All that makes Lemnos stand out!

Lemnos is an otherworldly island located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, between Lesbos and Thassos. Thanks to its significant distance from Athens, the island has escaped mass tourism and is certainly one of Greece's best-kept secrets. Even during peak season, its large sandy beaches are not as overcrowded as they are on most islands. An island worth visiting all year round, Lemnos is known as the homeland of the Amazons and the god Hephaestus. 

Lemnos boasts beautiful sandy beaches scattered along its coastline, lakes (including a salt lake), diverse birdlife and a deer or two residing in Myrina Castle. An island with a long ancient history of mythological gods, heroes and legends, Lemnos has something to offer all ages and is ideal for young families and people who enjoy exploring.

Lemnos is a large island in the Northeast Aegean, located between the island of Samothrace to the northeast and Agios Efstratios to the southwest. Both Lesbos and Thassos are also nearby with regular ferry connections (Thassos via Kavala). Due to its significant distance from Athens, Lemnos has retained its charm and has not been affected by mass tourism.

The island's population is just over 17,000 residents, and it is known for its wild mountainous terrain and the many crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches dotted along the coastline, with over 30 easily accessible sandy beaches and 4 of them awarded with a Blue Flag.

Mythology, history and archaeology

Lemnos was the island where Hephaestus had his copper workshop. For this reason, a city named Hephaestia was built on the island in his honour. According to ancient Greek mythology, Lemnos was the island of Hephaestus, the god of fire and volcanoes. One myth says that he landed on this island when Hera and Zeus, his parents, threw him from Mount Olympus. Hephaestus broke his leg when he fell and landed on the island. The islanders took care of him, and in return, the god taught them the art of blacksmithing.

Furthermore, another myth links the history of Lemnos with Philoctetes, an ancient hero who was abandoned on Lemnos on his way to Troy. Archaeological excavations at the Temple of Kaveiro and the ancient site of Poliochni brought to light early settlements from the Bronze Age.

Poliochni is one of Europe's oldest settlements in the Aegean: Located opposite Troy in Asia Minor, Poliochni began as a small Neolithic village in the 4th millennium BC and evolved into a flourishing city with roads, wells, and drainage systems. The houses were built close together, interconnected, indicating that the people had a close-knit community. The city was surrounded by a 5-metre high stone wall with slots for archers, who were likely Amazonian women. There, one can still see rock carvings depicting a female archer wearing an animal skin dress on her head and holding a bow. Excavations from the area show that the inhabitants of Poliochni were extremely prosperous.

According to myth, Lemnos is said to have been inhabited and ruled by Amazonian warrior women. The myth states that when Jason and the Argonauts made a stop in Lemnos on their way to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece, they were warmly welcomed by the ladies and their queen Hypsipyle (daughter of King Thoas), with whom he had 2 children.

Lemnos is also mentioned as the island where the Achaean army abandoned Philoctetes, who had a wound that would not heal. During the Trojan War, Lemnos sent ships laden with wine for the Achaeans, as at that time it was ruled by Jason's son, Euneus.

The island's defining features that make it stand out!

# Discover the island's capital, Myrina

Stretching between two bays, Myrina, with approximately 4500 inhabitants, is divided into two districts: Romeikos Gialos, a protected area with various neoclassical buildings, bars and restaurants, and Tourkikos Gialos, with a small marina full of picturesque fish tavernas. Between the two bays lies an impressive medieval castle, well worth a visit.

Myrina captivates visitors with its Venetian castle, neoclassical mansions, Ottoman buildings, and narrow streets, all within walking distance of Myrina's perfect harbour. Along the waterfront, you'll find plenty of restaurants and traditional tavernas. Among Myrina's picturesque alleys and the central commercial market area, you can find many shops and cafes, local products such as ceramics and handicrafts, pasta and wheat products, and award-winning honey and wine.

# Explore Myrina's Byzantine Castle

Perched on Lemnos's highest peak, Myrina Castle was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Komnenos. The invaders at the time, the Venetians, continued its construction in the 13th century. Reaching the summit can be a bit tiring, but you will certainly be rewarded with fantastic sea views. Inside the castle, you can see the ruins of a Turkish mosque and if you're lucky, you might even spot some deer! Once you've finished exploring the castle, head to the picturesque Nefeli for a refreshing break.

# Visit the Church of Panagia Kakaviotissa

The chapel of Panagia Kakaviotissa will undoubtedly take your breath away. Located near the village of Thanos, it is nestled within a rock on top of Mount Kakavos. Established in 1416, it was used as a refuge for monks and hermits. To reach it, you'll need to walk for 20 minutes along a dirt road and you'll enjoy impressive views of the sea and the mountainous side of the island. A good idea would be to visit it in the late afternoon to enjoy the chapel bathed in natural light.

