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Lemnos, also known as ‘The island of Hephaestus’, is a Greek island situated in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. It is a fertile land located in a geographically and historically central spot, west of the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles straits. Many people throughout the islands history tried to benefit from both: its location and layout.
Located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, Lemnos (or Limnos) is an incredible island situated between Lesvos and Thassos. Thanks to its large distance from Athens, the island has been spared from mass tourism and is definitely one of Greece’s best-kept secret. Even in peak season, its large sandy beaches remain uncrowded. Worth visiting all year round, Lemnos is known as the homeland of the Amazons and home of God Hephaestus. But there is so much to see and do. Here are eight reasons why you should give this island a chance.
Lemnos is a volcanic island. Although it does not have any forests, it is filled with extensive fertile fields, cultivated with vineyards and cereals. It also has, wonderful clean beaches. The island has more than 40 villages, with beautiful traditional houses. All villages worth a visit! Experience up close the beautiful neighborhoods of Lemnos!
For ancient Greeks, the island was sacred to Hephaestus, god of fire and technology, who fell on Lemnos when his father Zeus hurled him headlong out of Olympus
Lemnos is a beautiful island with superb unspoiled beaches. There are numerous sandy, uncrowded beaches which are among the best in the Aegean Sea, spread all over the island. Lemnos beaches have crystal-clear waters and soft sands.
Most popular and organized beaches on Lemnos are located on the western side of the island. There are a number of beach bars, offering sunbeds and parasols. The beaches in the east of Lemnos, are more secluded but they provide the best spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing!
Lemnos is known for its special culinary traditions. Inhabitants of the island are among the most famous cheese producers in the region. Here you can try special types of dairy products made from goat and cow’s milk. The island can offer several excellent wineries, as well as apiaries where they produce different varieties of honey. In this region, even pastries are special and very different from those that can be tasted in other parts of Greece. On fertile volcanic soils, they cultivate special varieties of wheat, which is used to produce traditional Mavragani flour. Pastries baked from it turns out to be incredibly tasty, the flour is used to prepare both sweet and savory pastries.
During fascinating gastronomic tours around the island, one can visit the best farms and wineries. Gourmets would be interested in trying a special type of cheese called “Kalathaki Limnou”, which derives its name from a special type of wicker baskets. This white brined cheese is kept in special baskets to give its heads a regular cylindrical shape. Thanks to this aging method, the cheese is always evenly salted and very juicy. More original and rare is Melichloro cheese made from strained sheep’s milk. Locals make this cheese only at the end of spring, as conditions of maximum air humidity are crucial for its aging. Local chefs prepare a lot of interesting snacks and salads from cheese. Also, it remains a common component of savory pastries.
You can spend a day in the capital of the island, Myrina. Walk the traditional stone-paved alleys and admire the old stone mansions that will appear before you. Make a stop at the Archaeological Museum of the city which was built by Italians. It’s one of the most beautiful museums you have ever seen. The Byzantine Castle, built by Andronicus Comnenus the 1st, awaits you above the scenic city. You can visit it and if you are lucky, you may meet a deer since the Castle has been a valuable refuge for deer for several years. Walking down the Castle you can visit the small Port of Myrina with its traditional color, the fishing boats and the taverns by the sea. Learn more about Myrina’s Castle
You can visit the oldest city in Europe, Poliochni, located opposite of Troy. Poliochni started as a small Neolithic village during the 4th millennium BC and it developed in a thriving city of Copper. Besides, the excavations that took place in the island at times have proved the existence of a Neolithic civilization in Poliochni. So, you can wander in the oldest city in Europe and see ancient pottery, huts, barns, aqueducts and parliaments of another era. Learn more about Poliochni
The Kavirian Sanctuary is located in the south-east side of the island, within 47km from Myrina. The Sanctuary is referred to the Tyrrhenian Stage and it was used then to conduct special events, the Kavirian Sacraments. After taking a tour in the Kavirian Sanctuary, you can visit the Cave of Filoktitis which is located right under it. According to mythology, this is the place where the Homeric hero was taken by his comrades, when he was bitten by a snake, hoping that it will cure him! Learn more about Kaviria
