The early Christian Basilica of Halinados is only 4.5 km from Agia Paraskevi and is one of a number of ancient sites in the area. Like so many of the ancient sites on Lesvos, it is to be found along a dirt road and has almost no signs to get you there. Our map at the bottom of the page should give you a little help finding it.
The site is completely undeveloped, so you will not find a visitor centre or a car park or a snack bar. What you will find are the remains of a very early Christian Basilica set in an ocean of tranquillity. When we visited, we were alone except for the singing birds and the buzz of insects. At its grandest, archaeologists believe that the Basilica of St. George had three aisles and an elaborate wooden roof. Today you can clearly see the lay out of the three isles but I’m afraid only your imagination can provide the Christian Basilica of Halinados with a roof.
Don’t be put off by the prospect of the dirt road, it is a pretty good track that is very easy to navigate (always with a little care) and is best approached from the Agia Paraskevi end. The nearby Museum of Olive Oil Production makes it easy to schedule the Christian Basilica of Halinados as part of an “Agia Pareskevi day out”.
Location
