In May, it was time for me. Time to step away, to recharge, to simply be. I booked a solo trip to Lesbos, a Greek island that had been calling me back.
I flew with TUI from Amsterdam to Mytilini. From the airport, I took a bus to Petra, where I stayed at Villa Vicky — small, peaceful, and welcoming. The kind of place where days begin slowly and quietly.
Each day, I did something active, but never rushed. I walked between villages and along the coastline. From Petra to Molyvos, from Molyvos to Eftalou, and from Petra to Anaxos and back. These walks weren’t about distance or speed, but about breathing, observing, and being present.
Photography naturally became part of that rhythm. Sometimes I carried my camera and lenses, other times just my iPhone. It didn’t matter — what mattered was noticing. Light falling on a quiet street, a cat resting in the shade, the endless blue of the sea. Photography, for me, is not just capturing images, but capturing moments of calm and clarity.
Molyvos was a true highlight. I wandered through its old streets, climbed up to the castle, and later sat in the harbor with a drink in the sun. No pressure, no plans — just letting the place unfold.
In Petra, I did the same. Walking without a schedule, letting the day guide me. That sense of freedom is something I rarely experience in everyday life, and it felt like a form of self-care in its purest way.
Evenings were for sunsets and simple dinners in lovely spots. During the day, everything felt calm and spacious. In the evenings, there was a gentle liveliness — never overwhelming, always just right.
One day, I joined a small group with a guide. We visited a renovated olive oil factory near Mytilini, followed by a walk through the city. We saw old churches, the harbor, and narrow streets full of character.
At one point, someone asked a local woman for a good place to have coffee. She led us through a small alley to a hidden café — the kind of place you would never find on your own. Moments like that make travel feel personal and real.
After that, we drove to Agiasos, a mountain village. A perfect place if you enjoy climbing and being rewarded with beautiful views over a village built against the hillside.
Throughout my walks, I took many photos. All of them — whether taken with my camera or my phone — are part of my story of this trip. You can find them on my website, organised per location in galleries.
Have you never been to Lesbos? Go. Really, I mean it.
Late May or late September is ideal.
Between the sun, the gentle breeze, and the quiet moments — by the pool or on my balcony — I returned home fully recharged.
About the island
Lesbos (or Lesvos) is a Greek island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, known for its warm hospitality, authentic villages, and rich history. The island breathes calm and tradition: endless olive groves, fragrant pine forests, thermal springs, and monasteries filled with devotion, such as Panagia Agiasotissa.
Lesbos quickly feels like home. The genuine kindness of the people, the slow rhythm of village life, and the deep connection to nature and faith create a unique atmosphere. It’s a place where simplicity and beauty come together — where you are not just visiting, but are welcomed as if you have always belonged.
If you speak multiple languages, it becomes very easy to connect with both other travellers and locals. People are open, happy to share stories about their island and their villages. I have never felt alone, unsafe, or out of place here. By now, it truly feels like a second home to me.
Lesvos – Λέσβος
Petra – Πέτρα
Molyvos (official name: Mithymna) – Μόλυβος / Μήθυμνα
Eftalou – Εφταλού
Anaxos – Άναξος
Mytilini – Μυτιλήνη
Agiasos – Αγιάσος
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