LEMNOS

General Information

Traditional hamlets spread along the imposing volcanic landscape which towers over waters of crystal blue form a breathtaking landscape, while the hospitality of the local residents render will add in to make your vacations truly unforgettable. The acknowledged archaeological findings provide convincing evidence that this is the senior prehistoric hamlet of Europe and "institute" the island of Hephaistus as one the jewel of the northeastern Aegean Sea. From the capital city of the Myrina down to Moudros, the historical harbor, from the Kaminia, and further, from the Monument of Agios Sozon, the visitor encounters picturesque gulfs, traditional farms, hillsides, traditional villages with stone-built houses, alleys and crofts. Between the debris of Hephaistias and the sanctuary of Kaveires, the fossil forest in the placement of Sigri ads a final touch to the long list of the beauties and sights of Lemnos. Its population of about 20.000 residents lives in an area which extends over 475 sq.km.      

History-culture

This island has a long history and a rich cultural heritage. The legendary workshop of Hephaestus, the craftsman of the Olympian Pantheon, was in Lemnos, which was also the kingdom of Thoas, son of Dionysus. The island was first inhabited in the Prehistoric Ages. It soon flourished, and the most important city of that time was Poliochni. During the historical years Lemnos was called Dipolis (the two cities) after the two powerful towns of Myrina and Hephaestia. In 512 BC, the Persians conquered the island, which was liberated in 479 BC. From there on and until the 2nd century AD, Lemnos and Athens shared the same fate. However, during the late the Byzantine period (11th and 12th centuries AD), the island prospered financially due to its strategic position, while from 1204 to 1458 it was under Venetian and Genoese rule. In 1458 Turks conquered the island, and it was finally liberated in 1912. Lemnos was reunited with Greece in 1920.

Sights

The unique volcanic landscapes, the golden beaches, and the numerous monuments of great significance render Limnos as a unique destination. The long list of sights includes archaeological sites, traditional settlements, old houses, churches, caves, hot springs, and many more. In Myrina, visitors can see the famous Byzantine fortress, the Cathedral, the traditional houses with the old springs, and the churches of Aghia Paraskevi and the Assumption of the Virgin. The noted settlement of Poliochni, the most ancient Neolithic settlement in the Aegean Sea and Europe altogether, is situated in the area of Kaminia. The sites of ancient Hephaestia, ancient Kabeirion, and the cave of Philoktetes are all of major importance and can be found in Kontopouli. Hot springs exist in the villages of Plaka and Therma, while in Repanidi, one can see the great churches and the ruins of the Byzantine Castle. Last but not least, one of the most significant sights of the island lies in Moudros. This is the fossil forest (one of the two discovered in Greece, along with the one in Lesvos), where research has revealed fossil tree trunks, leaves and seeds, which radio-chronological tests have dated at 20-22 million years of age. Lemnos is a most exciting tourist destination, whatever the inclinations of the visitor.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

In addition to its natural beauty and numerous sights, Lemnos is also prominent in the fields of accommodation, entertainment, sports, and shopping. In Myrina, the capital town, there is a sufficient number of quality hotels, rooms-to-let, shopping centers, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, pubs and bars. Besides, accommodation, entertainment and shopping facilities can also be found in other areas of the island, such as Kaminia, Moudros, Kaspakas, Kontopouli etc. In the well-supplied market, visitors can also find wood-carved souvenirs, embroideries, local sweets, halvah, almonds, raisins, cheese and dried figs, while Lemnos is celebrated for its local honey, wine and ouzo. As far as sports are concerned, visitors can engage in water sports, while there is a football and a track field in Myrina. Most large hotel units provide tennis courts and water sports equipment.

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to Myrina throughout the year. There is also ferryboat service from Piraeus and Raphina to Lemnos all year round.

Connections

All year round there is plane connection with Athens, Thessaloniki and Mytilene. Ferries link Lemnos, Alexandroupolis, Samothrace, Chios, Samos, Psara, Aghios Efstratios, Icaria, Leipsoi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Chalki, Karpathos, Kasos, Crete, Anafi, Santorini, Folegandros, Milos.

Museums

There is an Archaeological Museum in Myrina.

Alternative Tourism

Water sports, ecotourism, archaeology.

Useful Telephone Numbers:

MYRINA AREA CODE:  22540-

POLICE STATION  : 22540-22201

TRAFFIC POLICE: 22540-25555

MUNICIPALITY: 22540-22543, 50000

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22540-22299

PHARMACIES: 22540-22573, 22445

BUS STATION: 22540-22464

HOSPITAL: 22540-82000

AIRPORT: 22540-31204