Lemnos Maps

Lemnos (also spelled Limnos) is an island in the northern Aegean Sea, located between Mount Athos and the Dardanelles. The island covers 184 square miles and has a population of approximately 16,000 residents. Myrina, the capital and main port, is situated on the west coast and features a Byzantine fortress built on a rocky promontory dividing the harbor into two sections.

The island's landscape is predominantly flat or gently rolling, contrasting with the mountainous terrain typical of Greek islands. This topography, combined with volcanic soil, makes Lemnos an important agricultural producer, particularly of wheat, barley, honey, and wine. The island was sacred to Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, in ancient Greek mythology. Archaeological sites include Poliochni, an Early Bronze Age settlement on the east coast claimed to be among Europe's oldest organized cities, pre-dating Troy.

Lemnos hosts a significant military presence due to its strategic location. The island has a large airport and deep-water port at Moudros, which served as an Allied base during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. The Allied War Cemetery near Moudros contains graves of soldiers who died during the campaign. The island features volcanic landscapes, particularly at Fakos peninsula in the north, and numerous sandy beaches. Traditional villages include Kontias, Thanos, and Platy. Tourism remains relatively undeveloped, with the economy based on agriculture, livestock, and military installations.

The Facts:
Region: North Aegean.
Regional unit: Lemnos.
Cities: Atsiki, Moudros, Myrina, Nea Koutali.
Population: ~ 16,000.
Area: 184 sq mi (478 sq km).