In Lemnos food and wine keep the visitor “captive” of a taste that he does not want to be separated from. Local dishes, such as the Lemnian Basket, the Lemnian wine, thyme honey, trachanas, rusks and spoon sweets, represent the traditional gastronomy of the island, an excellent combination of ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

Starting a delicious trip from Myrina, the capital of the island, the visitor can choose the picturesque taverns by the sea or the cobblestone streets to enjoy unbelievable varieties of unique dishes with local meat, fresh fish, octopus on grill and shellfish, but also delicious appetizers along with local wine and tsipouro. Continuing the exploration of the villages and beaches of the island, traditional roast cuisine with noodles-flomari and wild-cured stew will remain unforgettable in Sardes. In Plaka, next to the chapel of Agios Charalambos, ouzo with appetizers, in Diapori, Plati, Kotsina, varieties and rich portions with unique pasta, cheeses and meats, served in the labels. And for a dessert after eating, the visitor must not lose the chance to taste the unique local sweet chocolate and nuts, the “Venizelika”. As for the night entertainment, small bars, clubs with Greek and foreign music, located in Myrina and the villages, they keep guests awake until morning comes.

Leaving the island, besides his memories, the visitor should not forget to take with him a bottle of white or red wine, cheese “kalathaki”, melichloro or kaskavali, flomaria, rusks and thyme honey.

Scattered the villages of Lemnos around Myrina and Moudros, are in perfect harmony with their natural environment. Decorated with imposing stone mansions, paved alleys, well-kept gardens and old, small churches, guests are invited to visit them to enjoy their historical features and modern comforts. Among them stand out:

The village of Romanos, one of the most impressive on the island, captivates the visitor with the stone “Egyptian” houses, the 19th century mansions, built by wealthy Lemnians who had migrated to Egypt. Walking in its narrow streets, sights such as the 1830s Temple of Generation with its invaluable hagiographies, old schools, well-preserved clay jars in the earth for grain, oil and wine, give a unique character to the village that surprises the passersby with the windmills on the surrounding hills, the Byzantine ruins and the church of Saint Fotida. And of course, anyone visiting Romanos does not leave before the sunset, since it’s the most beautiful on the island.

Plaka, with its breathtaking view to Imbros, is located at the north end of the island and dates from the mid-19th century. The stone-built traditional architecture seals the village’s image, which gives off a lively feeling with the intense movement in the shops and the taverns with the delicious food. Some of the village’s sights are the lighthouse of Plaka, the spring Agiasma with the miraculous water in the area “Roussounia” and the ruins of settlements of antiquity and the middle Ages. Towards the old harbor, the visitor finds the medieval fortress Palaiokastro; and close to the beach there are the ruins of a submerged Homeric city.

The village Sardes, known for its delicious thyme honey, is considered to be one of the oldest in Lemnos, as there are sources that refer to its existence since 1284, when it was named Ardei. At its highest point, visitor can find the church of Agios Dimitrios with the special architecture and the two bell towers, built in 1852. There is no better way to end the trip in the village that gives off a sweet thyme fragrance than a stop at the central square, a treat in the old local café along with some food in the little tavern.

Fisini stands out with the traditional houses, the mulberry trees and the old church of Prodromos with the tall bell tower. Near the village, the patron saint of Lemnos, Saint Sozontas, receives a crowd of people for pilgrimage. Crossing the village, a dirt road leads to Saint Marnos, one of the most beautiful but inaccessible beaches of the island.

Atsiki was built in the center of the island on a small hill overlooking the golden plain. From the richer and bigger villages of Lemnos, it is a place of attraction for tourists, as it offers accommodation, taverns, bars, cafes and restaurants, shops, stores with traditional sweets and local refreshments, medical office and post office. In Atsiki there is the impressive church of Saint George with the tallest bell tower of the island which was built in 1868. Very close to the village, there is a unique beach with red rocks and prehistoric ruins.

