Chrousos: The exotic beach of Western Lesvos

Access to Chrousos is not the easiest. The beach, located in the southwest of Lesvos, is about an hour and a half drive from the town of Mytilini and about an hour from popular spots on the island, such as Kalloni and Molyvos. The car drives on a dirt road for about 4 kilometres in the last part of the route. However, this - apparent - difficulty of approach contributes to the charm of the beach, which is a point of reference for alternative nature lovers visiting the North Aegean island.

Chrousos is a sandy beach about 1.5 kilometres long. To its left and right, two small capes extend into the sea. In the middle of the beach is a small river where turtles can be seen. Behind the sandy beach is a small plain.

These descriptors may not sound original, but the impression left by our first visit was unique. We knew immediately we wouldn't want to leave here.

The sand in Chrousos is thick, and you will understand it from the first moment you walk on it and feel your foot getting lost. The sea waters are as calm as they should be and deepen at a normal rate. Due to the dark sand, the water is a dark colour, as in many parts of Lesvos.

Don't be fooled by the water's colour—it's crystal clear. However, what stood out to us in Chrousos is the light, the way the sun hits the beach. In combination with the plain and the many tamarisks (where campers often take refuge), this creates an exotic feeling.

Not "Caribbean", as is often said about other "exotic" Greek beaches, but rather like being in an oasis in some desert country. Except here, the oasis by the sea.

Even in the high season - although Lesvos is not a mass tourism destination - you will not have difficulty finding your place under the tamarisk trees. We even think you may want to spend the night there or stay up late, even if you weren't originally planning to.

Chrousos does not have sunbeds and a beach bar, but it does have a canteen where you can find everything you need. You can also enjoy delicious food from the nearby taverna, which is about 500 metres away and also offers rooms for rent.

Nothing makes the Greek summer more divine than enjoying snacks, such as dolmades and octopus, by the sea, without even taking off your bathing suit and with your bare feet stepping on the sand.

Or maybe you can try sleeping on the beach under the stars. This part of Lesvos is relatively isolated, with few lights from houses and businesses. The result is a stunningly clear starry night sky.

Some tips and information about Chrousos and Lesvos

Chrousos is 75 kilometres from the city of Mytilini, 40 kilometres from Kalloni (seat of the municipality of Western Lesvos), 60 kilometres from the beautiful Molyvos and 20 kilometres from the touristically developed Skala Eresos, with its long beach.

To reach Chrousos, after Mesotopos, follow the road to Tavari. There are two different dirt roads leading to the beach. I prefer the ferry that passes through Tavari.

Apart from the canteen/taverna rooms for rent, there are other accommodation options in the area, either in Tavari, the port of Mesotopos or in Mesotopos itself, a beautiful traditional village about 8 kilometres from Chrousos.

In addition to the canteen-taverna, you will also find excellent food options in Tavari. There is the "Paloukos" fish taverna, which offers delicious seafood and fish at excellent prices.

Lesvos is Greece's third-largest island, so a means of transport is essential. It is good to plan—even if not precisely—to know how you will spend each day on the island so that you can combine many adventures together.

(Travel)

READ MORE: Polyaigos: The Aegean oasis that maintains its inspiring untouched character.