The island between myth, volcanoes, archaeology and pristine sea
Legend has it that Hephaestus, god of fire and metallurgy, had his forge on the island of Lemnos. Here he would have fallen to the legendary Mount Mosychlos after being hurled down from Olympus by Zeus, in a fit of rage. This founding myth still helps to define the character of the island, suspended between primordial strength and ancestral suggestion.
In the north-eastern Aegean Sea, Lemnos (in Greek Limnos and also known as Lemnos) emerges as a destination that is still authentic, far from the mass circuits, where nature, intense flavors and a strong cultural identity refer to a more ancient time.
Lemnos is an island shaped by volcanic eruptions and marked by a thousand-year history. Its territory is distinguished by a varied and irregular profile: imposing rock formations, spectacular volcanic landscapes, rolling green hills, vast sand dunes and wetlands rich in biodiversity.
The coastline stretches for about 259 kilometers, drawing sheltered bays, small picturesque ports and long golden sandy beaches bathed by clear waters. The island also has important archaeological sites, fortresses, traditional villages and a welcoming population. The inhabited centers are distinguished by stone architecture, embellished with refined decorative reliefs.
Myrina, the capital of Lemnos
The journey to discover Lemnos can start from Myrina, the capital and main port of the island, shaded by poplars, plane trees and eucalyptus. Built on the area of the ancient city on the west coast, Myrina takes its name from the wife of Toante, the first king of Lemnos.
Between cobbled alleys, traditional houses overlooking the seafront and the castle that dominates the urban skyline, the city offers some of the most evocative views of the island. Going up to the fortress you can meet the deer that live in the area, with a panorama that embraces the sea and the historic center.
Built on a rocky peninsula, the Byzantine castle of Myrina was built by Emperor Andronikos I Comnenus and completed in its current form at the beginning of the thirteenth century by the Venetian Grand Duke Filocalo Navigajoso. Inside there are also the remains of a mosque dating back to the Ottoman era.
A walk to Romeiko Gialo, an elegant promenade dotted with stone residences, is not to be missed. As well as a visit to the Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical building of the late nineteenth century, which exhibits finds from Poliochni, Myrina and Hephaestia, with prehistoric evidence ranging from the Greek Middle Ages to the Hellenistic period, up to the Roman age.
Among the places of worship are the Cathedral of Agia Triada from 1724, with its two tall bell towers, and the cave chapel of Koimisi tis Theotokou (Panagia Kakaviotissa) on the hill of Kakavos. In the Avlonas area is the monument of the temple of the goddess Artemis, dating back to the Archaic and Hellenistic periods, which can be reached from inside the courtyard of the Port Myrina Palace Hotel.
Starting from Myrina you can visit the entire island of Lemnos in an experiential path that embraces the characteristic villages, from the closest to the most distant ones of the capital. An itinerary that reveals myth, archaeology, traditions, wild nature and an extraordinarily varied coastline in the panorama of the Aegean Sea.
Villages around Myrina: Kaspakas, Agios Dimitrios and Kontias
5.5 kilometers north of Myrina is Kaspakas, a village built in a hidden position from the sea to protect against pirates. Famous for the Carnival and St. George festivities held on April 23, it offers access to the waterfalls and beaches of Agios Ioannis and Karvounolakkas.
10 kilometers northeast of Myrina is the village of Agios Dimitrios, known for the production of Muscat of Alexandria, a typical wine of Lemnos. An unmissable stop for wine lovers.
On a hill of pine trees, the village of Kontias, one of the largest and most charming on the island, stands out for its stone houses, windmills and the church of Agios Dimitrios with a stone bell tower. In the village of Portiano you can visit the Museum of Folk Art (with traditional local costumes, tools for textile production, a loom, household utensils and agricultural tools), while in the village of Tsimandria you can attend the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin at the feast of the Panagia which takes place every August 15th. Instead, to take a dip in the sea you can reach the beautiful beaches of Zemata and Nevgati.
The villages east of Lemnos: Nea Koutali, Moudros and Kaminia
Founded after 1922 by Greek refugees from the Sea of Marmara, Nea Koutali was historically a center of sponge gatherers. Today, in the cool coastal village of Nea Koutali full of pine forests, you can visit the Sponge Exhibition and the nearby villages of Kallithea (where the Ioannidios school of 1854 is located) and Livadochori with its characteristic stone houses. Nea Koutali is located about 16.5 km from Myrina.
