What to See

Beaches

Limnos has beaches to suit everyone’s taste – sandy, rocky, untouched and organised – just take your pick!

Agia Triada, also known as Kokkinovrachos due to its large red rocks.
Parthenomytos, a quite beach that requires some walking to get to.
Megalo Fanaraki, a popular beach with many amenities on the east side of the island.
Mikro Fanaraki, where the impressive Seal Cave is.
Zematas, a beach with wonderful thin white sand and crystal water.
Neftina, a unique beach with dunes and turquoise water.
Keros, a beach for the younger crowd, where the windsurfing is a popular activity.
Gomati, known for its golden sand.
Kokkinia, hard to reach but worthwhile.
Ai Gianni Kaspaka, a popular beach on the west side of the island.
Pigadeli, a wonderful bay with crystal water.

Archaeological & Historical Sites

Byzantine Castle

Perched overlooking Myrina to the east and the Aegean to the west, this Medieval castle has become one of the leading symbols of Limnos. With a long history tracing back to 1186 AD, the construction of the castle has been incremental, with the main structure being completed by the Venetians in the 13th century after conquering the island. The castle later became a fortification used by the Ottomans and was damaged by a Russian fleet in 1770 during their invasion of the island. Today, you can enjoy a pleasant 20 minute walk from Limnos Experience up to the castle and enjoy exploring this historic treasure – keep an eye out for the many deer which now call the castle home!

Hephaestia

The ancient “Hephaestia” near Kontopouli is the oldest and most ancient city of Limnos. The city has the name of the God Hephaestus. It is located 29km from Myrina, 50mins by car.

Artemis Temple

Artemis temple came into light during the excavations for the building of the Porto Palace hotel in Myrina. Archaeologists found several bull statues which testify the worship of the god Artemis. You can visit anytime and access is through the Porto Palace Hotel.

Poliochni

Ancient Poliochni is one of the oldest excavated settlements of Europe, with signs of social and urban development. It has been the location of various settlements, with the oldest built about 4,000 BC. It is a 30-40min ride from Myrina.

Churches

Agios Demetrios

The church is at Sardes, 12 km from Myrina. It is a beautiful farmers’ village with a classic mountainous climate- it snows a lot in winter time. Its name probably comes from medieval village Ardes. Sardes is one of the oldest villages of Limnos, with many stone built houses, typical examples of the island’s architecture.

Chapel of Agios Giannis (St John)

The little chapel of Ai Giannis is built on a rock that looks like a stone boat. From the chapel and towards Myrina, lies a beautiful quiet beach with pebbles whereas a little to the north, after the old port, there is a peaceful sandy beach with a cosy place for coffee and ouzo”meze”. If you walk up the mountain at this point, you will get to Katsaitis waterfalls at Kaspakas, with the old water mill.

Church of Agios Nikolas

The church of Agios Nikolaos in Myrina is located on a hill and overlooks the whole town and the port. It is impressive in size and has strange architecture.

Panagia Kakaviotissa

Panaghia Kakaviotissa in Kakkavo of Thanos is built on top of the hill in a cave only 8 km from Myrina.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

Established in 1963, the museum is hosted in a three-story Neoclassical mansion located in Romeikos Gialos in Myrina. It houses exhibits from excavations of the Italian Archaeological School in the ancient sites of Poliochni, Kavirio, Hephaestia and other locations in Limnos. Tel. 0030 2254 022990.

Folk Art Museum

The museum of Folk art operates at Portianou village and was founded by the people of Portianou, who live in or out of the island. The building itself is very interesting, as it is a typical example of the settlement’s folk architecture. Here one finds traditional costumes, tools like looms, reels or wraps as well as various knitting tools. You can also see a traditional living room, the bed with the handmade wedding clothing and lace, as well as a kitchen with a traditional fireplace. Outside agricultural tools used for various field works are exhibited. Admission is free from 15th of July to 15th of September every day from 10:00-13.00 & 18:00-21:00. The rest of the year you can arrange visits after phone. Tel. 0030 22540 51785. It is 15 km away from Myrina, 20 min by car.

Museum of Nautical Tradition and Sponge Diving

In the Museum of Nautical Tradition and Sponge-Diving of Nea Koytali you will see boats, equipment, photos and various objects, that are associated with the nautical tradition of the area, especially the sponge-divers. It is located 17 Km from Myrina, approx.. 20 min by car.

Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 10.00-14.00

Tuesday: closed
Tel: 22540 92383

Villages

Agios Charalambos

Agios Charalambos definitely worth a visit especially on the celebration on August 22nd . It is situated in the village of Plaka, at the edge of Limnos, opposite Imvros and it is 40 km away from Myrina, 50 min by car. Plaka is a paradise on earth for those who seek peaceful vacations. The few residents are mainly occupied with fishing and live stocking. In the summertime though, the village is more vivid as Lemnians from all over the world return to their hometown.

Kontias

Kontias is one of the biggest villages of the island. It has beautiful cobblestone streets and stone mansions constructed by shipowners in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Wetlands – Bird watching

Limnos wetlands occupy 2% of its land and the 3 most important shallow lakes are Hortarolimni, Aliki salt lake and Asprolimni. Besides being a rare salt lake, Aliki is considered one of the biggest natural salt lakes in Europe. The wetland attracts bird watchers from all over the world. Important wetlands are scattered on the island hosting significant populations of birds: in the Gulf of Moudros, the airport area, Old Pedino and New Koutali. So grab your binoculars and telescopes and set off to watch the unique flamingos’ and herons’ habits and features. The lakes are located in the eastern side of the island, no more than 1 hour by car.

The Environmental Information Centre which is located in the old primary school of the village of Kalliopi, is an important information source for the entirety of the island’s natural world. Contact the staff before visiting:

Tel/Fax: 22540 41330
Email: nature@otenet.gr

Sand Dunes & Faraklo

Sand dunes

This geological phenomenon, the huge sandy hills, is quite common in Limnos. Impressive formations have been created, especially in Gomati where the visitor feels lost in a completely different place and time, as if in an African dessert. If you like photography and adventure, you will be amazed by the sand dunes and the desert-like plants. The beach of Gomati is located 19 km from Myrina, approximately 35 min by car.

Faraklo

A place of unique natural beauty, full of volcanic formations that develop in different shapes. The colour of the stone and the warmth of the almost velvet like formations under the traveller’s bare feet can be breath taking. The picture is perfectly completed by the glow the salt gives on the stones along with the green and blue waves bursting on the rocks. The sight is visited by university professors, tourists and photographers every year, who remain astonished before this rare geological phenomenon. It is located 25 km from Myrina, approximately 35 min by car.