Visitors say
Very nice and calm. A quiet spot, with a priest offering drinks and telling stories about his unpretentious life in the monastery. Beautiful view of the water reservoir.
Simply little heaven on earth.. lovely place, lovely monk, and very nice and calming energies. A MUST visit, you won't regret it!
About
Perched in the sun-drenched hills near the ancient town of Eresos in western Lesvos, Pythario Monastery is a place of quiet spiritual gravity set against a landscape of olive groves and rolling terrain that has shaped this corner of the island for millennia. Like many of the island's monasteries, it serves as both a living religious community and a guardian of Orthodox tradition, its whitewashed walls and chapel offering a striking contrast against the deep greens and dusty golds of the surrounding countryside. Visitors who make the journey out here are rewarded not just with religious heritage but with the kind of serene, unhurried atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims and wanderers alike to Aegean monasteries for generations.
The monastery sits within easy reach of Eresos, itself one of Lesvos's most storied settlements, celebrated across the ancient world as the birthplace of the poet Sappho. A visit to Pythario pairs naturally with an exploration of this culturally rich corner of the island, offering a moment of contemplative stillness before or after the sandy expanse of Skala Eresou's beach. The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful in spring, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides, and in autumn, when the olive harvest fills the air with earthy fragrance and local life takes on a timeless rhythm.
Those who visit are encouraged to dress modestly, as is customary when entering an active Orthodox site. Even visitors with no particular religious affiliation often find something deeply restorative in the monastery's atmosphere — the faint scent of incense, the ancient icons, the sound of wind moving through the nearby trees. Pythario is a reminder that Lesvos is not only a place of stunning natural beauty but one layered with centuries of faith and cultural memory, and that some of the island's most meaningful experiences are found well off the beaten tourist trail.
Before you go
What to expect
Pythario Monastery sits on sun-bleached hills above olive groves, its whitewashed walls and chapel chapel offering genuine quiet rather than the curated stillness of a tourist attraction. Inside, ancient icons line the walls and a faint trace of incense lingers in the air — the kind of atmosphere that slows you down regardless of your beliefs. Dress modestly before entering, as the community here still observes Orthodox tradition actively.
Best time to visit
Spring is the most rewarding season, when wildflowers cover the surrounding hillsides; autumn brings the olive harvest and a grounded, unhurried rhythm to the landscape.
How to get there
From Mytilene, drive west across the island toward Eresos — expect roughly an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half depending on your route. The monastery is close to Eresos village, making it easy to pair with a visit to Skala Eresou beach on the same day.
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Visitor Reviews
N Meinhardt
September 2025
Very nice and calm. A quiet spot, with a priest offering drinks and telling stories about his unpretentious life in the monastery. Beautiful view of the water reservoir.
Jkos Kostopoulou
September 2025
Monk Nektarios always has a kind heart and welcome The Folklore museum was a revelation
Mish Lee
June 2025
During our visit to the monastery, Father Noctorius warmly hosted us. We received a detailed and patient tour, as well as loving, invested, and personal hospitality. The place is stunning in its beauty and cleanliness and is breathtaking in the emotional experience it creates. Thank you very much.
Skye Jamieson
April 2025
lovely place to visit, very friendly people and lots to learn!
C P
September 2024
This is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil places I have had the opportunity to visit. For me, it was an oasis of calm at the end of a tough cycle ride. If that wasn't enough, we also had the privilege of meeting Father Nectarius and having the pleasure of his hospitality. Although nearing the end of our holiday, I finally felt truly at peace. Thank you, Father Nectarious, we will be back next time we visit this beautiful Island.
Jan Panoš
September 2024
True beauty does not lie on main roads and beaches. 3 kilometers northeast from Eressos town, turn left onto a dusty gravel road that will reliably lead you past the dam to the breathtaking site of Moni Pithariou. Pater Nektarios waves at you from afar and you have the wonderful feeling that you are welcome guests here. He will accompany you through the beautiful monastery, point out important artefacts, treat you to coffee and over the amazing view of the valley, we will also talk about Prague in the Czech Republic – our place of residence. We thank Pater Nektarios for the kind welcome. Your hospitality and the beauty of the place was one of the best experiences for us on our most beloved Greek island, we will always remember you and we will be happy to come back to greet you again. Beauty, peace and love under the protection of Archangel (Taxiarchis) Michail and Pater Nektarios.
Jan van der Elsen
September 2024
Simply little heaven on earth.. lovely place, lovely monk, and very nice and calming energies. A MUST visit, you won't regret it!
suzanne woodward
September 2024
This is the most Tranquil place on Lesvos, it’s so beautiful and peaceful. We met Father Nectarius who was most welcoming to us ,we sat in the shade with a cold drink enjoying a lovely conversation with him . The Monastery’s grounds, chapel and views are breathtaking, well worth the visit here. We will definitely visit again x
Karas Mike
August 2024
Amazing place. There is a monastery with very friendly people. The road is nice.
The Watcher
June 2023
The monastery is considered one of the most decorated on the island. It’s beautiful views give a calm feeling you’re somewhere off the island, but yet on it it’s great for pictures for group tours for kids, and also has great trails to walk on, especially by the lake definitely worth coming here Will come again on a different season to see the different colors of the nature. It’s one of the few spots where there is a lot of green.
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