Lemnos
Posted on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Another area both important for its nature and culture is the island of Lemnos, with a population of approximately 18,000 and an area of 477.5 km2. Lemnos is situated in the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is mostly flat but the west, and especially the north-west part, is rough and mountainous. The main towns are Myrina, on the western coast, and Moudros on the eastern shore of a large bay in the middle of the island. The hillsides afford pasture for sheep, and Lemnos has a strong husbandry tradition, being famous for its feta and melipasto cheeses, and for its yoghurt. Fruit and vegetables that grow on the island include almonds, figs, melons, watermelons, tomatoes, pumpkins and olives. The main crops are wheat, barley, sesame; in fact Lemnos was Constantinople’s granary during Byzantine times. Lemnos also produces what is probably the best honey in the world (from thyme-fed bees). Muscat grapes are grown widely, some of them in an organic manner, and are used to produce wine.
Lemnos landscapes are highly varied, due also to particular geologic formations. Most of them have remained untouched, although recently a transformation process is on the way due to urbanisation along the major roads and the coastline. Automobile ownership is high and this exacerbates the spread of building and activities, while traditional agriculture seems much less productive. Tourism is limited by a very short sea-son (mainly July and August) and this has protected the island from large-scale tourist constructions, although some are in the planning stage.
