Lemnos is an island in the Aegean Sea and belongs to Greece. It is part of the North-Eastern Aegean Islands group. The island’s area is 477 km². Population: 17,000 people (2001). There are more than 30 settlements on the island. The island’s capital is Myrina (until 1950 it was called Kastron); the second-largest city is Moudros.
The island is of volcanic origin. It is composed mainly of schists and volcanic tuffs. Elevation: up to 430 m.
The island is not particularly well known to tourists, so it is ideal for a quiet, relaxed holiday. Everything you need for rest is available here: wonderful bays and beaches, a variety of hotels ranging from bungalow complexes to rooms for rent, a great number of sights, as well as restaurants and shops.
The local population practices traditional agriculture typical of the North-Eastern islands of the Aegean Sea. Wheat is grown, grapes are cultivated, and mulberry and fruit trees thrive; there are few olive groves. Beekeepers produce honey. Different kinds of cheese are made: the traditional feta, Kalathaki (prepared in small baskets), and dry cheese that dries under the sun. Until the 1960s, cotton was cultivated on the island-of a quality comparable to Egyptian cotton. Lemnos is famous for its muscat wines.
The North-Eastern Aegean Islands (Eastern Aegean Islands) are eleven main islands of the Aegean Sea, as well as many small islets lined up in a zigzag pattern running one after another, starting from Kavala in Macedonia and extending to the Dodecanese. The islands in this part of the Aegean Sea do not form a separate group.
ClimateThe island has a climate typical of the Mediterranean. Winters are fairly mild here (+10-15° C) and summers are hot. The peak of high temperatures occurs from June to September. During these months, the heated sun warms the air masses up to +30 degrees.
On Lemnos, unlike many other Greek islands, strong winds blow, reaching their maximum at around 12 hours-a fact known to windsurfing enthusiasts who choose this period for sailing trips. In autumn and spring, for tourists visiting Lemnos, holidays take place under comfortable conditions of +18-20 degrees. This is a great time to explore the many historical sites, go on sea excursions, and go horseback riding.
