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Lemnos (also
Limnos) is located in the heart of the Northern Aegean. It is
about 100 kilometres off the Greek mainland. The island has
an area of 500 square kilometres and about 18.000
inhabitants. The highest mountain is Mount Vigla with 437
metres.
The main settlement is Myrina. The port is located there as
well. Lemnos has fairly little tourism. It is as authentic as
it gets. Most people there make their living fishing. The
volcanic soil is fertile so agriculture is an important
business as well.
The Greek army has bases there and a
significant number of soldiers are stationed on the island.
That doesn't exactly help tourism.
Most hotels you will find in Myrina and the second biggest
town Moudros (Lychna). Some of them are even a little
upmarket. You'd find some private rooms in other villages as
well.
About 5000 people live in Myrina. The local beach is quite
good; a long and sandy strand. In the local capitol on top
you'd find a cute little museum and a number of very good
restaurants (tavernas) with fresh and delicious fish. Prices
are moderate.
The main tourist attractions on Lemnos are the ancient
theatre at Palaiopolis, the picturesque village Contias and
the Venetian port in Myrina. Another attraction are the many
birds you find here. Just to give you an example; there are
hundreds of flamingos living on Lemnos.
Most visitors that come here look for a quiet and authentic
place that kept the old traditions. Hiking is quiet good, if
you look for any kind of nightlife don't bother going to
Lemnos.
Getting to Lemnos: Daily ferries to Lemnos go from Piraeus
(Athens port) or Rafina (not far away from Athens). During
summer there also is a frequent boat to and from Kavala and
Thessaloniki on the mainland.
All major settlements on Lemnos can be reached by bus.
The island even has a modern and surprisingly big airport.
The only problem with it is that there are hardly any
flights. There is little else than the regular connection to
Athens and Thessaloniki.
If Lemnos is still too busy for your liking try Agios
Efstratios 30 kilometres south of Lemnos. Only about 300
people live there. Agriculture is the main source of income
on Agios Efstratios.
There are hardly any roads or cars for that matter. To get
there take the boat from Lemnos. Less frequent but existing
is a ferry connection to Athens, Lesbos and Chios.
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