The second city of the island and ancient capital, Moudros is famous for its petrified forest with fossilized tree trunks 20-22 million years old. The port, one of the safest in the Mediterranean, was a naval base for the Greek fleet during the Balkan Wars and the First World War. Do not miss the characteristic beaches of Fanaraki, Mikro Fanaraki, Chavouli, Parthenomyto and Skidi, as well as the Sardine Festival in August to taste typical dishes based on sardines accompanied by local wines. Moudros is located about 27.7 km from Myrina.
The village of Kaminia extends near the prehistoric site of Poliochni, a settlement of the third millennium BC divided into chromatic phases (Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Gray, Purple). It was founded between the end of the fourth and the beginning of the third millennium BC on a hill in the bay of Vroskopos. Here you can visit the small church of Agios Alexandros and the beaches of Voroskopos and Agios Ioannis. Kaminia is located about 31.5 km from Myrina.
The villages north of Lemnos: Kornos, Repanidi and Kontopouli
The village of Kornos is famous for its traditional sweets, halva, mastic and tahini (sesame seed cream). To be admired in the village are the nineteenth-century churches of Agios Andreas and Koimisi tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Mother of God) with their characteristic murals and neoclassical buildings. Nearby, there are the hot springs (39-43 °C) at Therma and the dunes of Pachies Ammoudes at Gomati Bay, with large mounds of sand on the mountain reminiscent of those of the Sahara desert. While for swimming you can reach the shores of Cape Mourtzouflos. Kornos is about 8.5 km from Myrina.
The large village of Repanidi, located in Kotsinas right next to the ruins of a castle, is home to the church of Zoodochos Pigi on a hill by the sea. While, in the Agiochoma area (where the "land of Lemnos" used by Hippocrates as medicine was extracted) there are silos in the rock that kept cereals. Very beautiful beaches are those of Kotsinas and Bournias, ideal for a swim. Repanidi is 25.5 km from Myrina.
Kontopouli is a village in the plains known for pottery workshops and religious paintings. The Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos was exiled here in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Nearby are Cape Plaka with a large lighthouse, the archaeological site of the city of Hephaestia (3 km to the north), the sanctuary of the Great Goddess of Lemnos and the cave of Filoktitis (where the king of Thessaly who was stranded on the island during the Trojan War lived for 10 years) which, according to tradition, is connected to the sanctuary of the Temple of Kaveirio (eighth century BC) on the side of the hill that descends into the sea and forms Cape Chloe with a view of the Temple of Kaveirio on the island of Samothrace to the north. The area includes the Alyki and Chortarolimni lakes, habitats of flamingos and protected species. Kontopouli is about 28.5 km from Myrina.
Skandali, the village south of Lemnos
Among the oldest villages on the island, the village of Skandali is home to the 1908 church of Agios Nikolaos and the historic Touloumpa water pump. While, 2 kilometers southeast of the village of Fisini, on September 6 and 7 a traditional festival is celebrated at the church of Agios Sozon, the patron saint of the island. For the sea and a swim, just go to the beach of Louri. Skandali is located 39 km from Myrina.
Typical products and cuisine of Lemnos
The thousand-year history of Lemnos can also be found in its table. The identity of the island is closely linked to a quality agricultural and artisanal production, which includes wine, cheeses (both PDO and traditional), thyme honey, wheat and mavragani flour, obtained from an ancient local variety. These products are used to prepare dishes that represent an authentic expression of the island's gastronomic tradition.
The cuisine of Lemnos is based on genuine ingredients, with a strong presence of fish, seafood and lobster dishes. Specialties to try include rooster in tomato sauce served with local flomaria pasta, katmeria (pancakes), zucchini with eggs, marinated fish, bochtsadelia (cheese-filled pasta) and klikia, a typical savory cheese pie.
On the dairy front, the island boasts some recognized excellences: Kalathaki Limnou, a PDO white cheese; Melichloro (or Melipasto), obtained from sheep's milk; and, of course, the famous Feta, which here finds a declination linked to the territory.
