The harbour at myriana lemnos

DISCOVER LEMNOS

A place where time slows down

The island of Lemnos holds a special kind of beauty, one that whispers stories rather than shouts them. Unlike the well-known Cycladic islands with their whitewashed stone homes and postcard clichés, Lemnos stands apart. Its landscape carries the marks of its Ottoman past, its medieval ruins, and the gentle rhythm of a place that has held onto its identity for centuries.

Growing up as a Greek Australian, I was raised on the stories of how our ancestors fought to reclaim their homeland, first from Ottoman rule and later through the turmoil of World War II. Those stories aren’t just history lessons for me, they are part of my bloodline, embedded in the island’s stones, its villages, and its spirit.

Lemnos is a place where time slows down. The villages are small and welcoming, the people warm, and most still live off the land, embracing a simple and seasonal way of life. There are no traffic lights here, and it’s not uncommon to see a donkey trotting through a village. The island is rich in natural beauty, sand dunes, wetlands with flamingos, natural springs, open-air castles, and old churches perched high on hillsides. It’s a place where evenings are spent under the stars, where dancing and music carry the weight of centuries of culture, and where afternoons are for siestas.

For me, Lemnos isn’t just beautiful, it’s home. It’s where my father was born, where my grandparents lived, where the stories of my family are rooted. It’s a place of history, simplicity, and soul.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES & picturesque port at

Myrina

beach on lemnos

Myrina is the island’s main port and capital, sitting across two scenic bays. The town offers a lovely mix of turquoise-sea views, charming waterfront lanes, and a laid-back coastal vibe. There are plenty of sandy beaches and clean waters on Lemnos, perfect for a relaxed swim or a stroll along the shore.

On calm days, the harbour and the coastline invite leisurely afternoons where you’ll see fishing boats bobbing gently, locals and travellers mingling on the waterfront, and maybe the odd café or taverna serving up fresh seafood with a sea breeze.

Myrina Castle

DISCOVER HISTORY

Myrina castle
mirina castle

Up above the town is Myrina Castle, set on a rocky headland that gives you incredible views over both bays.

The site has been important for a very long time, but the main structure you see today grew during the Byzantine and later Venetian periods.

Wandering through the ruins feels a bit like stepping into a timeline, with old walls, gates and winding paths hinting at the battles and shifting rulers that shaped the island. If you walk up near sunset, the light across the rooftops and coastline is something special.

How To Get To Lemnos

Lemnos has its own airport Lemnos International Airport “Hephaestus” (IATA: LXS) which is located 22kms from Myrina the main town port.

Domestic flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and some other islands are available along with ferry connections from several mainland ports including Piraeus and Lavrio or Lavala, Alexandroupi or Thessaloniki in the north.

  • Option 1: Direct flight (fastest)


       •   There are domestic flights from Athens (Athens International Airport, ATH) to Lemnos (LXS).

     
       •   The flight time is relatively short (often under 1.5 hours, depending on routing). (Note: some sources list “2h 37m” which might include connecting legs or delays) 


       •   After landing at Lemnos, you’d take a taxi or local transport from the airport to your destination (e.g. Myrina).

  •    •   There is a ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ main port) to Limnos (Myrina) 2 times per week (varies by season). 


       •   The ferry journey is ~21-22 hours (overnight) from Piraeus to Myrina. 


       •   There are also ferry services from Lavrio (a port closer to Athens on the southern Attica peninsula), which can be shorter (around 9 h 15 min in some cases). 


       •   From Athens city centre, you’d travel to Piraeus or Lavrio by road (bus, taxi or metro + bus).

  • Another route is to travel by land (bus or train) to a northern port like Kavala, then catch a ferry from Kavala to Limnos. 


       •   Ferry from Kavala → Limnos is relatively short, ~4 h 30 min (in some schedules). 


       •   This might make sense if flights are unavailable or expensive, especially in shoulder season.

  • From Thessaloniki (Makedonia Airport, SKG), there are domestic flights to Lemnos (seasonal, depending on demand). 

  • There are ferry crossings from Thessaloniki to Limnos (Myrina), but they are less frequent and largely seasonal. 
       
      ypical duration is ~5h 30 min.