Latest Reviews for Lemnos

Our priority for this holiday was to have a decent sandy beach and views from our balcony with which to enjoy the occasional Pimms. We were willing to compromise slightly on the accommodation. This is our 9th Greek island and are seasoned travellers to Greece.

The outbound flight with XL was delayed 40 minutes from Gatwick but we arrived in Skiathos on time and after a brief 30 minute stop we arrived in Lemnos on time. Our luggage appeared at the terminal in a matter of minutes and we were on the coach on our way within 20 minutes of landing.

There were only 16 people on a big 56 seater coach which was unable to negotiate the roads around Sotiris and Afrodite Apartments so we had to drag our suitcases up a hill to Sotiris only to be greeted by the eyesore that is the new block. For those people in Sotiris it is to one side and does not detract from the superb views (from the top floor) but for those poor people opposite it in the Afrodite it did present a problem.

The first impression of the accommodation is that it is basic but reasonably clean. Considering the standard we have had on previous Sunvil holidays this is easily the worst we have had (Probably compromised too much). We were given apartment 2 on the middle floor but after asking we eventually moved to the top floor - which was much better. In the studio there is a single as well as a double bed and a very small kitchen with a very noisy fridge. The bins were emptied every day and we had fresh towels and sheets twice a week. There is air-conditioning (which if you do use it will drip for hours afterwards). I would say it is the sort of studio you would be happy with if you had paid £350 for 2 weeks in Corfu. I guess that what you are paying for is a Boeing 737-800 flying 16 people from Skiathos to Lemnos - so it is always going to be a bit more expensive. The views to the Castle at night are good but during the day the garden has been ruined by the large spoil heaps which have been piled up from the new build.

The nearest supermarket which is back towards the church was 3 minutes walk away and is very reasonable with very helpful staff.

We decided to use Rominokos beach in preference to Riha Nera. Rominokos has the advantage that is has free sun shades and is quieter. The beach is backed by a small park where the locals come to eat their lunch under the shade of the olive trees. It must be one of the best beaches we have enjoyed.

There is the usual island tour, but because of the size of the coach it was limited to where it could go. We were very disappointed it did not visit a number of places we wanted to see, so we hired a car for a day, which I would recommend. We felt that we had seen everything we wanted to in a very enjoyable day.

We climbed up to see the castle ruins early one morning to take some wonderful pictures of the sun rising over the island. It is an easy walk but be careful on the ramparts by the flag as there is a steep drop on the other side. We saw a number of deer and they seemed not to mind us wondering around their hill. The archaeological museum is well worth a visit.

We ate at a Blue and White restaurant in the Myrina port one evening. We treated ourselves to a nice sea bass which cost e40 but was worth it. But our favourite restaurant was the Irida on the Rominokos strip noted for its square plates proper table clothes and impeccable service. It is unfortunately an Italian restaurant and not very traditional but they did treat us to tiramisu at the end of each meal. To watch the sun setting over Mount Athos on the main land is simply breath taking and well worth going out to watch.

There were a number of people on our flight considering returning to Lemnos but I would find it difficult to recommend the Sotiris despite it having superior views.

The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands describes the locals as bucolic which I think is justified the book also implies that Lemnos is not flat barren and treeless I would agree that Lemnos has a few trees and is not barren but there is no denying that it lacks the dramatic scenery of many Greek islands.

I asked Sunvil for recommendation for a white sandy beach resort, within easy walking distance from the apartment. I also requested an apartment which was close to amenities (supermarkets, tavernas etc).And they came up with the goods!Note we atayed at the Afrodite Apartments, not Afrodite villa.

Transfer from airport took about 30 minutes only. The outbound flight entailed a stop over in Skiathos, and with a one hour delay that day, the whole journey from Gatwick to Lemnos took 5 hours!The return journey was 3 hours and 15 minutes. We left 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled departure time.

