GENERAL INFO

Lemnos is the 8th biggest island in Greece. It has a land surface of 477.6 square kilometers and a circumference of 259 kilometers. Lemnos , together with the island o Aghios Efstratios forms the country of Lemnos.
The Lemnos landscape features the soft curves of its surface, the lack of any wood vegetation, the extended farmed and grazing lands. Interesting habitats and wetlands are formed (Aliki, Hortarolimni) with rich birdlife (flamingos, cranes, ducks etc) , as well as grasslands. In the entire length of its shores, small gulfs are formed as well as golden sandy beaches. Some semi-mountainous areas are found mainly in the west part, while in the northeastern part there are three lakes, Alyki, Hortarolimni and Aprolimni. The climate of the island is characterized by scarce rainfalls, intense winds, and extensive sunshine.

Make a point of trying some local cheeses, such as "kalathaki" (feta strained in little woven baskets), melichloro or melipasto cheese with its magnificent golden colour (cheese strained in the sun in latticed containers), or "ksero" cheese which is usually washed in the sea by the women of the island.
Thyme honey is much in demand because of its fine quality, distinct colour and flavour. Vast expanses of thyme and other aromatic plants are the ideal natural environment for the production of honey, which you will find packed or stored in large containers and can be obtained directly from the producer.
Try the excellent Lemnian wines, either draught or bottled by the Union of Co-operatives of Lemnos or small private producers. For instance, try the locally produced tsipouro or raki that is prepared in special boilers, called "lakaria" which are found in every village.
The Moskato Alexandreias (Muscat of Alexandria) variety, that is dominant on the island, lends many varieties of white wine their flavour and fruity taste. The sweet, semi-dry and dry wines and local retsina are of exceptional taste and quality. Ask for "kalambaki" or "Limnio", which is produced in small quantities, but has a history that goes back as far as the Homeric times. It is the same red wine that the heroes of Iliad from opposite Troy obtained from Lemnos and since this variety has remained unaltered over the past 4000 years.

The hard-grain wheat of Lemnos is considered a variety of fine quality, used to produce traditional hand-made pasta such as flomari (noodles), trachana (frumenty, crushed wheat boiled in milk and then dried) as well as filo pastries (pastries soaked in honey in large baking pans) and rusks which can be bought from local producers or the Co-operative of Lemnian Women.

Legumes and "dessertspoon" sweets (glyka tou koutaliou) are produced in small quantities on the island. Tachini (sesame pulp), a variety of aromatic plants and dried figs are products that are distinguished for their taste and quality.
Try the lobster, mussels and other shellfish or the abundant fish that make delicious appetizers. The clear blue seas of Lemnos and Ayios Efstratios are said to be the best fishing grounds in the Mediterranean Sea.

The capital and main port of the island is Myrina, with almost 5000 inhabitants. It extends from two seashores (Romeikos gialos and Tourkikos gialos), which are joined by a castle-crowned rocky headland, with a splendid view. Along the seaside of Romeiko appear the houses of Lemnian aristocracy - neoclassical - built during the second half of the 19th century. According to the myth, Myrina was named after the wife of the first king of Limnos, Thoandas. The town was called Kastro untill 1950's. The town of Myrina has extensively preserved its traditional character and the local architecture.
The population of the country of Lemnos is 18475 inhabitants (18104 Lemnos, 371 Aghios Efstratios).