The chapter of desserts also deserves attention. Loukoumia, prepared with sugar, glucose, starch and natural flavors, introduces a pastry that includes local halvas made from ground sesame seeds (tachini), declined in vanilla, cocoa, pistachio, honey or almond variants. The offer is completed by local sweets, venizelika, samsades (traditional Christmas sesame cake), amygdalota (almond paste flavored with rose water) and spoon desserts, made with tomatoes, zucchini and figs.
The gastronomic heritage of Lemnos finds a natural complement in the local wines, among which quality white and sweet wines with the PDO designation stand out. Moscato di Alessandria, an aromatic white grape variety grown on the volcanic soils of the island, is one of the best-known expressions. Next to it stands out the red wine of the Limnio grape variety (Kalampaki), grown in the eastern part of the island.
The winemaking tradition goes hand in hand with the production of spirits in the typical lakaria, where liqueurs such as tsipouro and ouzo are born. The latter goes well with grilled octopus and seafood, or it can be enjoyed as a drink with ice. The wines and spirits of Lemnos evoke an ancient suggestion: according to tradition, in ancient times it was believed that the wine of Mithymna was the ambrosia reserved for the gods of Olympus. A myth that, even today, seems to find an echo in the authentic and distinctive aromas and flavors of the island of Lemnos.
Texts by Alisè Vitri
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.
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Where to stay in Lemnos
The island of Lemnos offers several possibilities for accommodation in facilities equipped with the best services.
To find the ideal hotel and offers, you can search by services offered or places of interest.
WHERE TO GO IN LEMNOS
Excursions in Lemnos
Local buses take you to the main villages of the island of Lemnos, which can also be visited independently by renting a car or motorcycle. After admiring the most characteristic attractions of Lemnos between unspoiled and wild nature, typical villages with their characteristic small churches, you can also venture outside the island.
Boat trips by sea allow you to enjoy the clear waters of the Aegean Sea and get to know other beauties of Greece by departing by ferry from the port of Myrina. Here you will embark on a trip and a unique experience to discover the most beautiful places and islands around Lemnos. For example, from the island of Lemnos you can ferry to Agios Efstratios (1:30 hour); Samothrace (2:50 hours); Lesbos (4:20 hours); Kavala (4:30 hrs); Alexandroupoli (5:20 hrs); Oinousses (7:20 hrs); Chios (8:00 a.m.). The availability of services varies according to seasonality with more frequencies in summer.
Agios Efstratios
In the heart of the North Aegean lies Agios Efstratios, a small island of 44 km², 30 km of coastline and about 400 inhabitants. Pristine beaches, sea caves, volcanic formations and oak forests characterize the landscape, ideal for hiking, mountain biking or simply enjoying the sea, beaches or snorkeling.
Private boats are available for a tour of the island and beaches not accessible by land, such as Agios Dimitrios Trygari, Trypiti, Ftelio, Gournias, and Lydario. The island of Agios Efstratios, which was a place of political exile between 1928 and 1963, is connected by sea with Lemnos, Lavrio and Lesvos. The ferry ride from Myrina takes about 1:30.
Samothrace
Samothrace (Samothràki) is a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea northeast of the island of Lemnos. It is known for the Sanctuary of the Great Gods of Samothrace, from which the famous statue of the Winged Victory, known as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, comes.
The island is dominated by Mount Fengari or Saos, the highest in Greece (1611 meters), and is characterized by unspoiled nature with forests, pebble beaches, streams, rivers, springs, lakes but also archaeological finds from the site of Paleopoli to the port of Kamariotissa. The most characteristic sandstones are the beach of the Gardens with black pebbles and Pachia Ammos of fine sand. You can also go hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting and kayaking. The ferry ride from Myrina takes approximately 2:50.
Lesbos
The island of Lesvos is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, opposite the coast of Turkey. The main center of the island is Mytilene and is famous for being the birthplace, in the seventh century BC, of the lyric poets Alcaeus and Sappho but also for the production of ouzo and olive oil and for the beaches of Skala Eressou, Vatera and Molyvos.
In addition, the island is home to the Eftalou hot springs, lush nature, traditional villages such as those of Plomari, Agiasos and Petra as well as archaeological sites and historic villages. The ferry ride from Myrina takes approximately 4:20.
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Tours and excursions in the North Aegean Sea