My in-laws came along and we had 2 separate apartments. Ours had a double bed and a single one for our child. There was a fridge and a 2-ring cooker, a toaster and kettle (both rare in Greek self-catering apmnts). The bathroom was a little small, especially compared to my in-laws' next door. Both bathrooms had outside windows, tho' ours was quite small hence slightly ";dark";. But I would still be very happy to have the same apmnt again.(apmnt no. 2)In-laws were in no.3.

The beds were made every day (inc Sunday) and apartment also cleaned. We had fresh towels every other day. There is air-cond and heating; though we did not need either of them. The apmnt is basic but clean. For Greece, I would say it was very good. We did not cook except some bacon.

I would recommend the apmnt and resort for families. Anyone wanting plenty of night life would probably be bored.

There is a military base here so, we did see some jets on 1 day. No noise problem as such tho'.

The archaelogical museum is well labelled with English and other languages, description. We did not pay on the day we visited as it was world environment day or something like that.

This island is relatively un-touristy. Go now! There is an all inclusive ";Italian holiday camp"; about 10 minutes walk from Restaurant Argo, also a Mark Warner near the port.

The beach we were at is probably the best stretch of beach around; look at Sunvil's brochure. It is really like the photos in there. This co. is not the cheapest around but they do have good quality apmts in lovely ";undiscovered"; parts of Greek islands. My family has been twice to Greece with Sunvil and both times have been very good; my in-laws have been many many times with Sunvil to Greece and they have been very pleased with the apmnts and resorts.

There is the usual island tour, boat trips etc which can be booked with rep.

About 3 minute walk was the white sandy beach, clear and calm waters. The beach called ";Riha Nera"; (I think) means shallow waters and was perfect for my child.

On the beach is a shower and 4 swings (good condition. A sun lounger is 2 euros a day and a canoe is 4 euros for an hour.Also about 6 or 7 wooden ";gazebo";, which you do not have to pay for.

On the beach is a taverna, Restaurant Argo. The owners Babish (short for a Greek name) and his Welsh wife are lovely; so are their staff; Alex and Margarita and the chef were quite taken with my child. The freshly squeezed orange juice is 3 euros (about 1/2 pint), a litre beer (Amstel, Alpha) is about 2.50 euros. The food is the usual Greek food, all very reasobly priced. Their fried gavros (like sardines) were delicious.

The nearest supermarkets were about 3 minutes and 5 minutes away. The nearer one is tucked away; we discovered it by chance. It is more ";organised"; tahn the other one on the main road, where the friendly owner speaks good English. We got our water, ham, cheese etc from both places. Bread was from a bakery also about 5 minutes away.

About 15 walk away is the capital and port, Myrina. There are about 6 restaurants right on the water front. They all offer about the same food, and prices are about the same. The one right at the end (with blue and white ";roof"; is slightly more expensive. Their chips are great and the owner speaks very good English.

I would recommend the restaurant Sextant, which is in a corner by the clock tower, near the entrance to catch the ferries. Food was very good (souvlaki, like kebabs, mussels, grilled fish) was very good value. The night we were there it was packed. Loads of Greeks eating there. The cafe perched on the hill was perfect to watch the ferries load and unload people and vehicles, and enjoy the sea air.

All the tavernas around the port were opened in early June. Some near our apmts were not. There are some cafes with loud music blaring away on the route to the port; they were very popular.

We climbed up to see the castle ruins. It is not a difficult journey, tho' some small sections are a little rocky and thus extra care required. But those who do not like heights should avoid going near the flag post as there are no barriers down to the sea! We did not see any goats or deers that day.The ruins are lit up at night.

Another restaurant which serves ";Italian"; food is also recommended. Don't know the name, but it has green table cloths and has a few tables over looking the sea. It also serves grilled meats (pork chop was good)and we had pudding (profiteroles -not very Greek I know, biy yummy and other chocolatey things, all on the house.

The shops on the way to the harbour consist of a few clothes shops, one or two ";botique like";, banks, hardware shops, food supemarkets, fast food joints (no Mc Donalds!) selling kebabs etc., souvenir shops etc.You cannot have a shopping spree here.

An enjoyable relaxing holiday.