Greece - Korina Miller [515]
Sights & Activities
Myrina’s castle occupies a headland that divides the town from its popular beach. The sea views from here extend to Mt Athos. From the harbour, take the first side street to the left by an old Turkish fountain, where the castle is signposted. At night, sitting in front of the church on the northeastern side of the castle gives great views of the cafe lights down below and, if you’re lucky, quick glimpses of bounding deer in the darkness to the left.
Myrina’s beaches include the wide and sandy Rea Maditos, and a superior Romeïkos Gialos, beyond the harbour; it’s accessible by taking any left from Kyda-Karatza as you’re walking inland. Further on, it becomes Riha Nera (shallow water), named for its gently shelving, child-friendly seafloor. There’s nightlife here too.
Five minutes south on the road towards Thanos Beach, Platy Beach is a shallow, sandy beach popular with locals, and has beach bars and restaurants.
Myrina’s archaeological museum (admission €2; 9am-3pm Tue-Sun) occupies a neoclassical mansion overlooking Romeïkos Gialos beach, and contains finds from Limnos’ three sites of Poliohni, the Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi and Hephaistia.
From June to September, Theodoros Petrides Travel Agency organises round-the-island boat trips (€20), with stops for swimming and lunch.
Sleeping
Hotel Filoktitis ( /fax 22540 23344; Ethnikis Andistasis 14; s/d €40/50; ) This welcoming hotel has airy, well-equipped rooms just inland of Riha Nera Beach. Follow Maroulas (the continuation of Kyda-Karatza) and then Ethnikis Andistasis; the hotel is located above the quite fine restaurant of the same name.
Hotel Lemnos ( 22540 22153; s/d €45/60; ) The harbour-side Lemnos has friendly staff and modern rooms with balconies overlooking the waterfront or castle.
Apollo Pavillion ( /fax 22540 23712; www.apollopavilion.com; studios incl breakfast from €60; ) Tucked behind the port in a neoclassical house, the popular Apollo Pavillion offers large rooms with kitchenette and balcony. Walk along Nikolaou Garoufallidou from Kyda-Karatza and the sign is 150m along on the right.
Lemnos Village Hotel ( 22540 23500; www.lemnosvillagehotel.com; Platy Beach; s/d/tr €50/60/70; ) Just out of town on Platy Beach, this chic resort-type hotel offers many more amenities for the price than Myrina’s simpler places (partly why it’s popular with foreign groups).
To Arhontiko ( 22540 29800; cnr Sahtouri & Filellinon; s/d/tr €50/65/80; ) This restored mansion dating from 1814 has lovely boutique rooms with simple charm, and helpful, friendly staff. It’s located on a quiet alley near the main shopping street, one street back from the beach.
Nefeli Guest Rooms ( 22540 22825; d/tr/q €100/120/150; ) This intimate place features handsome stone rooms with great sea views high above the town. It’s up the hill from the castle, next to the cafe of the same name.
Eating
Ouzeri To 11 ( 22540 22635; Plateia KTEL; seafood mezedhes €4.50-7) This unassuming little ouzerie by the bus depot is the local favourite for seafood. From kydonia (mussels with garlic and Venus clams) to limpets, sea urchins, crayfish and more, ‘To En-dheka’ (as it’s pronounced) serves all the strange stuff, along with plenty of ouzo to make you forget what you’re eating.
O Platanos Taverna ( 22540 22070; mains €5-8) Mayirefta with an emphasis on meats are served at this iconic place under a giant plane tree, halfway along Kyda-Karatza.
O Sozos ( 22540 25085; Platy village; mains €5-8) In the mountain village of Platy, just east of Myrina, O Sozos is popular for its traditional fare. Specialities include Kokkaras Flomaria (rooster served with pasta).
Tzitzifies ( 22540 23756; fish from €7) Fresh fish and meat dishes are available at this worthwhile taverna with excellent sea views through beachfront trees.
Drinking
Myrina’s summer nightlife is centred around the bars above Romeïkos Gialos beach.
Karagiozis (Romeïkos Gialos beach; 9am-5am) This popular