Petra
Northern Aegean, Greece: Excellent water quality
Petra lies 20.62 km from Municipality of Western Lesvos along the Greek coast. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, meeting strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions. Drinking water is…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Petra
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Petra?
Petra lies 20.62 km from Municipality of Western Lesvos along the Greek coast. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, meeting strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate precautions.
Drinking water is available on-site. April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August see the heaviest crowds. The Blue Flag status means the beach maintains consistent cleanliness and management standards.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Northern Aegean, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Petra faces south toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 15°C | Low |
| Feb | 11°C | 15°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Med |
| May | 20°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 23°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 23°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 20°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 11°C | 16°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Petra?
The best time to visit Petra is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.2°C in July.
How crowded does Petra get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Petra sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Petra open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Petra
Is Petra safe to swim?
Petra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Petra?
Peak water temperature at Petra reaches around 24.2°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.7°C.
What is the beach like at Petra?
Petra on the Northern Aegean coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Petra sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? Read Why Greece has 607 Blue Flag beaches.
Transport
Getting to Petra
How do I get to Petra by car?
Petra is approximately 20.62 km from Municipality of Western Lesvos. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Petra?
The nearest airport is Mytilene International Airport (MJT), approximately 47.2 km away.
Can I get to Petra by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Municipality of Western Lesvos. The nearest recorded bus stop is 325 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Petra
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Petra. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Petra
- Bus stop Bus stop 325 m
Cafés near Petra
- Zefiros Café 67 m
- O NIKOS Restaurant 68 m
- Thalassa Restaurant 71 m
- Christos Restaurant 75 m
- Rama Restaurant 75 m
Parking near Petra
- Parking Parking 334 m
- Parking Parking 420 m
- Parking Parking 451 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Petra
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- Yes
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking)
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | May – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 130 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 325 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.3307°N, 26.1801°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Petra FAQ
Is Petra suitable for children?
Petra has a child-friendly score of 2/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Petra free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Petra. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Northern Aegean, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Petra?
The best time to visit Petra is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 24.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Petra?
Petra is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Petra?
Petra is located in Northern Aegean, Greece. It is approximately 20.62 km from Municipality of Western Lesvos. The nearest airport is Mytilene International Airport (MJT), 47.2 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Petra?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 325 m from Petra (Bus stop). Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Petra?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Petra, including Zefiros (67 m), O NIKOS (68 m), Thalassa (71 m), and Christos (75 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Petra?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 334 m from Petra, with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Petra
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.