# Camping at Keros Beach

You won't struggle to find accommodation in Lemnos, but if you fancy a change and want to try glamping, then your best bet is Keros Beach. One of the island's most popular beaches, ideal for water sports, it features a kitesurfing and surfing centre, where luxurious safari tents and bungalows are available for rent. Sleep close to nature without sacrificing comfort and wake up to the best sunrise you can find on the island.

# Enjoy an active holiday

It may not be the most popular destination, but Lemnos certainly has nothing to envy its more popular neighbours. Ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing, Lemnos experiences winds throughout the summer. Lessons are offered at Keros, as well as at Gomati and Zemati beaches, depending on weather conditions. If you've ever wanted to give it a try, now's your chance.

# Visit one of Lemnos's archaeological sites

Located near Kontopouli, the ancient site of Hephaestia (or Ifestia) lies in the north of Lemnos and was founded by the Pelasgians. The island's second-largest city in antiquity, it served as an important religious centre until early Christianity. Visitors can admire a cemetery, ancient baths, a Hellenistic theatre, and the remains of a palace. They can also see the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to the Great Goddess, demonstrating the site's religious significance.

# Pop into the Archaeological Museum

Myrina is home to a beautiful neoclassical mansion housing the archaeological museum, in Romeikos Gialos. Here, you'll learn about the island's history, from the Bronze Age (Neolithic period) to medieval times. Collections include finds from the island's most important sites: Poliochni, Kaveiroi, Imbros, and Hephaestia, such as ancient craters, siren statuettes, as well as records from the population exchange of 1923.

# The amazing beaches of Lemnos

The beaches of Lemnos are wonderful and unspoilt. There are numerous sandy, uncrowded beaches, which are among the best in the Aegean, spread across the island and all boasting crystal clear waters and soft sand. The most popular and organised beaches in Lemnos are on the western side of the island. There are many beach bars, with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beaches on the east of Lemnos are more secluded, but they provide the best spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing!

Favourite beaches include Platy, Thanos, Evgatis (Nevgatis) and Agios Ioannis, and all have been awarded the Blue Flag. Greece has 486 Blue Flag beaches, so having 4 of them on Lemnos, among others, tells you it's the perfect beach destination. Family-friendly with soft sand, calm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. 

All organised beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas… and they're free! They are located between a 5- to 20-minute drive from Myrina, with Platy being the closest to the capital, just 2 kilometres away.

Other popular beaches are Mikro Fanaraki and Megalo Fanaraki (Moudros, south of the island), Agios Ioannis (Kaspakas), Romeikos Gialos (Myrina) and Richa Nera (Myrina). Venturing north of the island, you can visit the beaches at Panagia, Kotsinas, Atsiki and Gomati Beach.

# The village of Platy

A popular seaside town, Platy (Plati) beach and village is one of the most beautiful villages in Lemnos. Located just 2 km from Myrina, on the hillside, around the beautiful beach famous for various water sports activities. With soft sand and crystal clear shallow waters, the beach is very child-friendly. The village offers some dining options along the waterfront and in the village (old town) with a nice variety of delicious meals. Try the tavernas in the village centre and you won't be disappointed.

Inside the village there is a small supermarket that stocks almost everything you need. Besides the two tavernas in the centre, the old town also has a few cafes to choose from.

# Lemnian Wines

The local wine varieties on the island consist of two main ones, the Moschato Alexandrias and the Lemnio or Kalampaki. Other varieties are also cultivated in Lemnos, such as Mandilaria, Fokiano and Assyrtiko, known to most as the grape of Santorini and now in demand worldwide.

The dominant variety in the Lemnos market is Moschato Alexandrias, introduced in the early 20th century from Egypt. Moschato Alexandrias gradually replaced the local red variety, Lemnio, which was the main variety cultivated on the island. PDO status was granted to Lemnos and Moschato Lemnou. The pale golden wine is a beautiful dessert wine that pairs well with either sweets or cheeses. It features aromas and flavours of peach, apricot, and floral notes. Some sparkling wines are also produced, semi-dry or semi-sweet, both made from Moschato grapes.

Moschatos Lemnos is a local sweet dessert liqueur. Visit Lemnos Wines, located on the central Kentro road, a few kilometres outside Myrina, offering many varieties of wines, beers, juices and local Lemnian soft drinks.

Lemnio is a wine that has existed since antiquity and is believed to be the oldest Greek wine variety; it was mentioned by ancient Greek writers (Homer, Hesiod, and Pollux) as being Aristotle's favourite wine, “Lemnian Vine”. It is said that during the Trojan War, this wine was the beloved drink of the Achaeans and was sent to Troy. Lemnio, a red grape that locals call Kalampaki, produces aromatic red wines, with its cultivation having spread to other parts of Greece, such as Halkidiki and other regions of Macedonia and Thrace. The cultivation of Lemnio had declined on the island once Moschato Alexandrias was introduced to Lemnos. However, over the last 30 years or so, a revival of this ancient variety has made it popular again.

