Lemnos is a Greek Island treasure in the Aegean Sea that offers a more laid-back and relaxed holiday. The island has a stunning landscape with sandy beaches, hills and coastline. Full of history with ancient ruins and medieval castles, Lemnos is an ideal holiday destination for anyone searching for relaxation and a culturally enriching experience. Enjoy watersports and outdoor activities, or explore the island’s whitewashed towns and villages such as Myrina and Moudros.
Join us as we share all the best places to visit in Lemnos and help you plan an unforgettable holiday on this Greek Island.
Beaches and water activities
As the island of Lemnos has many stunning beaches, you have plenty of options that will cater to your every need. Here are our picks for the top beaches on the island:
Myrina Beach is near the capital town of Myrina and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is a favourite for both locals and tourists because of its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores. It is the perfect escape for couples, and families with young children to spend a relaxing day under the sun. Since this beach is so close to the town, you can also take advantage of many amenities, such as subbed rentals and umbrellas.
On the contrary, if you prefer a more fast-paced day at the beach, and to participate in watersports, then Keros Beach is the place for you. It is known as the top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach has steady shallow waters that are great for these types of watersports. On the beach, you will find plenty of rental shops where you can hire gear and equipment, and also sign up for a class if you’d like to learn a new hobby.
Finally, Thanos Beach is the go-to spot for families and anyone looking for a quieter beach experience. This beach is in a sheltered bay and therefore has calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and safe for kids to splash around in. There are many bars and traditional taverns nearby, so you can easily grab a bite to eat while enjoying your time on the beach.
Water sports and activities
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: Keros Beach is the ideal spot for watersport enthusiasts. During the summer months, the Meltemi winds blow consistently across the Aegean, which provides the perfect amount of wind for these water sports activities. Keros Beach has several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools for all levels.
If you prefer to explore the underwater world, scuba diving is perfect in Lemnos. The Lemnos Dive Center is one of the island’s best schools and offers a variety of diving experiences for all levels. You can explore underwater caves, ancient shipwrecks and marine life.
Lastly, if you prefer to stay near the surface of the sea, snorkelling and boat tours are a great way to experience the clear waters around Lemnos and see some stunning marine life and ecosystems. Many operators on the island offer guided boat tours, giving you a chance to jump off the boat and enjoy a swim and snorkel within hard-to-reach coves and coral. Moudros Bay and Gomati Beach are two of the top destinations to see some vibrant sea creatures!
Local cuisine and dining
When visiting Lemnos, there are plenty of delicious traditional dishes to try. Start with Flomaria, a handmade pasta dish made with local cheese. Kalathaki is another staple of the island’s cuisine, it is a soft, white cheese, similar to feta but a bit creamier. It has been recognised with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which guarantees authenticity and quality. It is usually eaten in a salad or with bread. Finally, Moshari Lemonato is a lemon-braised beef dish that is very popular among locals.
Top restaurants and taverns in Lemnos
Lemnos is home to several excellent restaurants and taverns. A favourite on the island is Man’tella, located in Sardes. It is the ideal place for anyone looking for a traditional, home-cooked meal.
Located on the beach of Myrina, is Manos Restaurant. This is a highly recommendable establishment for anyone who is looking to eat traditional food and enjoy live bouzouki music.
Historical sites and cultural experiences
The island of Lemnos is rich in history and has several important must-see sights. Poliochni, which dates back to 4000 BC is one of the the oldest settlements in Europe and you can visit it for a modest entrance fee of €4. Another significant spot is Hephaistia. This was an ancient city known for its well-preserved theatre and sanctuary. Finally, don’t miss Kaveirio, where you can see the sanctuary of Cabeiri, an ancient religious site.
Nature trails and outdoor adventures
Lemnos offers a variety of hiking trails, such as Mount Vigla, offering stunning panoramic views over the island. This is a more challenging trial and isn’t recommended for families with small children. It takes about 3 hours to complete a round trip.
For a more leisurely hike, the trail along Chortarolimni Lake is perfect. This trail leads to a saltwater lake that is full of flamingos and different bird species.
Lemnos is also known for its equestrian roots, visit the Lemnos Horse Riding Club in Moudros for guided rides along the island’s beaches. If you prefer cycling, there are plenty of rental shops on the island, where you can hire a bike for the day.
Accommodation and resorts for holidays in Lemnos
On the island of Lemnos, there are plenty of options for your stay. From resorts to villas and apartments, many options will cater to you and your needs. A popular resort option is Neilson Holidays Lemnos Beachclubs, which offers an all-inclusive resort experience. This is a good option for anyone who is looking to travel with no fuss and wants to stay on the resort grounds.
However, if you are looking for a unique experience, where you can do day trips and excursions all over the island, and enjoy different restaurants and beaches, then staying at one of Villa Rentals properties is a great option. Since Villa Rentals offers a wide variety of accommodations in different towns around Lemnos, you have many options to find the best to suit your needs. From traditional houses to modern, luxurious properties, you are sure to find the perfect spot for your customised holiday!
Plan your Lemnos holidays
Lemnos is a beautiful destination in the Aegean where you will surely enjoy your holiday. From the beaches and watersports to outdoor activities and dining options, a Lemnos getaway is waiting for you!
