Mild terrain, low hills, good road network without sharp turns and excellent road network, Limnos is ideal for hiking and cycling. Observe chapels "hanging" from the sky, white salt lakes, pink flamingos, prehistoric settlements. Enjoy the scents of wildflowers, the yellow of the wheat and the sweet light of the northeastern Aegean. Stop driving and discover the most magical Limnos.
Cycling
Stand pedaling by the archipelago
Mild terrain, low hills, good road network without sharp turns and excellent dirt roads, make Limnos an ideal island for cycling.
City bikes
Using a city bike the visitor is able to move easily in the largest part of the island, especially so in the city of Myrina since there are next to no inclines.
Road bikes
The provincial road network of Limnos, spanning a length of 200km is consisted of asphalt with mild turns and is kept in excellent condition. The inland of Limnos its wide range of cycling routes is available for exploration by bicycle enthusiasts.
Mountain Bikes
There are countless off-road routes, apparent even in the simplest of island maps. We would indicate the following:
For discerning mountain bikers
There are no particularly high hills or designated routes but you can enjoy downhill at various points of the island such as Agio Athanasios in the vicinity of Kaspaka, from Katalako to Amothines, from Sardes to Gomati and from Kakavo to Evgatis.
Panagia Kakaviotisa
Start from the city of Myrina, moving southwest through the city gate towards Plati. At the ring road interchange of Myrina turn left. Follow the road for 1 km, then turn right on the well-tended dirt road. At that spot, a sign will point you toward Panagia Kakaviotissa (Παναγία Κακαβιώτισσα). Follow this dirt road for approximately 2.5 kilometers. On the right side of the road you will encounter a clearing where you may park your vehicle. On that spot lies the start of the trail that will lead you to the top of Mt Kakavos, to the beautiful chapel of Virgin Mary, which is actually a rocky cave. Despite being uphill, it is not very tiring due to its relatively short length of 1.3 km.
The first few meters of the trail are intensely uphill, carved to stairs in certain parts. Going uphill, the scenery becomes all the more interesting. After about 400 meters of walking the ground turns to flat and movement is much easier. You will find a rest stop, with an amazing view of Moudros. The time required to reach this spot by walking is approximately 17 minutes. After catching your breath, proceed through the low vegetation and volcanic rocks and noteworthy geological formations. In about 10 minutes you will encounter a stairway leading up to the top of the rock. A rocky cavern houses the chapel. It is estimated to be built around 1300 as a hideaway and remains a place of absolute tranquility and of unique sensation. You may return by the same trail.
Hiking Routes
Lemnos has a unique heterogeneity of landscapes that you can't believe if you don't see it. Volcanic formations, Asian steppes, Saharan landscapes, wetland systems and seasonal lakes, waterfalls and bucolic and rural scenes within a few kilometers and a few minutes of driving. It is characterized by its division into two main parts: the volcanic and mountainous West and the sedimentary and almost flat East, with a zone of volcanic tuffs and the petrified forest joining them.
450 km of coastline with sandy beaches and pebble beaches of all sizes, unique sand dunes with rare vegetation and ideal conditions for mild water sports. Unique - at least on a pan-European level - cultural monuments such as Poliochni, mystical places such as Kaveria and huge organized cities such as Hefaistia. Paleolithic settlements and Byzantine fortifications, petrified forests and World War II fortifications.
Diapori – Agia Efthimia (Peninsula Of Fakos)
The entire peninsula of Fakos is an ideal landscape for hikers accustomed to relatively long distances. The area is is a wildlife refuge with a unique atmosphere, brushwood areas, a steep coastline with captivating coves and deserted beaches. The only human elements are the paddocks of livestock farmers and chapels.
Estimate your endurance, get supplies and get going!
Starting from the beach of Diapori, move towards the chapel of Agia Efthimia, located on the southwest part of the island. This route can alternately be traversed by bike or car. Leaving the beach of Diapori behind, while following the dirt road - which begins at a low uphill gradient, you will walk through a landscape of low vegetation and low hills visible in the distance. At the first crossing of the road follow the path to the right. Then , on your right side you will notice the chapel of Agios Antonios, and at a distance of 1000 meters since the starting point you will see two paddocks, one of which is located a short distance from the sea.
After approximately 3.5 kilometers, on your right lies a beautiful and deserted beach. Continue by following the dirt road. At the 4.5 km mark you arrive at a crossing where you will move left and take the slightly uphill course. After 1 more kilometer, adding up to 5.4 km so far, you will come across yet another junction, where you take a right turn, passing in front of another paddock.
The dirt road goes on, approaching the sea towards the exotic beach of Kokkina. Surrounded by cliffs, with fine red sand, it is one of the most beautiful and desolate beaches of the island. If you choose not to enjoy the beach of Kokkina, go straight ahead, and upon completing the 6.5 kilometers of the track, reach the chapel of Agia Efthimia, with a splendid view of two small coves and the Aegean.