
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Visitor Reviews
Wyldwych's Ramblings
May 2025
This is an amazing cafe, very traditional and serves the food and coffee in traditional ceramic ware. We had the cheese pie, which has to be the best I have ever tasted..filo made with real butter, and different cheeses made this very filling. Such an amazing vibe filled place opposite the church of the Virgin.
Melvin Kauffman
October 2023
The Bougatsa is fresh and heavenly and the traditional Greek coffee is made authentically in embers. Also the atmosphere is so beautiful with the shady arbor outside.
Yiannis C
August 2023
A fantastic Oasis under the trees and a refuge from the scorching heat this traditional café is just perfect for a greek coffee and traditional rice pudding. Good and friendly service too
Magda lena
November 2022
A traditional greek coffee shop with a very cozy ambience- especially in the winter. You can have very good coffee and local drinks. I've had Kainari (winter cinnamon drink), there's also Soumada and Salepi to try and plenty of other options. Cakes are freshly baked and their baklava was so good that it was worth driving back & forth from Mytilene just to eat it.
worldtraveller
May 2022
A beautiful traditional newly renovated cafe straight across the main entrance of the church, greek coffee served in locally handcrafted and painted clay cups, do take a peek inside to see old vintage decor adorning the walls and where the coffee is made- our experience was ruined by the unfriendly, sour faced girl working there after lunchtime obviously quiet time for Agiassos, plenty of cafes to choose from all around the Panagia - sunnier on the other side if you decide to walk around
Aqua
April 2022
Gry the home made cream pie(Bogatza)! It is amazing. Beautiful cafe with tasteful decoration and excellent sweets! Very kind owner!
Luziária Mesquita
October 2021
Nice place and nice service, we had an authentic experience by being in this cafe. It’s in front of the main church. They have only sweet food and it goes well with their nice coffee and local varieties of tea. As it is Oxi day, the small Center of the village was full of families enjoying a coffee after the parade which was also nice.
ΣΟΦΙΑ ΝΑΣΙΟΥ
September 2021
Some plates we didn't find but the rest were great. And in very good prices! Amazing place and kind service!!!
Chris Kouzellis
May 2019
The best "real" traditional cafeteria (in Greek Kafenion) in Lesvos island. Here you can drink the tradition Greek coffee boiled in ashes. Also they have handmade sweets of various fruits depend on period. This one located just in the front of famous Madonna's church of Agiasos.
George Banis
September 2018
You absolutely must get the greek coffee here. And you have to go in and watch the owner cook it using olive pits! Also ask for the daily special desserts. We had "bougatsa"and "moustalevria" and they were both delicious and fresh!
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