LemnosLemnos at a Glance
About Lemnos
Lemnos (Limnos) is a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea and part of the North Aegean region, with an area of roughly 477 square kilometres. The island’s main port and administrative centre is Myrina, and its landscape mixes coastal plains, low hills and agricultural land.
Attractions include long sandy beaches, archaeological sites such as Hephaistia, traditional villages and local cuisine rooted in farming and fishing. The island’s sheltered Moudros harbour has historical significance and a number of wartime remains and memorials.
Lemnos has been inhabited since prehistoric times and hosted classical Greek settlements, Byzantine and later medieval communities; it has a long continuity of habitation with archaeological layers from multiple periods. During the early 20th century the island and its harbour played roles in regional naval operations.
The island lies in the northern Aegean Sea, between the islands of Lesbos and the Troad coast of Turkey, with ferry connections to other Aegean islands and mainland Greece.
- Area: area of roughly 477 square kilometres, making it one of the larger islands in the northern Aegean.
- Landscape: known for broad sandy beaches, a generally flat to low-rolling volcanic landscape and long agricultural traditions.
What to See#
- Myrina: The island’s principal town and port, located on the northwest coast with a historic harbour and a medieval waterfront castle overlooking the bay.
- Hephaistia: Remains of an ancient city that served as one of the island’s principal classical settlements, with archaeological remains visible near the modern village.
- Moudros: A sheltered natural harbour that served as the base for Allied naval operations in the Aegean during World War I and where the 1918 armistice with the Ottoman Empire was signed ashore.
Best Time to Visit Lemnos
Best from late spring through early autumn (May-September) - spring and early autumn offer milder conditions and fewer crowds than high summer.
Weather & Climate near Lemnos
Lemnos's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (504 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 78 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 13° | 8° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 32 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 18° - 28° | 23° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 30° | 25° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 20° - 29° | 25° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 17° - 26° | 21° | 24 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 13° - 21° | 17° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 68 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 12° | 7° | 87 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lemnos
Lemnos (Limnos) has regular domestic air service to Myrina (Lemnos Airport) from Athens and is also served by ferries from Piraeus and other Aegean ports. Ferries arrive at the main port, Myrina, and the town center and local bus/taxi services are within a short walk of the port.
Tips for Visiting Lemnos
- Base yourself in Myrina, the island's main port and administrative center, then rent a vehicle to reach more remote beaches and archaeological sites since public transport on Lemnos is limited.
- Visit archaeological Poliochni and the island's castle early in the day to avoid midafternoon heat and to see these sites before tour groups arrive.
- Many visitors miss inland villages and quiet northern beaches-set aside time to drive away from Myrina and Moudros to find less frequented coastline and traditional village life.