LimnosNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Limnos

Due to its volcanic past, Limnos (or Lemnos) is an island full of contradictions. From lunar landscapes and wide-open plains to strange geological rock formations and stunning sand dunes, it is an extraordinary destination to visit. Found on the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea close to the Turkish coastline, Limnos remains off the beaten track for most tourists visiting Greece, making it a serene and romantic place to visit. Taking a ferry to Limnos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Those who choose it, come to explore its captivating scenery, dip in the beautiful beaches, experience the thermal springs, and discover more about its significant past. Traditional settlements offer authentic hospitality while medieval fortresses and old sanctuaries wait to be explored, along with well-preserved archaeological sites, secluded sea caves, and sublime local wines. Limnos was the island of the god Hephaestus, who was thrown onto the island from Mount Olympos when still a baby by his mother Hera, according to Greek mythology.

Digs in the area have uncovered ancient temples and sites dating back to the Bronze Age and the island also saw Persian, Roman, and Byzantine rule over the years. The ruins of the impressive castle of Myrina still stand today; a stronghold used by the Venetians and Turks, and you can find even more information about the island’s history at the Archaeological & Folklore Museums.
 

Routes and Ferries to Limnos

Book your ferry tickets to Limnos using Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Lavrio for a 10.4-hour journey with Blue Star Ferries. Some ferries also leave from the port of Piraeus and you can book ferry tickets to Limnos from there for a 20-hour trip. During the summer, ferries also leave from Kavala and when you book your ferry tickets from there for Limnos, you will arrive in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Zante Ferries organize crossings from Alexandroupoli and the trip takes 5 hours, 20 minutes.

If you are on Chios, you can book ferry tickets for Limnos and arrive there in 8 hours. Seajets also operates connections between Agios Efstratios and Limnos, with a 1.30-hour journey. In addition, you can sail from Ikaria (14.20 hrs), Fourni (13.40 hrs), Inousses (7.20 hrs), Samos (12.30 hrs), Lesvos (4.20 hrs), Mykonos (16 hrs), Syros (17.50 hrs), Tinos (17.25 hrs), Vathi (11.05 hrs), and Samothraki (2.50 hrs).

Flights are available to Limnos International Airport ‘Hephaestus’ from Athens and Thessaloniki. You can also catch a flight from the islands of Ikaria, Chios, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Samos, while in the summer months charter flights are available from the United Kingdom. The airport is 22 km away from the island’s capital, so you will need to take a taxi or some other form of transport on arrival.
 

Ports of Limnos

Limnos has one main port, which is also the island’s capital. All ferry passengers will arrive at Myrina, which has around 4500 inhabitants. The settlement wraps around two beautiful bays and the imposing Venetian castle overlooks the harbor from a craggy rock.

There is also a small harbor for fishing boats in the town of Moudros, which was once the capital of the island and played an important role as an allied base during the first World War. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Limnos.
 

Capital & Villages of Limnos

Limnos has more than 40 villages, some of which are pretty seaside towns and other more secluded inland hamlets. All have one thing in common: beautifully preserved houses, and traditional welcomings to visitors.

Whichever village you visit, you will experience the unique Limnos hospitality and be able to savor exquisite local fare.

Myrina

The island’s capital and port, modern Myrina has been built on the same spot as where the old city once stood. The castle dominates the area and offers wonderful sea views overlooking the rocky headland. Explore the traditional dwellings and picturesque corners or stroll along the Romeikos waterfront.

Deer and roebuck roam freely around the village while aromas of eucalyptus and almond trees fill the air. Visit the Karatzadios Library, the Cathedral of Agia Triada, and the Archaeological Museum before checking out the archaeological sites at the Gulf of Bournia, the remnants of Hephestia, the temple of Kaviria, and the cave of Philoctetes.

Moudros

Moudros takes its name from the granite volcanic rock ‘mydro’ and is the second largest town on the island with about 1,000 inhabitants. Built on a shallow gulf, it is one of the safest anchorages in the Aegean and also an important marine wildlife environment. There are plenty of cafes and taverns for you to enjoy on its busy waterfront and to the north, you will find the remains of a castle that was destroyed in 1656.

Other interesting sights include the church of Taxiarches and the church of Evagelistria, as well as beautiful beaches running along the coast. A Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery can be found at Moudros, where soldiers who fell during the Gallipoli Campaign are buried.

Kaspakas

Kaspakas is a traditional village you will find 6 km away from Myrina, sitting on the slopes of Mt. Agios Athanasios and surrounded by pine trees. The 700 inhabitants are mostly farmers and stonemasons and the houses are traditional in style with picturesque alleys running around them.

The village has recently become popular due to the nearby sandy beach of Agios Ioannis with its unusual rock formations. Enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants as you take in the ambiance of this pretty hamlet.

Kontias

Kontias is a large village with 600 residents and one of the prettiest on the island just 11 km east of Myrina, near the bay of Kontias. Walk around this quaint settlement and explore the restored windmills and old houses built of local stone. The church of Agios Dimitrios with its lovely stone bell tower takes pride of place in the village and the chapel of Agios Ioannis dates back to 1450.

Pop into the little art galleries featuring works by various artists while there and enjoy an iced coffee on the upper terrace of one of the windmills before heading down to the small bay of Diapori for some freshly caught fish.

Kornos

Kornos is another beautiful mountain village built amphitheatrical-style 8 km northeast of Myrina. Its 350 inhabitants are mainly involved in agriculture and a walk around the village will reveal its neoclassical mansions and pretty churches, such as that of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

The village is also famous for its natural springs used as far back as the 15th century and for having the best traditional pastries and sweets in Limnos.
 

Best Beaches in Limnos

The island’s beaches are truly spectacular, characterized by their long sandy shorelines and crystalline waters. Many are popular with windsurfing enthusiasts and are perfect for basking in the sun, especially due to their fine sandy dunes.

The most organized beaches can be found on the western side of the island while the beaches to the east are more secluded and the best spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Plati Beach

A very popular beach below Plati village, this sandy stretch is about 700 meters in length and offers all of the facilities you will need, from umbrellas and sun loungers to cafeterias and bars, as well as a water sports center.

The clean, shallow waters make it ideal for children and some natural shade is provided by trees lining the beach.

Zematas Beach

Zematas beach is located 40 km northeast of Myrina, near ancient Kaviros. Although one of the most isolated beaches, it is absolutely spectacular and offers wonderful sunset views.

The fine golden sand is lined with volcanic boulders and the salt lakes of Aliki and Hortarolimni can also be found nearby. The sanctuary of Kaviros is worth visiting, as is the village of Kalliopi, which is known for its horse racing traditions.

Fanari Beach

Fanari beach is close to Moudros and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The long sandy beach is covered with thick sand and surrounded by green hills, which means it is protected by strong winds and has few waves.

A lovely place to spend your day, it is relatively quiet with few facilities so make sure to go prepared.

Riha Nera Beach

Being very close to the island’s capital, this beach is very popular and has all of the facilities you will be looking for. Water sports rentals are available, as well as beach bars and taverns, The shallow water makes it ideal for families with young children and it offers a cosmopolitan beach day for all ages.
 

Transportation Around Limnos

 The local buses can transport you to many villages in Limnos, as well as to the airport, while taxis and private transfers are also available. By hiring a car or motorbike, you can explore the island at your own pace and reach some of its secluded spots.

Alternatively, take one of the short boat trips to some of the more inaccessible beaches or even hop across to the nearby island of Agios Efstratios for the day. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Limnos.