Lemnos holidays

How to reach Lemnos

• Flight time: Flights to Lemnos from London and other major UK cities route through Athens. The Athens leg of the journey takes around 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours; the flight from Athens to Lemnos takes 55 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Lemnos International Airport, it takes about 25 minutes by taxi (35 minutes by bus) to reach the island’s capital, Myrina, where most accommodations and amenities are located.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Myrina costs approximately €30. The local bus service runs to various parts of the island; tickets cost around €2–€5.

Best time to visit Lemnos

A little under the tourist radar, weather, not crowds, will likely be the determining factor in finding the dream time for your Lemnos holidays.

• April to June sees average temperatures ranging from 15°C in April to 25°C in June, minimal rainfall and about 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily. These months are ideal for exploring the island’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, but you’ll likely want to hold off on swimming before May.

• July to August all but guarantee beach holiday weather: hot, dry and sunny, with temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s. Lemnos will be busier, but you’ll still find plenty of uncrowded spots on the coastline.

• September to October brings a temperature drop from about 25 to 20°C. It is still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, with pleasant evenings for dining outdoors. Expect some showers and about 8 to 6 hours of sunshine daily.

• November to March are wetter, cooler months, with average temperatures dropping from 20 to 15°C between November and December. January and February are colder, with temperatures hovering about 10°C, but it starts to heat back up in March. You may be able to squeeze in a cool swim in November. This is the island’s off-season, so anticipate a quieter, more local vibe.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Greek phrases can be helpful and appreciated by the locals.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro (€). ATMs are available in Myrina and other larger villages.

• Getting around: Lemnos has a good network of buses connecting major towns and villages. Tickets cost around €2–€5 depending on the distance. Taxis are also available, but hiring a car is worth considering if you want more flexibility.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Local dishes in Lemnos

From sheep and goat milk cheeses such as Kalathaki Limnou and Melichloro to fresh seafood, sweet desserts and sweet wines, holidays to Lemnos have plenty to offer foodies.

Some typical dishes

• Pseftopetinos: This tomatoey, aubergine pasta dish is an island speciality.

• Lalagites: Traditionally made with a mint and cheese batter, these pancakes are served with a drizzle of thyme honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Meze dishes

• Htapodi Ksydato: Marinated octopus in vinegar. It pairs perfectly with Ouzo.

• Kalamarakia Tiganita: Crispy, fried calamari garnished with fresh parsley.

• Melitzanosalata: Typically served with crusty bread, this creamy dip is made with grilled aubergines, garlic and olive oil.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: A traditional Greek dish of slow-cooked lamb, marinated with garlic, lemon and herbs, wrapped in parchment paper and baked until tender.

• Soutzoukakia: Spicy meatballs made from minced beef or lamb, seasoned with cumin and garlic, and served in a rich tomato sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Psarosoupa: A rustic soup, firm-fleshed fresh fish poached with vegetables.

• Chtapodi Sti Schara: Marinated grilled octopus seasoned with olive oil, lemon and oregano.

Sweets and desserts

• Venizelika: Lemnos’ classic take on truffles, made from ground almonds, chocolate, cocoa, liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier, for example) and icing sugar or syrup.

• Samsades: Perfect with tea or coffee, these sweet, sticky, filo-pastry triangles are filled with almonds and sesame seeds.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: If you asked 100 people to name a Greek spirit, they’d most likely say Ouzo. Sweet with a liquorice taste, it's best drunk mixed with water, which turns it cloudy.

• Muscat of Lemnos (Limnos): These sweet, full-bodied dessert wines are made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes. Aromatic with overtones of apricot and mint, they pair wonderfully with desserts but can also be enjoyed on their own.

Best things to do in Lemnos

If golden beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning landscapes, historic sites and charming villages float your boat, you’ll find loads to do on your Lemnos holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kastro of Myrina: Offering breathtaking views over Myrina and the Aegean Sea, this ancient castle is the perfect spot to take in the sunset.

• Panagia Kakaviotissa: Set in a cavity near the top of Kakavos Mountain, the little roofless chapel would be enough to reward the 20-minute climb, even without the phenomenal mountainside and sea views.

