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LIMNOS
Limnos
In ancient times, according to myth,
Limnos, a volcanic
island, was the home of the god Hephaistos and his most important place of worship. The
island's history is long; two of its cities, Mirina and Hephaistia, were extremely
prosperous during antiquity.
 Today, the island's capital, still called Mirina, or Kastro, sits at the back of the bay in exactly the same location as its ancient
namesake. A Venetian castle presides over its characteristic captains' houses adorned with
wooden balconies. Mirina has an important Archaeological Museum with finds from the region
as well as from Hephaistia, Cabeiria and Poliochne. Representing every period from the
prehistoric to the Hellenistic, they consist primarily of relief works, idols, pottery and
sculptures.
The second largest town is Moudros, 25 km. east of
Mirina, one of the safest anchorages in the Aegean. During World War I it was used as a
base of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, which launched its attack on the
Dardanelles from here in 1915. Taking Moudros as a starting point, it is possible to visit
all the island's archaeological sites.
A dirt road to the northeast leads to a rocky promontory
with the ruins of Hephaistia, Limnos's leading city in antiquity. Excavations have brought
to light sanctuaries of the 5th and 4th century B.C. and the necropolis with Greek, Roman
and Byzantine tombs. Three km. further north at a place called Chloe there are the Archaic
and Hellenistic remains of the Sanctuary of the Cabeirians. East of Moudros near Kaminia
you will find the ruins of ancient Poliochne, where seven successive settlements have been
excavated, one dating back to the Neolithic, the others to the Early Bronze Age. Finally,
north of Moudros is the site of the Byzantine state of Kotsika with its fortress. This is
where Maroula, the heroine of Limnos, died fighting the Turks in 1478. On the east side of
the island, at Hortorolimni, there is a large stretch of marshland, a major habitat for
rare birds. The road continues on from here to the tip of Limnos and the fishing hamlet of
Plaka with its monastery dedicated to Agios Haralambos. Jumping over to the southern tip
of the island and another monastery, Agios Sostis, where there is a big celebration every
September 7th, one enters a desert landscape with sand dunes, so unusual for Greece that
it has been dubbed "the Sahara of Limnos".
The island's inland road network, asphalt as far as
Moudros, leads to picturesque seaside and mountain villages, such as Livadohori, Atsiki
with its interesting view of the Gulf of Pournia and tavernas serving fresh fish, and Nea
Koutali with its marvelous empty beaches, delightful tavernas and sponge-fishing caiques
anchored offshore. Those not deterred by dirt roads will want to explore still further.
Agios Efstratios
This small volcanic island lies 18 n.mi. south of
Limnos.
It owes its name to Saint Efstratios who lived and died there in exile.
The monastery in its sole settlement contains volumes
from as far back as the 15th century in relatively good condition.
Would-be bathers will find numerous lovely beaches on the
island, such as Agios Antonios, Lemonies, Frangou, Tripiti, Avlakia, and others, most of
which are reached by caique.
Agios Efstratios will appeal to visitors who appreciate
the simple, healthy life away from crowds and close to nature. It is linked by boat with
Limnos, Agios Konstantinos, Kymi and Kavala.
How to Get to Limnos
By Ferry-boat:
- From Piraeus (daily)
- From Rafina (in summer)
- From Thessaloniki and Kavala (in summer)
Useful telephone numbers for Limnos
- Area Code: 0254
- Bus terminal: 22212
- Harbor Master: 22225
- Police: 22200
- First Aid: 22203, 22433
- Municipal Tourism Bureau: 22315
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