Limnos. One of the most far-flung islands of Greece’s admittedly long purview, and certainly, one where you’d expect the pace of life to be as chilled as you’d imagine from a place far enough from the tourist trail. Despite it having an airport, you’re unlikely to see crowds of tourists, large hotel chains, or cruise ships for that matter. What you will see is an abundance of culture, great food and spectacular beaches. Here, life flows pretty much as it has for the last few decades, at least. So if you’re on the hunt for the best holidays in Greece, look no further than Limnos. Read on and we’ll tell you what to see and do on this stunning island.
Limnos is located on the North Aegean Island cluster. Which pretty much guarantees it a modicum of privacy from the ever-extending limelight. Limnos has it going on, with a promise of pure, unadulterated holidays in Greece.
BEACH TIME
Where else would you find a smattering of beaches so pristine? There are dozens of them, but beaches like Thanos are hard to come by. This sandy enclave is close to the homonymous village and has all the hallmarks of a great family-friendly vacation, with little by way of amenities, save for the essentials. If you want something wilder head to Zematas beach. This is one of the most isolated, boasting fine yellow sand and volcanic boulders strewn along the coast. One of the most popular ones is Fanari Beach, situated next to the island’s second-largest village – Moudros. There are verdant hills at the back of the beach, and thick sand, while some amenities exist, such as loungers and umbrellas. For one of the more spectacular beaches on the island, and the biggest sandy dunes in Greece, head to Gomati beach, some 20km from Myrina. Here, frolic in the sand and take advantage of the purest waters you’re likely to see in your holidays in Greece.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
While beach time is practically a necessity, you’ll find yourself with ample time to discover more of the island. And once you get going, you’ll be hooked. Starting with the picturesque Myrina Town – the main settlement of the island and the capital, the imposing Byzantine castle looms over the hillside – a reminder of the island’s past. Built-in the 12th Century, the fortifications run alongside the village, with deer running free inside its walls.
For a taste of the ancient, we might suggest a visit to the Hephaistia. It was an ancient city that was patroned by the God Hephaestus, in the 4th and 5th centuries BC, with further digs revealing a site of ancient mysteries not far from that location.
Another archaeological curio worth a visit is Poliochni – a 4th-century BC settlement that dates to the Neolithic Age and has stumped archaeologists due to its continued use throughout, making carbon dating a little harder.
Things to see in Limnos aren’t limited to man-made stuff. Case in point: The three salt lakes near Kontopoli are designated Natura 2000 wetlands that produce high-quality salt once the water dries up in the summer.
FOODIES WELCOME
The food in Limnos is also something of a star attraction. While little needs to be said about the profligacy of Greek cuisine, it is still worth noting that dishes vary from region to region. This is evident once you step out of the island beach trail and head for the mountains, where the fare consists mostly of meat and hearty stews. This is why it is unusual to find a dish like flomaria pasta in a place like Limnos. This is essentially a pasta stew with thick tomato sauce and beef. Which brings us right back to the beginning, the fresh produce. Tomatoes in Limnos are incredibly good and tasty as heck, just as the rest of the food plucked out of its innards. Bread, cheese, wine and olives are superb. At no point should you consider leaving without trying the local melichloro and kalathaki cheeses. When dessert time comes, try the local samsades – a type of phyllo pastry stuffed with nuts and frizzled in honey or syrup. Holidays in Greece have never tasted so good.
Unforgettable Holidays in Greece: Exploring the Magic of Limnos Island
If you’ve locked in on Limnos, you’ll be rewarded with some instant-nostalgia vibes – courtesy of the 80’s time warp feel that Greece readily exudes. Holidays in Greece invariably revolve around the Epicurean teachings of hedonism and gratification. In Limnos, you’ll find all that and more, but without the throngs of selfie stick-wielding throngs.
