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Limnos, which is the eighth largest Greek island and the fourth as regards the longest beaches, is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, away from the other Greek islands and close to Turkey.

Because of its volcanic activity which dates back to ancient times it is considered as the island of Hephaestus, the god of fire. According to mythology, Zeus, in a dispute with Hera, threw his son Hephaestus out of Olympus to Limnos. He made his workshop there and the islanders became apprentices to him.

Limnos is ideal for a relaxing vacation although there are no forests; there are plains with vines and cereals, magnificent clean beaches and beautiful villages.

The region of Myrina

Myrina which is the main town and port of the island has been inhabited since before the Bronze Age as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. The Byzantine fortress of the town has an area of ​​144 acres and it has been the strongest guard on the island in all ages. The whole town, with its picturesque streets, the houses of Romaikos Yialos, the market and the greenery, has an authentic and traditional style. Some of the interesting sites are the Venetian fortress, the Archaeological Museum, the prehistoric city, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Church Museum. The view from the fortress is magnificent and dozens of Dama dama deer move freely in the region.

Romaikos Yialos and Rechah Nera are the two nearest beaches to which you can walk. Avlonas beach is close to Myrina, along the road to Kaspaka. You can also go to the thermal springs in the region of Therma near Myrina. Plati is a suburb of the main town and it offers a beautiful beach and many hotels and rooms to rent.

Further north you can visit Kaspaka which is a small traditional village built on the slopes of Mount Agios Athanasios. There is a beautiful beach near the steep cliffs below the village. Plati and Thanos, two villages with beautiful beaches, are located south of Myrina.

East Limnos

The east part of Limnos has impressive archaeological sites and biotopes of rare beauty as well as beautiful beaches. Moudros bay has a strategic military significance, as it is a base of the Greek navy and it played an important role in the liberation of the North Aegean islands during the period 1912-1913.

You can see Evangelistria, the famous church of the village built in 1903 and southward there are extremely clean sandy beaches with beautiful rocks, namely Fanaraki and Havouli. Hortarolimni, a lake inhabited by many birds is located east of Moudros whereas further south you can find the archaeological site Poliochni, which is one of the best-preserved fortified prehistoric settlements in Greece and among the most important ones in the entire Aegean Sea. Ifesthia, the main town of Limnos in the classical era, is situated there too. The excavations have uncovered ruins of the acropolis and of a cemetery. A part of the Greek- Roman theatre and the foundations of houses from late antiquity have been found too.

Slightly to the north and west, between the villages of Panagia and Kondopouli, you will find the beautiful beach Nefthina with fine sand and clear waters and the large Keros beach covered with dunes, which is on the east coast of the island.

North Limnos

The northern part of the island includes villages situated in a valley, impressive cliffs and picturesque coves.

The village of Katalakos is located west of Atsiki as well as the remarkable Gomati beach with impressive dunes. There is a beach bar, sun beds and umbrellas there. Wood agates which prove the volcanic nature of the island can be seen there too. Northwest of Atsiki you can find the organized Kotsinas beach which is located in a picturesque cove. There are traces of an ancient fortress there too.

South Limnos

The centre of south Limnos is Kondias which impresses with its picturesque houses and narrow streets. Two restored windmills and beautiful stone houses, homes of the old ship owners, will welcome you to the village. To the south of it, you can swim on the beautiful Evgatis beach where there is a beach bar and if you go to the east, you will find the Diapori cove and an inlet which leads to Fakos Peninsula. There is a reserve with many birds in the region and the village of Portillo with its stone houses and rich ethnographic museum, is worth visiting too.

The small island of Agios Efstratios or Ai Stratis (known as a place of exile for detainees for political and criminal offences) is located south of Limnos. It is uniquely beautiful, it is included in Natura 2000 and has beautiful beaches and forests. The only settlement on the island is in its north-western part and the Church of Christ on the square, Maraslio school, the Church of Saint Mina, the sea caves which you can visit by boat are some of its sites. There are ships to Limnos on weekdays.

Tasty dishes from Limnos