The village of Varos, located in the center of Lemnos, is built on the crater of the ancient volcano Moschylos. Traditional architecture prevails in most of the village’s houses, however old cafes, ouzeries, taverns and beautiful modern cafes add a contemporary touch to the scenery.

The unique natural landscapes with their particular geological features classify Lemnos as one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean. The existence of the ancient volcano Moschylos played an important part in it, which although inactive, it is the reason for the creation of the rocks with the stunning colors and the impressive shapes, which are in sharp contrast to the large plains, overlooking the vineyards. Each side of the island has some natural splendor. Crystal water sources, waterfalls, lakes and small deserts of thick sand offer unique opportunities for hiking and excursions to the Lemnian nature.

Kaspaka Falls

Near Myrina and a stone’s throw from the beach of Saint John, the Kaspaka Falls have a height of 15 meters, making the rushing waters to create ponds in the rocks.

Ammothines

The impressive “Sahara of Lemnos” is a long, sandy area that reminds of a desert and is located in the northern part of the island near Gomati beach. Ammothines are a rare phenomenon for an island. Scattered in the sand we see shrubs and lilies, while the scenery reveals perimetrically, oleanders and olives.

Petrified Forest

This forest is 22 million years old, with many sections discovered in various parts of the island, but mainly in the villages of Romanos, Portiano and Varos. It is considered a geological treasure for the island since it was created by lava after a volcanic eruption.

Faraklo

Following the dirt road after the village of Propouli, next to the beaches of Trygi, a rocky landscape of incomparable beauty opens. The rocks with reddish and golden-yellow hues that touch the sea have a spherical shape and they are said to have been created from the lava of the volcano that froze when it came in contact with water.

Therma

The curative springs of Lemnos with the warm waters that spurt from a depth of 1200 meters since the ancient times, are known for their healing properties. They are located near the village of Kornos and their facilities serve a number of visitors of all ages who go to get relief from various diseases.

Wetland of the three lakes

On the east side of Lemnos there is a wetland of great scientific significance, consisting of three lakes, Aliki, Chortarolimni and Asprolimni. There, birds such as alcinones, herons and pink flamingos, rest before they continue their migratory journey.

Archaeological sites

In the north-east side of the island, near the village of Kontopouli, is the archaeological site of Hephaestia (goo.gl/Geq97i). It was named after the Olympian god of fire, Hephaestus, who, according to mythology, taught the art of ironwork to the inhabitants of Lemnos in his workshop located around the area. Hephaestia was founded by the Pelasgians, on the peninsula of Paleopolis, at Pournia Bay, making it the most important port and the largest city-state of Lemnos for 22 centuries (1000 BC – 1200 AD). The natural disaster of the harbor was the most basic reason for its decline. The ancient city came to light after an excavation carried out by an Italian archaeologist, which lasted 10 years (1926 – 1936). Residences, baths, cemeteries, wells, a large palace, gold objects, weapons, pots and figurines were found in the area, showing the importance of ancient Hephaestia. But the most important discovery was the theater of Hephaestia, built in the Hellenistic period, next to the hill that was the sanctuary dedicated to the Great Goddess Lemnos. Since 2010, performances and cultural events have been going on in the ancient theater for the public.

The Kavirio or the Kavirian Sanctuary

Close to the site of ancient Hephaestia, there is the sanctuary where, in antiquity, the Kavirian Mysteries were performed to honor the Kavirians, who were deities of the fertility and rebirth of nature, descendants of god Hephaestus. The most important religious celebration in the sanctuary was the celebration of Porphyria, where the discovery of fire, which is said to have taken place in Limnos, was revived. On the ruins of the sanctuary there are two plateaus, the northern plateau from the Hellenistic period, which was destroyed by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and the southern plateau from late Roman times. From excavations in Kavirio, artifacts such as ceramics, lamps and sculptures have been found.

