Lemnos Greece, also known as Limnos lies between the islands of Lesvos and Samothraki. It is deemed a magical place with superb beaches, numerous archaeological sites and an outstanding unspoiled landscape. Lemnos feels traditional and you can even see the flamingos living in the lakes on the Northern part.
Lemnos is a volcanic island and is a very green and lush island. The fertile soil is great for growing olives, fruit and wheat, breed animals and make honey from the many flowers that cover the island. This wholesome island is self sufficient and still holds old traditions in hospitality and old customs.
Things to do
Lemnos’ capital is Myrina which towers the kastro. It was probably an acropolis in antiquity but it dates back to the Venetians. There is also an interesting archaeological museum to visit in Myrina, with findings from around the island.
There is many sites to see if you’re into history. Poliochni is an ancient settlement that has been excavated on the island and The Church of Live-giving source is important, as there is a statue of a young girl called Maroula. Heading north-east from here is the village of Kondopouli where the two ancient settlements of Hephaestea and Kavirio can be seen.
But if these sites seem a bit dry, you can always hit the beaches of Lemnos and play tennis, golf or indulge in their range of exciting watersports. The beaches have secluded parts as well as the more popular ones including Fanaraki, Riha Nera or Kaminia.
Shopping
Most of the shops of Lemnos are gathered in its capital, Myrina and more precisely on the main road of Kyda which is a paved street lined with stores selling clothes, shoes and local products such as cheese, honey, wine, ouzo and sweets. You can also find textiles and jewelry if it’s more your taste.
Folk art shops are popular and they sell a great variety of fine woven fabrics, ceramics, wood-carved objects with beautiful designs and vivid colours, embroideries, silk and fine potteries.
Nightlife
The Nightlife in Lemnos is not wild but still quite good. There are several bars and clubs to enjoy in Myrina. In the last few years, Lemnos has opened up to tourism and has developed a quite lively and busy life which is mainly concentrated around the capital. Bars and night clubs are serving a variety of drinks, with various kinds of music and are open until dawn. There are Greek music clubs as well if you want to do as the Romans do!
Now and then there are festivals, particularly when they are celebrating in honour of the island’s patron saints which is incidentally a great knees up! There are usually posters dotted around advertising disco theme nights, and theatrical and cultural events that take place during the summer months. Be rest assured, there is plenty to entertain you on this island.
Eating out
Lemnos has an extremely high standard of seafood tavernas to try out. The freshly cooked fish is phenomenal. Lemnos’ location at the mouth of the Dardanelles puts it in the path of many migratory fish which get snapped up by local boats and served beautifully.
The capital also offers a good helping of cheap and cheerful souvlaki and gyros joints. To get a real flavor of Lemnos, sample some of the local produce including the island’s excellent cheeses, halva (a kind of sweet) and wines.
This cluster of good fish tavernas on the island offer a real treat. O Platanos draws the crowds of locals and visitors due to their reasonable prices and of course, great food. Whether your fish dish is straight from the sea, tank or cooking pan, the quality will be higher than anywhere else.