Greetings from a TA refugee!
This is my first RS Greece Forum legit question...
We are thinking about Lemnos. We have two travel windows, August or late September/early October. I was a fish in another life, so swimming is a priority along with quiet, slow, low keyed flaneuring (wandering). We don't do crowds or shopping. We usually self cater and rent a car.
I am stuck because I know August is the high season and crowds are the norm on many islands at that time of year. I am concerned about our second travel window because I know the Aegean begins to cool off at that time of year. We were on Lesvos at a similar time of year (late September) and the water was beginning to lose it's warmth. Hence, my dilemma.
Does anybody have an insight into the crowds on Lemnos in August? Any comparisons that can be made to other islands in August?
Thanks!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3460 posts
Hi refugee!
As I already replied to you on TA a few days ago (with a link to a video), I won't make a long comment.
This is just my personal opinion, but since we have the same travel style (we don't like crowds, we don't shop, we self-cater, and we always rent a car to explore the islands), I think Myrina, the capital, is the place to avoid. Especially since Lemnos is a large island, and many places worth visiting that require a car are on the east or north side of the island, while Myrina is in the far southwest.
We were there in early September 2024. In Myrina, there were a few people around, but not really crowds. Quite a few were Greek tourists. We're allergic to crowds and didn't find it bothersome during the day we were there. Myrina is also a nice town to visit.
All the other places on the island were peaceful, though still with a bit of activity.
We generally don't spend much time on the beaches, let's say 10% or less. More than that we get bored. We stayed in a house 20 meters from a beach and never even set foot in the water there.
That being said, during our travels around the island we did find some secluded spots to swim, and the water temperature was perfectly bearable.
Posted by
OP
Maine
30 posts
Thanks, very helpful!
Posted by
Down Under🇦🇺
3 posts
Hi Missmarleygirl if swimming is a priority then definitely visit Lemnos in August as the weather will still be hot and the water warm. By end Sept/early Oct the weather will be alot more milder and the nights quite cooler.
In terms of people obviously end of Sept/Oct it will be very quiet. End of August it will still be busy but not "Cyclades" busy. Lemnos mainly attracts Greek tourists and usually by end August, beginning Sept they are heading back to the mainland or their home countries etc.
Hope I've helped.
Posted by
OP
Maine
30 posts
Thanks for the reply. I'm leaning into August...As long as we have AC for the nights, we'll be fine as far as summer heat goes.
Has anyone been on both Lemnos and Samos and can compare the two?
Thoughts on if Lemnos big enough to split a stay?
@JoLui, would you be willing to share where you stayed?
Posted by
Aylesbury England
11 posts
This is where we stayed on Lemnos about ten years ago just outside of the main town but you may have see it in the past
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3460 posts
The house where we stayed is in Nea Koutali, a lovely seaside village with a small beach and a fishing port.
It's the house behind the palm trees:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rksH4iub1272JUq9A
The house and furnishings are basic, in their original condition as if it were permanently inhabited, but it has everything you need.
There's a living room/kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a bathroom, as well as a terrace and a garden.
The owner's parents run it, they live in the house next door. They only speak Greek and are extremely kind.
It was just under €100 per night at early September.
A few bars and restaurants are within walking distance, as well as a mini-market and a bakery.
I can send you the contact information via private message if you're interested.