The cave of Filoktitis

Below Kavirio, on the steep coast, following a rough and narrow path, there is the Cave of Filoktitis. It is a cave where, according to mythology, the king of the Thessalians, Filoktitis, found shelter for ten whole years, when the Achaeans abandoned him with horrific pains caused by a poisonous snake’s bite, to continue their war journey to Troy.

The ancient Poliochni

Located opposite of Troy, yet older than it, on the eastern coast of Lemnos, there is the archaeological site of Poliochni. It highlights an important settlement of the Aegean civilization with great blossom in the 3rd millennium BC. Based on the civil and social organization of the settlement, Poliochni is ranked as the oldest urban center of Europe. From the excavations there are many important finds; such as the Bouleuterion, the palace, the treasure of gold jewelry and numerous vases.

 The castle of Myrina

Built by the Byzantines in the 12th century BC, at the site of the ancient Acropolis of Myrina, it is the largest fortress in the Aegean Sea and one of the best preserved throughout Greece. Crown of Myrina, the fort of Limnos, stands proud with its triple wall, its towers and its besieging machines in the battlements, gazing at the beautiful city and its picturesque harbor. Permanent inhabitants of the castle, the deer from Rhodes!

Prehistoric Myrina

The archaeological site of prehistoric Myrina, which flourished 4000 years BC in the northern part of the modern capital of the island, extends to the Romeikos Gyalos, where it was the prehistoric port of the city. After excavations, nine buildings came to light with rectangular rooms, warehouses and galleries, as well as a ceramics workshop. The finds from the excavations are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos.

The temple of Artemis

It is a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis, who was a protector of Myrina. It dates back to the archaic period and remained active for eight centuries, until the Hellenistic. It is located just outside the city and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Limnos.

Archaeological Museum of Lemnos

Close to the Castle of Myrina, a stone’s throw from the harbor and next to the archaeological site of prehistoric Myrina, we find the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos (goo.gl/XtGTFF) which is housed in a historic building of the 19th century. The great exhibits include collections of finds from the excavations in Myrina, Poliochni, Hephaestia and Kavirio. Sculptures, figurines, inscriptions, ceramic vases, metal objects, coins, tools and utensils of everyday use, jewels, gifts and devotions are displayed on the two floors of the building according to the history timelie of Lemnos throughout the centuries.

Folklore Museum of Lemnos

In a traditionally architectured house from previous centuries, in the village of Portiano, the Folklore Museum of Lemnos (http://www.laografiko-limnos.gr/) is housed with over 300 exhibits of high folklore value. In the two-storey building, the visitor can see the old traditional costumes, loom, embroidery, lace, bridal clothes and ornaments of another era. Wood-carved furniture by old craftsmen of Limnos, authentic traditional house objects, such as stilyards, kneading trough, pitchers, but also tools for agricultural work, stripping and threshing, are distributed in the eight rooms of the museum in an impressive way. Among them, in a special position, Churchill’s historical armchair, when he was in Lemnos in 1915, to lead the allied forces against the Turks in the Battle of Gallipoli during the First World War.

Maritime Tradition & Sponge Museum of Lemnos

The Museum of the Sponge Divers of Lemnos, as it is otherwise called, is located in the village of Nea Koutali, in the bay of Moudros. Its collection includes photographs and heirlooms from the Greek refugees of Propontida who settled on the island and engaged in sponge fishing to a point that became famous everywhere for their art. In addition, important items of the exhibition are the equipment used by the divers during the years for the sponge harvest, but also the ancient anchors, the amphorae and the vessels that were taken up by the Aegean Sea and give the visitor a good idea of the 7th BC and 15th AD century.

Τhe Gallery of Modern Balkan Art in Kontias

In a traditional stone building is housed the Art Gallery, where the visitor can admire artworks embodying the way Lemnos was perceived by Balkan artists. The Art Gallery is an important cultural center, as exhibitions of great painters and other great names from the field of art are organized.