The best districts

• Myrina: The island’s capital, with its charming harbour, narrow streets and traditional tavernas, is a must-visit. The old town, with its stone houses and quaint shops, is particularly picturesque.

• Plati: This beautiful coastal village is known for its sandy beach and clear waters. It’s a great place to relax and explore the local cuisine at a seaside taverna.

Parks and gardens

• Alyki Lake: This salty lagoon is a haven for birders, particularly in the spring and autumn when migratory birds flock here. You can spot a variety of bird species, including flamingos and herons. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely walk.

Museums

• Archaeological Museum of Lemnos: Located in Myrina, this small but informative museum offers a crash course in the island's history, with finds from Koukonisi, Myrina and Poliochni.

• Folklore Museum of Lemnos: This immersive museum in Portiano showcases traditional costumes and tools of everyday life, making it the perfect complement to Myrina’s Archaeological Museum.

Historical monuments

• Hephaistia: Once the capital of the Pelasgians, the ancient city of Hephaistia boasts impressive ruins, including a theatre where performances are sometimes staged.

• Sanctuary of Kavirio: Founded in the late 8th or early 7th century BC and dedicated to the Kabeiroi gods, there are scattered ruins to explore and spectacular views over the northern coast of Lemnos. Make sure to visit the Cave of Philoctetes, where the legendary archer was allegedly left to recover from a snake bite before his comrades retrieved him to pave the way for the fall of Troy.

Regional highlights

• Pachies Ammoudies of Lemnos: Spanning 7 hectares, Lemnos’ otherworldly dunes are must-see territory; look for wild rabbits, birds and white lilies peeking from the soft yellow sand.

• Cape Falakro: Blue sea, reddish sands and sculptural volcanic rock formations, the landscape is out of this world.

Activities for families in Lemnos

Steeped in myth and legend, with archeological sites and museums to explore, Lemnos has plenty to offer imaginative kids. More prosaically, there is no end of beaches for sandcastles, swimming and water sports.

• Family-friendly beaches: With calm waters and sandy shores, Plati Beach and Thanos Beach are perfect for swimming and playing.

• Archeological sites: One of the oldest settlements in Europe, Poliochni (Poliochne) is perfect for ancient history buffs. It has the remnants of four ancient settlements. In local lore, Poliochni was ruled by the legendary Amazons.

• Interactive museums: Dedicated to the island’s sponge diving heritage, the Maritime and Sponge Museum of Lemnos is unabashedly niche. However, the exhibitions are well laid out and offer a fascinating insight into this dangerous profession.

• Water sports: Many beaches on Lemnos offer watersports such as windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, which are great for family fun.

Free things to do in Lemnos

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy on Lemnos, ensuring you can experience the island without breaking the bank.

• Free museums and archeological sites: Museums and archeological sites in Greece typically waive admission on the 6th March, 18th March, 18th May, the last weekend of September and 28th October.

• Annual festivals and free events: The island celebrates numerous religious festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of Agios in Kaspakas on 22nd June and the island-wide Assumption of the Virgin on 15th August.

• Beaches: There is no shortage of places to pitch your parasol. Agios Ioannis, Evgatis, Thanos, Platy and Richa Nera-Romeikos Gyalos have each been awarded Blue Flags. By law, 70 percent of all Greek beaches must be free of sunloungers for public use.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: A network of trails links villages, beaches and beauty spots. Popular hikes include routes around Mount Vigla and the Fakos Peninsula, which offer breathtaking views.

• Scuba diving: From shipwrecks to reefs, caves and sea walls, there’s a fascinating underwater world to discover. Various outfits around the island offer PADI Courses and dive packages.

• Windsurfing: Keros Bay is the island’s go-to windsurfing spot. With shallow waters and moderate winds, it suits a variety of riders. Surf Club Keros offer equipment rental and lessons.

• Sandboarding: Surf Club Keros also offer sandboarding (a blend of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding). Surfing across the Pachies Ammoudies to Gomatri Beach is a bonafide memory maker.