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Limnos

The island’s capital and chief port Myrina or Kastro is situated on the west coast. The verdant town with 4,000 inhabitants, is the seat of the Metropolitan of Limnos. Its two good anchorages are divided by a rocky promontory on which, in commanding position, stood the ancient Mirina.

The Museum is arranged for the purposes of study and labelled in Greek and Italian. Finds from Hephaisteia and Poliochni are well displayed in ten rooms.

Two roads lead towards Mudros, the inland one to the north passing near a Bath-House, built by Hassan Bey. The shorter way, more southerly, which touches the coast, passes Kondia, to the south-east of which, at Vriokastron and Trochalia, are some Bronze Age remains. The roads join at Livadhokhorion and continue to Moudhros, or Mudros.

Moudros is the second largest town, 25 kilometres east of Mirina, one of the safest anchorages in the Aegean. During World War I it was used as a base of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, which launched its attack on the Dardanelles from here in 1915. Limnos's capital, Mirina (population 5,000), is a very beautiful town, dominated by its imposing hilltop castle, once a stronghold for locals and foreigners, and now a refuge for deer. Handsome old houses and mansions, narrow paved streets, attractive tavernas, fish in abundance, choice local wine, polite welcoming people are typical features of Myrina, and of Limnos as a whole.

Sunset over the Romeikos Yalos of Myrina, with its marvellous view of Mount Athos beyond, is an unforgettable spectacle. The Romeikos Yalos and the adjacent beach of Richa Nera are among the best places to swim and relax, combining a crystal clear sea, golden sand and delightful seaside taverns. Richa Nera, in particular, is ideal for small children, who can play safely in the shallow waters, from which its name derives.
A stroll around the Limanaki of Mirina with its traditional ambience, fishing caciques, fish taverns and the waves lapping against the quay is a unique experience.

Taking Moudros as a starting point, it is possible to visit all the island's archaeological sites. A dirt road to the northeast leads to a rocky promontory with the ruins of Hephaistia, Limnos's leading city in ancient times. On the east side of the island, at Hortorolimni, there is a large stretch of marshland, a major habitat for rare birds. The road continues on from here to the tip of Limnos and the fishing hamlet of Plaka with its monastery dedicated to Agios Haralambos. Jumping over to the southern tip of the island there is another monastery, Agios Sostis, where there is a big celebration every September 7th.

The island's inland road network, asphalted as far as Moudros, leads to picturesque seaside and mountain villages, such as Livadohori, Atsiki with its interesting view of the Gulf of Pournia and tavernas serving fresh fish, and Nea Koutali with its marvelous empty beaches, delightful tavernas and sponge-fishing caiques anchored offshore. Excellent wines, gently shelving beaches, rolling hills, cobbled streets, myrtle/oak/mulberry trees - a truly peaceful island. Limnos is ideal for those who really want to experience a Greek island.

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