Myrina: Castle, Archaeology and Beaches

Myrina is the capital of Lemnos. When looking for a hotel in Myrina, you can use your travel interests as a starting point: the town is home to the castle, archaeological traces and the Archaeological Museum of Lemnos; two beaches are also within walking distance. Romeikos Gialos and Riha Nera are the two beaches closest to Myrina. This allows you to decide whether history and archaeology, or beach time as well, should be the focus of your trip.

Myrina Castle and History

Myrina Castle rises on a rocky, steep peninsula of volcanic origin and is one of the largest castles in the Aegean. The present-day castle was built in 1186 by Andronikos I Komnenos; it covers an area of 144 stremmata. It was considered the strongest fortress on Lemnos. That is why the town was called Kastro from the late Byzantine period until 1955. Dapia on Tsas Hill is also one of Myrina’s sights.

Early Settlement and the Archaeological Museum

The archaeological evidence extends beyond the medieval castle. Myrina was settled as early as before the Bronze Age, as indicated by antiquities found there. The city’s founding is dated to the 12th or 13th century BC. These accounts emphasize different periods: the finds point to early settlement, while the date places Myrina’s founding in context. The remains of the Neolithic settlement outside the castle walls include a pottery workshop and sections of wall.

The Archaeological Museum of Lemnos is housed in a two-storey 19th-century building that initially served as a Turkish administrative building. Its new permanent exhibition opened in August 2025. It displays finds from Poliochni, Myrina, Koukonisi, Kaveirio and Ouriakos, private donations and a remarkable sculpture collection. Please check the current opening hours before visiting.

More on Limnos

Limnos offers other natural and cultural attractions beyond Myrina. Near Katalakkos lie the Ammothines, a 70-stremmata area of sand dunes inland and away from the coast. Falakra features volcanic formations attributed to the meeting of lava and sea. Every spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds use Lemnos as a stopover on their long journeys between Europe, Asia and Africa. Traditional horse races are held every year in Kalliopi for the feast of Saint George. The two events take place at different times: the migratory birds stop over in spring and autumn, while the horse races in Kalliopi take place for the feast of Saint George.

Lemnos is known for Kalathaki and Melichloro, two cheeses made from sheep’s and goat’s milk. Wines produced on Lemnos include Limnio, also known as Kalambaki, and Muscat of Alexandria. Poliochni also adds to the picture of the island’s history: the settlement dates from the Early Bronze Age and exhibits early forms of social and urban organization.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Thanos, Kaspakas, Moudros, Agios Ioannis, Város, Kontias, Kalliopi, Limnos

For the main travel overview: Limnos.