Things to do in Petra.
You can do a lot of great things in Petra, like sightseeing at the historic church rock, exploring the vibrant beachfront promenade, and wandering through the hidden cobblestone alleys and central plaza. For food enthusiasts, there are a lot of amazing local restaurants, grill houses, and traditional tavernas to discover. To help you experience the best of the village, we have lined up the absolute top things to do here
The Best Things to See in Petra
You can do a lot of great things in Petra, like sightseeing at the historic church, exploring the busteling square, and wandering through the hidden cobblestone alleys.
The Church of Panagia Glykofilousa
The ultimate landmark here is the Church of Panagia Glykofilousa, perched dramatically on top of the 114-foot volcanic rock. Climbing the 114 steps to the top rewards you with an incredible panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding valley. Afterward, you can stroll through the traditional cobblestone streets, shop for local crafts, or relax on Petra Beach, which is a long, beautiful stretch of soft sand—perfect for a full day of sunbathing and swimming.
The Traditional Streets & Central Plaza of Petra
Stepping away from the beach brings you into the heart of Petra’s old town, a captivating maze of traditional cobblestone streets. These narrow, winding lanes are lined with beautifully preserved neo-classical mansions, historic stone houses, and hidden courtyards. Walking through them feels like stepping back in time, especially in the spring and summer when the arches overhead are bursting with bright pink bougainvillea and sweet-smelling jasmine.
All of these charming alleys eventually lead you to the vibrant central village plaza. This bustling square is the true gathering place of Petra, shaded by large trees and surrounded by a fantastic mix of traditional sweet shops, cozy cafes, and local boutiques. It is the perfect spot to sit outside, enjoy a coffee or a traditional dessert, and watch local life unfold in a classic Greek village setting.
Restaurants Of Petra
When it comes to dining, Petra has a fantastic food scene that caters to every taste. If you would like to eat fresh seafood, there are plenty of excellent restaurants and tavernas lining the vibrant beachfront promenade—with the famous O Nikos Restaurant (the oldest family taverna in the village) being a top choice for fresh catches and incredible sunset views.
For meat lovers or those looking for an excellent grill house experience, a stop at Kalderimi is highly recommended for its delicious local cuts and cozy atmosphere. If you want to try authentic, home-cooked Greek dishes and traditional baked foods, a visit to the famous Women's Agricultural Cooperative of Petra is an absolute must-visit.
For sweets, pastries, and ice cream, the main village square is packed with fantastic traditional sweet shops. When night falls, you can enjoy drinks at the lively seaside beach clubs directly on the sand, or if you prefer a cozy brasserie-style vibe, the local cocktail bars near the square are the place to be.