Lemnos:
An Ideal Destination for Alternative Tourism

Situated in the heart of the north-eastern Aegean, Lemnos is an island of unique natural beauty with a long history. It is the mythological home of Hephaestus and was an important site of sacred mysteries in antiquity, which explains the special energy of the island. Advanced cities were established and flourished here, as the island’s important archaeological sites show.

Lemnos is distinguished by its volcanic landscapes and endless golden beaches with magical sunsets. Its distinctive interior, with gentle hills, traditional stone villages, vast plains with vineyards, and impressive wetlands, is a paradise of alternative tourism.

Another reason to discover Lemnos is its rich tradition of wine, in combination with its fine gastronomy, especially fish and seafood. It is an ideal destination for groups of friends, families and couples who want to enjoy a quiet and relaxing vacation with simple pleasures in an environment that is in harmony with nature.

1. A visit to the Allied cemeteries of World War I in Moudros and Portianos, two evocative locations of global renown. Their presence marks the contribution of Lemnos to the historic Gallipoli campaign of 1915, when it was a naval base for the Allies.
2. Discovering the natural wonders of the island on its hiking trails. By following the route from Diapori to Fakos and Agia Efthimia, via Diapori Bay and Moudros Bay, you will come to a petrified forest with 20-million-year-old trees.
3. An afternoon stroll along the Romeikos Yialos esplanade, with its imposing neoclassical mansions built by islanders who had made their fortune in Egyptian cotton.
4. A trip to the neighbouring island of Ai Strati, a place of unspoiled natural beauty with a long history.
5. Going out into the Lemnos countryside to see the famous “mandres”, the traditional stone farm buildings that are scattered throughout the island. These exceptional monuments of popular culture have great aesthetic and ecological value.

The long coastline of Lemnos offers a wide variety of beaches, from popular spots with every amenity to quiet and secluded coves. They offer large expanses of sand and crystal-clear waters. Discover:

• The popular Nevgati (or Zemata), with its long stretch of sand, is a paradise for water sports and beach games during the day, and then for all-night parties.
• The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Platy (near Myrina) with its lively beach bars.
• The enchanting setting of soft white sand and blue-green sea at ​​the busy Thanos Beach.
• The exotic Parthenomytos, an idyll of coarse sand and turquoise waters for lovers of seclusion and exploration.
• Laid-back Keros, a piece of the Caribbean transplanted to the Aegean, whose winds make it an international destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Myrina Castle
Built on a rocky peninsula in the 12^th century, this is the largest fortress in the Aegean. Its views of the sea are unparalleled, while the hundred or so small fallow deer that live freely inside its walls are friendly to strangers.

Poliochne
If you choose one of the itineraries to Lemnos, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the prehistoric settlement of Poliochne (4^th-3^rd millennium BC), located opposite Troy, which was one of the most important urban societies of the ancient world. Excavations have revealed that seven cities stood here between 4000 and 1500 BC. The bouleuterion (assembly house) is notable for being the oldest in the world and shows that a democratic system of government existed outside Athens.

Pachies Ammoudies
Known as the “Sahara of Lemnos”, these golden sand dunes in the north of the island are a spectacular sight. Covering an area of ​​7 hectares between the village of Katalakos and Gomati Beach, this expanse of reddish sand resembles an exotic African landscape. The phenomenon is caused by the erosion of sandstone, which is deposited on the ground by the wind and the rain. The location is only accessible on foot.

The Chapel of the Virgin Mary Kakaviotissa
Built in a cave at the top of Mount Kakavos, this remarkable chapel has been a dependency of Mount Athos since 1305. It is the only roofless church in the world and offers stunning views of the sea.

Hephaestia
The second most powerful city of ancient Lemnos, with its advanced culture, lasted from the archaic era to the Middle Ages (1000 BC - 1200 AD). Excavations have revealed impressive buildings, great works of art, palaces, baths, necropolises, and a beautifully restored Hellenistic/Roman theatre.

Philoctetes’ Cave
One of the most striking natural sights of Lemnos, the sea cave of Philoctetes – where the mythical Homeric hero is said to have lived – is located below the archaeological site of the sanctuary of the Cabeiri. The cave can only be reached by climbing down a rock and swimming into it, but it is well worth the effort.

Kontias
Built in the 13th century on a pine-covered hill, Kontias is one of the best-preserved villages on Lemnos, with outstanding stone architecture and a strong sense of tradition. The old captains’ mansions of the 19^th and 20^th century and the picturesque windmills create an enchanting setting.

Faraklo Geological Park
Made of solidified lava and sculpted by the sea and time, the enormous rocks around Cape Faraklo are extraordinary geological sculptures that have to be seen to be believed.

The Sanctuary of the Cabeiri
Built on Cape Chloe opposite Hephaestia, this important place of worship was dedicated to the famous “Cabeiria Mysteries”, religious ceremonies associated with the rebirth of nature that were held in honour of ancient deities called the Cabeiri.

The Alyki Wetland
The island’s most important wetland – and the largest in the Aegean – is formed by the salt lakes of Alyki, Hortarolimni and Asprolimni, creating a lagoon landscape of incomparable beauty. It is an ecosystem of great ecological value as it hosts over 250 species of birds. They include the gorgeous pink flamingos that appear there at the start of every winter.

Lemnos is an island with a great gastronomic tradition and high-quality local produce. Unique varieties of vines have been cultivated in its volcanic earth since ancient times, and it produces excellent wines such as the red Limnio and the white Muscat of Alexandria. Try the famous local cheeses such as feta, kalathaki, melichloro and kaskavali, the fragrant thyme honey, the wheat paximadia (rusks of twice-baked bread), and the fava (split pea mash).

The island is famous for its handmade pasta, such as flomaria or aftoudia, served with braised rooster and petimezi (grape syrup) respectively. Its pies, including klikia (the local cheese pie) and a pastryless courgette pie are equally renowned. Also make sure you try kaspakino (roast lamb with rice).

Lemnos is a paradise for lovers of fish and seafood. Here you can enjoy the most delicious lobster in the Aegean. If you want something sweet, the most famous treats on Lemnos are the venizelika (small chocolates made with almonds), samsades (filo parcels filled with walnuts and drenched in syrup), and feloudia (slices of baked pumpkin with cinnamon and raisins.

Explore the island and discover the flavoursome local food for yourself, choosing one of the ferry tickets to Lemnos.