ISLAND

Limnos: The island of Hephaestus

"Limnos geon poli filtati apason” (Limnos the most beloved of all the lands)
This poetic phrase puts Homer on the lips of the god Hephaestus to show gratitude and satisfaction ,persecuted from Olympus, that found hospitality and support from the locals. In this place he set up his underground laboratory and connected his name with Limnos.
At the heart of the northern Aegean there is this beautiful island. Golden beaches, crystal clear waters, volcanic landscape and significant archeological sites compose the character of Limnos. People hospitable and friendly, still deal with traditional occupations of the island, producing tasty cheese, wine and honey ,products about which Limnos is known since antiquity. The island is ideal for quiet vacations and challenges the  history lovers (and not only) to explore aspects of the past  that lie in the depths of centuries.

Island tour

Myrina: The capital and port of the island has about 5000 inhabitants  and impresses the visitor with a special architecture, mix of old and modern buildings. It is worth visiting the Byzantine castle with its long history, the cathedral of Agia Triada with ornate marble bell towers and the local  museums which will inform you about the long history of the place. Myrina collects all tourist traffic of the island. Here you'll dine in taverns and restaurants, enjoy your coffee in quaint cafes and entertain yourself at the night clubs of the area.

Kontias: It is 11 km from Myrina and is one of the largest villages of the island. A before medieval settlement ibuilt in a dream location, surrounded by three pine trees. The stone windmills and cobbled streets of the town compose a beautiful landscape that takes the visitor back in time. You can visit the old church of Agios Demetrios and Agios Ioannis, that works as a museum with  valuable Byzantine icons. Taverns are available. It is worth trying and the local ouzo!

Kontopouli: Stone stars in this beautiful village. Built on a fertile plain where cereals are grown ,charms the traveler with its stone houses and tranquil scenery created by two ponds, Aliki and Chortarolimni. Kondopouli has a strong historical interest since here you will find two ancient towns of the island, Ifestia and Kaviros . At Ifestia  you will see the Greek-Roman resort and foundations of ancient houses. In Kaviiros  you will see the ancient shrine in the sections of which is saved an arcade, a palace and a Telesterium from the Hellenistic period. In Kontopouli you will find at your disposal   several restaurants and bars.

Finally it is worth visiting Poliochni, one of the earliest Neolithic settlements of the Aegean at the village Kaminia and the churches of Agios Andreas and Kimisi tis Theotokou. at  Kormos. In Repanidi  you will admire the churches of Agios Georgios and Agios Athanasios and the remains of the Byzantine castle in the historic area of Kotsana.

Many, but many beaches!

The options are numerous, you just feel like! Half of the beaches are sandy and half pebbly or with algae. Let's start with the most popular beach on the island, Richa Nera, where you will find a beach bar and water sports facilities. Myrina, Romaikos Gialos and Yialos tou Limaniou will charm you with their crystal clear waters. Avlonas is the first bay after Richa Nera and is a beautiful sandy beach ideal for those who want to avoid  the crowd of Myrina. Beautiful beach is Evgatis, one kilometer from the village Kontias, fully organized, with blue waters. South of Plati is the beach Thanos, one of the best on the island with volcanic rocks and turquoise waters. Fanaraki (in Moudros), Keros (in Calliope), Chavouli (in Moudros), Neftina ( in Kaviros) are few more beaches with unique beauty each one.

Events

Numerous events and theatrical performances are organized by the People's Cultural Stage of Civilizing Athletic Association  of Limnos at Myrina during the summer. At Kontopouli are organized events with dancing and celebrations of local groups. In August and you will also attend sporting events. Big festival is organized in April in celebration of St. George, and on 15 and August 23 in Kaminia.

Useful information

How to get there
By plane of the Olympic  from Spata at an hour.
By ferry from Piraeus to 18-19 hours.
By ferry  from Thessaloniki.
By ferry  from Rafina.

Internal transport
Traveling into the island can be made by bus
You can also rent a car, motorbike, or bicycle. You will also find taxis.

Links with surrounding areas
By air Limnos is linked to Thessaloniki ,Mytilini  and Athens
By boat is linked to Mytilini ,Chios, Psara, Rhodes, Samos, Kos, Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Agios Efstratios.

Useful phones

Municipality of Myrina: 22540-22208
Hospital-Health Center: 22540-23333
Police: 22540-22200
Port: 22540-22225
Airport: 22540-31204
Taxi Station: 22540-23033
Municipal Information Office: 22540-22208

Επιμέλεια: Μάγδα Λαμπροπούλου