🏝️ Women’s festival · Skala Eressos, Greece
International Eressos Women’s Festival
The International Eressos Women’s Festival takes over Skala Eressos, a laid-back beach village on the Greek island of Lesvos — the birthplace of the ancient poet Sappho, whose home gave the very word “lesbian” its meaning. For around two weeks each September the village becomes a women-only gathering where every event is run by women, for women.
When is International Eressos Women’s Festival?
9–19 September 2026. It’s held around ten days in mid-September each year.
Confirm dates & tickets on the official Sappho Women siteAbout International Eressos Women’s Festival
A relaxed, community-run festival of workshops, talks, film nights, concerts, sports and beach days, organised by the non-profit Sappho Women. It is a village holiday rather than a party circuit — the pace is gentle and the crowd international.
Everything happens in and around Skala Eressos: a long sandy beach lined with tavernas, sunset drinks by the water, and a village that has been a quiet lesbian haven for decades.
Where to stay for International Eressos Women’s Festival
Stay in Skala Eressos itself to be walking distance from the beach and every event — it is a small village that books out for the festival, so reserve early.
Compare hotels & stays in Skala Eressos
Book early — event stays sell out months ahead
Getting to Skala Eressos
Fly to Mytilene (MJT) on Lesvos — usually via Athens — then it is about a 90-minute drive west to Skala Eressos. Ferries also serve Lesvos from Athens (Piraeus) and other islands.
Things to do around International Eressos Women’s Festival
- Long lazy days on Skala Eressos’ beach
- Sunset drinks at the village tavernas
- A pilgrimage to Sappho’s home village of Eressos
- The Petrified Forest of Lesvos and the island’s ancient sites
Know before you go
- This is a gentle village festival, not a resort party scene — come for the community and the beach.
- Greece legalised same-sex marriage in 2024; Lesvos and Skala Eressos are long-established as welcoming.
- Confirm the exact programme and dates on the official Sappho Women site before booking.
International Eressos Women’s Festival FAQs
When is the International Eressos Women’s Festival 2026?
It runs 9–19 September 2026 in Skala Eressos on Lesvos, Greece. Confirm the exact programme on the official site, as it shifts slightly year to year.
Is it really women-only?
Yes — it is a festival by women, for women, where every event is put on by women. It welcomes lesbian, bi, queer and all women from around the world.
Why is the festival on Lesvos?
Skala Eressos is the home village of the ancient poet Sappho, from the island of Lesvos — the origin of the words “lesbian” and “sapphic” — which has made it a symbolic gathering place for queer women.
Where should I stay for the festival?
In Skala Eressos itself, to walk to the beach and every event — book early, as the small village fills up for the festival.
Plan your International Eressos Women’s Festival trip — free
Tell Wavvia your dates and who you are, and it builds a day-by-day plan around International Eressos Women’s Festival and Skala Eressos — welcoming places to stay, what to do and honest safety context.
Plan my trip — freeEvent dates and programmes change year to year — always confirm the latest details and buy tickets on the official Sappho Women site before booking travel. Laws and attitudes vary; verify your government’s travel advice before you travel.