Lemnos (Limnos) island

Limnos (Lemnos) island is located in the Northern Aegean Sea and close to the island of Afios Efstratios, covering an area of 480 square km approximately and having a population of some 18,000 residents.
Being a volcanic island, Limnos is gifted with a particularly fertile soil and also with an enchanting diverse terrain composed by smooth hills, impressive rock formations, lagoons and hydrobiotopes, cultivated plains and meadows of wildflowers and herbs; natural peaceful coves and dentelated pristine beaches.
The unembellished natural beauty is complemented harmonically by picturesque villages, important archaeological sites and monuments that are scattered on the island revealing silently the long history of Limnos.

History:
Limnos is known as the island of Hephaestus (Hephaestos), the Olympian god of fire and metalworkers, wao according to Homer was landed on Limnos when her mother Hera threw him for the mountain Olympus unable to accept her son’s ugliness. Another version refers that he was thrown by his father Zeus and that fall, leaving him lame for ever. The Sintians, settlers of Limnos took care of the god, who rewarded them by initiating them to the art of metallurgy, for which they became famed.

Historically speaking, several tribes are referred to have settled Limnos; among them the Pelargians, the Carians and the Minyans.
Due to its strategic position and it natural sources, Limnos soon it became target of potential invaders and around the 5th century BC it was dominated by the Athenians, followed by the Persians, the Spartans and the Macedonians.
In 166 BC the Romans took over the island until it was integrated in the Byzantine Empire, while in 1207 it came under Venetian rule and in 1479 it was occupied by the Ottomans. Throughout these centuries the island had developed a respectable naval force and Limnians participated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The island was liberated in 1912.

Myrina is the island’s capital and also its port. Stretched along two coves and surrounded by a volcanic landscape, the capital is composed by the neoclassical and traditional houses of interesting architecture, idyllic cobbled streets, cosy shops of any kind and sophisticated bars.
The imposing 12th century Fortress that crowns the top of a steep volcanic hill, the prehistoric settlement of the ancient city of Myrina, the remnants of the Temple of Artemis and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, are important features of the rich cultural heritage of the capital.

Moudros is a costal town and also the second port of Limnos, situated 25 km approximately east to the capital. Built around the homonymous gulf, this peaceful village is known for its historical importance since its safe gulf was served as a base for the Greek, the allied and the German fleet during the Balkans War, and the two World Wars correspondingly.
Worth-seeing is also the Petrified Forest and the ruins of the ancient settlement at the site of Koukonissi.

The small yet scenic coastal resort of Plati is located some 3 km south to the capital. Embraced by a beautiful landscape, the village consists of charming tiled-roof houses, a quaint small harbour and a splendid sandy beach that is well-organized and quite popular.

Kaminia, is a peaceful agricultural village located in a fertile and flat plain, just some 32 km east to the capital. Having remained simple and intact by the tourism, Kaminia offers a good chance for those who wish to see how daily life runs in Limnos. The village has become known for its proximity with the archaeological site of Poliohni (Poliochni) that is considered as the most ancient city in Europe that had an organized social structure. Situated on a hillock, the walled city was inhabited in the 5th millennium BC and its edifices were built in several and distinctive architectural phases. Rounded Huts, public buildings, paved roads, wells, the Vouleutirio (a kind of parliament), various objects and jewels are some of the finds excavations have brought to light.

Other important archaeological sites are the ruins of the ancient city of Hephaestia (near to Kontopouli village) in which remnants of the city’s walls and of a theatre can be seen and the Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi (or Kabireion), a cult centre in which the Kavirian Mysteries were held.

Beaches:
Limnos boasts some of the best and pristine beaches of the Aegean. Pebbled or sandy, found in remote coves or near the coastal villages, the island’s beaches rarely do they become crowded, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy moments of relation or your favourite sea sports undisturbedly.

The long, sandy beach of Romaikos Gialos (Yialos) and the beach of Riha Nera that is family-friendly due to its shallow waters are both organised, popular and near the capital.

The beach of Plati (Platy) with smooth sand and splendid waters is equally popular and ideal for beach and water sports, while the nearby sandy beach of Thanous (Thanos) surrounded by volcanic rocks and with turquoise clear waters is quite impressive.

The long-stretched beach of Agios Ioannis, with smooth sand and crystalline waters, the peaceful sandy Avlonas beach and the beach of Makris Gialos (Yialos), an endless sandy and remote beach are ideal for those who seek privacy and tranquillity.

Access:
Limnos is reachable by sea via scheduled trips with ferries with the ports of Piraeus and of Lavrio. It is also linked with the islands of Samos, Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Rhodes, Kos and also with the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupoli (Evros Prefecture). Limnos has its own airport linked via frequent flights with the Athens International Airport. There are also scheduled flights from and to the airports of Thessaloniki and Lesvos.


Olympic Airlines (Athens): 210/9292111, 9666666
Olympic Airlines (Limnos): 26610/386994/6
Patras Port Authority: 2610/341002
Limnos Port Authority: 26610/32655
Igoumenitsa Port Authority: 26650/22235
Bus Terminal (Athens): 210 5124910-1, 5132601
Bus Terminal (Limnos, urban transport): 26610/32158
Bus Terminal (Limnos, inter-island transport): 26610/39862/31595
Bus Terminal Salonica: 2310/536260