Eressos Women's Festival 2025: A Celebration of Women in Sappho's Homeland
A Festival with Sapphic Roots and LGBTQ+ Heritage
Every late summer, the serene village of Skala Eressos on the Greek island of Lesvos becomes a beacon of queer joy and female empowerment. This transformation is deeply rooted in the village’s legacy as the birthplace of Sappho—the iconic 6th-century BC poet whose verses of love between women gave rise to the terms "sapphic" and "lesbian."
What started in 2000 as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of the world’s most cherished festivals for women and LGBTQ+ communities. Originally launched by Sappho Travel and now run by the non-profit organization Sappho Women, the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. More than just an event, it's a homecoming for many women from around the world who return year after year.
Mission and Purpose: Empowerment, Community, and Inclusivity
The Eressos Women’s Festival is a vibrant two-week celebration of female empowerment, creativity, and connection. Open to women of all backgrounds—including lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer women—the festival fosters a culture of radical inclusion. No VIP access, no hierarchies—just a shared space where everyone participates equally.
The goal? To provide a safe, inspiring, and joyful environment for women to come together, explore their identities, build friendships, and share experiences. It's a space of laughter, learning, dancing, and deep connection.
Festival Program 2025: Two Weeks of Activities, Music, and Art
Dates: September 7–20, 2025
The 25th anniversary edition brings an expanded lineup of concerts, workshops, beach parties, and creative sessions.
Live Performances & Nightlife
Expect a dynamic schedule of concerts each evening at the open-air venue Cine Sappho. Artists for 2025 include:
- Eva Iglesias – Spanish vocal powerhouse
- Jennifer Corday – U.S. singer-songwriter
- Toxic Frogs – Celtic punk band
- Animø Virile – Electronic act
- Francis van Broekhuizen – Comedian-singer
- Dimi Rompos and Camp Vamps – Greek and international favorites
Each night ends with beach parties and sets by renowned women DJs such as DJ Funda, Renata, RPXX, Wendy, Elenl, and Sarah Cooper. Picture dancing on the beach under the stars—barefoot, free, and surrounded by community.
Wellness & Workshops
Start your days with yoga by Leora Eisenstein or join guided meditations and tantra sessions. Creative minds can dive into:
- Sound Healing & Dance
- Beads of Love jewelry-making
- Creative Writing with Silje Bergum Kinsten
- Eco-Art with Helene Richman
- Book Reading by Jane Traies
Daily Nia and Freedance classes and the popular Beach Volleyball Competition offer joyful movement and friendly play.
Rock Group Swim
Every morning, women gather at Ohana Saloon for the legendary swim to the “Women’s Rock.” Whether you’re an athlete or a first-timer, it’s about courage, community, and celebration.
Special Events
- Alternative Fashion Show – Expect bold, fun, and body-positive runway flair
- Cine Sappho Film Screening – Watch Lesvia, a documentary tracing four decades of lesbian history in Eressos
- Annual Women’s Art Exhibition – Featuring painting, photography, and crafts by women artists
Nature & Excursions
- “Landscapes of Sappho” walking tour
- Ohana Ranch Day – Meet rescue animals and enjoy rural life
- GaGa Animal Care Open Day – Play with puppies and support a good cause
A Typical Day at the Festival
Wake up with yoga or a sea swim. Join a creative workshop or writing class in the afternoon. Sip a coffee by the sea, watch the sunset with new friends, then dance the night away at a beachfront DJ set. Each day brings something new—and each moment is shared.
Ticketing: How to Buy Your Festival Wristband
Festival access is granted via an all-inclusive wristband, available for purchase online through the official festival website. The 2025 wristband covers entry to nearly all events, including concerts, beach parties, film screenings, and most workshops.
The full 14-day pass is priced at €125. You’ll receive a digital confirmation to redeem your physical wristband at the festival Info Point upon arrival in Skala Eressos. There are no VIP upgrades or special tiers—everyone wears the same wristband, reflecting the festival’s inclusive spirit.
A few specialty events may request small additional fees or donations (for example, excursions or cooking classes), but most activities are included. Festival wristbands also help support the non-profit mission, so even if you're attending only part of the event, your purchase keeps the festival thriving.
Location: Why Skala Eressos Is Special
Skala Eressos is a coastal village on the southwest side of Lesvos Island. Framed by dramatic cliffs and golden sands, it has become a symbolic and literal safe space for women over the years. As the birthplace of Sappho, it holds both historical and emotional resonance.
The village offers a laid-back atmosphere with pedestrian-friendly streets, bohemian cafes, women-run shops, and a long beachfront lined with tavernas. Many businesses display rainbow flags, and the locals warmly welcome the annual influx of international women.
Festival venues include Cine Sappho (the open-air cinema), Ohana Saloon (meeting point for swims and workshops), and various beachside bars that turn into vibrant nightspots. The beach itself—about 3 km long—is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and stunning sunset views.
Getting There: Flights, Ferries, and Transfers
Most travelers arrive via Mytilene International Airport (MJT), which is connected by daily flights to Athens. In the summer, there are also direct charter flights from several European cities.
Alternatively, ferries run from Piraeus (Athens) to Mytilene. The journey takes approximately 12–14 hours and is a scenic overnight option.
Once on Lesvos, Skala Eressos is a 1.5–2-hour drive from the capital. Options to get there include:
- Festival shuttle transfers (booked via Sappho Travel)
- Rental car for flexibility
- Taxi (costly but convenient for small groups)
- Public bus (limited schedule, may require a taxi for final stretch)
Planning arrival and departure in sync with shared transport options is advisable for a smooth experience.
Accommodation: Best Places to Stay in Eressos
Skala Eressos has a range of lodging options, from guesthouses to boutique studios. Booking early is essential for festival weeks.
Recommended Options:
- Aeolian Village Beach Resort – Full-service property with pool and seaside amenities
- Hotel Kyma – Seafront location, family-run charm
- Paradise Studios – Self-catering, tranquil garden setting
- Ohana Rooms – Women-only guesthouse in the festival heart
- Pansion Katerina & Krinelos Pension – Affordable and centrally located
- Windmill House & Sappho House – Unique rentals for groups or romantic stays
There’s no formal campsite, but discreet wild camping may be tolerated at the beach’s edge. For comfort and convenience, most visitors opt for rooms within walking distance of the main venues.
What Else to Do in and Around Eressos
While the festival is the main draw, Skala Eressos and Lesvos offer many additional attractions:
- Relax on the beach or swim in the calm Aegean waters
- Sample local cuisine—fresh seafood, ouzo, and meze at beachside tavernas
- Explore the village—quaint shops, Sappho’s statue, and friendly locals
- Take a hike up Vigla Hill for panoramic views
- Visit nearby Sigri to see the Petrified Forest and Natural History Museum
- Join a boat trip or snorkel around the coastline
- Experience traditional Lesvos villages, olive groves, and thermal springs
Eressos offers a balance of cultural depth, nature, and vibrant community. Whether you stay for a few days or the full two weeks, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting mark.
The Eressos Women’s Festival 2025 invites you to be part of something joyful, transformative, and deeply rooted in shared history. From the poetry of Sappho to the pulse of modern beats on a moonlit beach, this is your chance to connect, express, and celebrate with women from around the world.
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