Archaeological areas and sightseeing

Castle of Myrina
Built in the early 12th century on the ancient pelasgic walls, the castle of Myrina dominates the city and separates the Roman from the Turkish coast. Its current form was acquired during the Venetian period. It is the biggest castle in the Aegean and one of the most well-preserved castles in Greece
Today, goats and dears of the platoni kind, who moved here from Rhodes a few decades ago, live in the ruins. The castle is open to visitors at all times and the entrance is free.

Temple of Artemis
Goddess Artemis was believed to be the protector of Myrina during the ancient times. To honor her at the location Avlona of Myrina a big worshiping temple was built, which was discovered in 1991 during the construction of Porto Myrina Hotel.
Excavations were carried on funded by the original owner of the land, Mr. N. Trataros and in 1993, when the excavations were over, the land was officially declared as archaeological. The temple of Artemis is preserved at the hotel’s courtyard and can be visited by the public.
The place of the temple of Artemis presents a special historical interest caused by its long use which based on the archaeological research stretches across over 8 centuries. The temple was functional from the archaic until the Hellenistic period.

Poliochni
Poliochni, the most significant prehistoric settlement on the island, located on the eastern shore of Lemnos, near the village Kaminia, is considered as one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It is also known by the name Eptapolis as the excavations uncovered seven successive settlements built one on the foundations of another.
The parliament of Poliochni, which is located in the area considered to be the oldest one in Europe. That confirms that is the place where democracy was born.
In the archeological site there is the Museum of the Prehistoric Settlement of Poliochni, which gathers many important findings

Hephaistia
Close to Kontopouli, in the northeast side of the island, lies the archeological site of Hephaistia the largest city of Lemnos for 22 centuries!
The city that was dedicated to the god-patron of metallurgy, Hephaestus, is built on a peninsula formed by two natural harbors.
The archaeological excavations have revealed the Theatre of the Hellenistic period –one of the most important theatres in the ancient Greek world, houses, cemeteries, baths, wells, a great number of objects, a theatre of the Hellenistic period, the temple of the Great Goddess and a huge building (probably the palace and the labyrinth of Lemnos according to Plinios).

Kaviria
The Temple of Kaviria is situated in the northeastern part of the island, 3 kilometers away from the archeological site of Hephaestia.
Is considered to be the oldest one and one of the most important places of worship in the island where special religious ceremonies took place in ancient times. Cavirian Mysteries (as it called) were devoted to the god Hephaestus by his descendants.
The area was excavated by the Italian Archaeological School of Athens in 1937-39, but excavations at the site are constantly ongoing.
There is also the legendary cave of Philoctetes a little further down the coast of Kaviria, where according to mythology the Homeric hero was transported by his companions after a snake bite, hoping that he would be healed.

Sand dunes
A phenomenon resembling a real desert: spectacular formations of fine sand, forming a unique and fascinating landscape, interrupted only by scattered brushwood. The Sand Dunes are located in the Gomati area of about 70 acres. It is perfect place for walks and photography.

Falacro
It is located on the northern coast of the island, near the village Propouli, across the sea. This is an unusual geological sight of unique beauty which is characterized by great volcanic formations, picturesque coves and strange rock shapes with great colors.

Wetlands
To the east side of the island, in the areas of Chortarolimni, Asprolimni and Alyki, there are many important wetlands with a total area of 18.000 acres. The avifauna of the region includes a multitude of migratory and endemic species such as flamingos, herons, grouses, lesser kestrels, ruddy shelducks, swans, falcons, turtle doves etc.

Panagia Kakaviotissa
A pleasant hiking route, of a few kilometers long, which starts near the village Thanos, will lead you, through a Limnian landscape of wild beauty, to the chapel of Panagia Kakaviotissa. This chapel, which is the only roofless one worldwide, is built underneath an impressive cave and is among Limnos trademarks. On the second day after the Orthodox Easter each year, pilgrims carry the icon of the Virgin Mary to the chapel and crowds flock to the feast.