# Explore the island's unique ecosystem

Lemnos features unique ecosystems, with wild landscapes, waterfalls, sea caves, and impressive beaches. However, in the middle of the island, visitors will be surprised to discover that the island is home to a sandy desert, near Katalakko. Formed by natural erosion, the Pachies Ammoudies, as the area is called, hosts sand-friendly vegetation and is best visited in the late afternoon to avoid the intense sun's rays. 

Another wonderful natural marvel of the island is the rock formations at Falakro, in the northern part of the island, near Propouli village. Created from crystalline lava millions of years ago, these unique geological formations contrast with the turquoise waters of the cape, making for a spectacular sight. Get your camera ready and marvel at the yellow frozen lava forming impressive shapes along the coastline.

In the northern part of the island, at Cape Falakro or “Bald Head”, a beautiful geographical phenomenon reveals beautiful and interesting rock formations from millions of years ago. Hot volcanic lava flooded from the depths of the earth and froze into crystal as soon as it came into contact with the sea waters. It is well worth a visit that attracts many budding photographers, capturing these amazing fossilised rocks.

# The sand dunes

The desert of Lemnos is known by locals as “Pachies Ammoudies” (thick sands). The sand dunes are located 3 km above the village of Katalakko, near Gomati beach. Ideal for a morning visit to the dunes before the midday heat begins, and then enjoy a cool swim at Gomati beach. There are also facilities there to enjoy a coffee or a meal at Flomari taverna.

# The lakes

Lemnos has 2 lakes… Lake Alyki (salt lake) and Lake Chortarolimni. Both dry up during the summer/spring, with Lake Chortarolimni serving as a refuge for flamingos and other birds during the winter months when water is trapped, turning the area into a small wildlife and nature sanctuary.

You might encounter a deer or two during your visit to the ruined Byzantine fortress. But where did this deer come from, and is it endemic to Lemnos? Well, in 1968, the Mayor of Rhodes donated 2 female and 1 male deer to the Mayor of Lemnos. The purpose of introducing the deer was to give a sense of nobility to the town; however, the deer soon became a tourist attraction. Now there are many deer residing around the Myrina peninsula in and around the Castle walls.

# Historical facts from the Battle of Gallipoli and Lemnos's contribution due to its location

More than 50,000 Australian soldiers took part in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I. The Gallipoli campaign was the first major campaign of Australian forces (and the wider Anzac Corps) in World War I. Of the 50,000 who went to fight, more than 8,700 were killed and approximately 19,000 were wounded.

Why this island? Well, Lemnos was 80 kilometres from the Gallipoli peninsula and was chosen because it boasts one of the best natural deep harbours in the Aegean. However, Lemnos has not been widely recognised for the critical role the nearby island played in the Gallipoli campaign. Efforts in recent years to improve and promote Lemnos's significance in World War I have been welcomed by both Australia and the island's residents.

There are two important but under-recognised Commonwealth war graves here, with 148 Australian and 76 New Zealand graves: Portianou Military Cemetery (pictured above) and Moudros West Cemetery.

Key facts: operation 

The island was the main assembly, staging, and resupply point for the Gallipoli landing. The landings at Gallipoli were rehearsed on the island of Lemnos. The island's port was a significant station for naval operations which also included a submarine campaign. It was the location of the most important nursing stations for the Gallipoli campaign; it was the first overseas deployment of Australian nursing units. The armistice between the Allies and the Ottoman Empire was signed aboard HMS Agamemnon in the port of Moudros, Lemnos, in 1918.

Getting to and from Lemnos

By air

Lemnos has an airport with several flights a day to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, Lesbos and Ikaria. Do a quick search on travelo.gr and find all available flight tickets for Lemnos! Book them easily and quickly and you're off on holiday!

By ferry

There are ferries most days of the week departing from Piraeus and Lavrio, two of Athens' main ports. Lemnos also has ferry connections with Lesbos, Chios, Ikaria, Fournoi, Samos, Patmos, Kavala and Agios Efstratios. These connections to the islands usually run one to three ferries per week.

You can find ferry schedules and book your ferry tickets on travelo.gr. Although Lemnos offers more than enough to fill your time without needing to visit another island, it can be combined with any of the aforementioned islands, with Lesbos being the easiest option as it's the closest.

Lemnos is a wonderful island that combines so much to see and do! From its fantastic beaches, Myrina Castle, sand dunes, lakes and its deer, you're sure to have a beautiful and carefree time!