Mirina

Mirina

Mirina constitutes the first sea gate of the island, with an amazing castle built in the 12th century A.D by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus A’ Komninos, upon the remnants of a Pelasgic wall.
The City’s name is derived from Mirina, daughter of the King Kritheas of Iolkos and wife of the first King of Limnos, Thoantas. It is estimated that Mirina was founded at the beginning of the 12th century, at a time where the island was dominated by the ancient inhabitants Minies.
Mirina is a very beautiful town with a unique architecture which harmoniously combines neo-classical buildings with traditional dwellings that till this day remain loyal to the local culture.   
The steep region upon which the castle is situated divides the coastline of Mirina in two “shorelines”, the Romaic and the Turkish. The latter, took its name after the Turkish neighborhood that existed in the area and has spread up to the harbor.
At the Romaic shoreline, predominant are the neoclassic houses of the wealthy middle class, which migrated from Egypt. The Archeological Museum, the Cathedral that hosts the Ecclesiastic Museum and, the High School of Mirina are also located here. As a natural continuity of the Romaic shoreline, is the beach named “Reha Nera” (shallow waters), one of the most famous island locations and an attraction to the cosmopolitan tourists of the island.   
The hustle and bustle evidenced at the Port, is a result of the heavy traffic of ships setting sail for Kavala, Mitilini, Agio Eustratios and Samothraki as well as the more distant port of Lavrio in Athens.
The Town Hall and the Harbor Master’s Office are also located at Mirina. The high street (shopping strip) that unites the two shorelines intersects with countless paved alleys and is lined with stores, traditional inns and hundreds of trees that eminate memorable scents in spring and summer.
During summer nights, the beautifully illuminated castle and church of saint Nicholas provoke you into indulging in the most unforgettable reveries. On a clear summer’s night, you can watch the sun-set behind the Holy Mountain “Athos”.

Plati
Leaving Mirina and moving southeast, we come across the scenic village of Plati, perched on a hillock. One of the oldest villages on the island, it is built in an amphitheatrical manner and for that reason, it constitutes a unique feature of the area.A huge sandy beach and beautiful deep blue waters, are the trademark of Plati’s bay. Seaside cottages and a range of hotels built along the coastline with their high standards have contributed towards developing the region and earning a reputation as a luxury resort. An inseparable element of the landscape, is the little island of Diavates, a famous fishery and meeting point for fishermen and anglers.

Thanos
Continuing from the village of Plati and only 4km from Mirina, the traveller comes across the next village, Thanos, situated on the southwest of Limnos. The village is built on a mountain-side among hillocks and is known for the old church of Agia Paraskevi. A semi-mountainous village with houses spread from the foot-hold to its peak.
Thanos enjoys a unique beauty. Not very far from the main village, yet several kilometers to the south, is the impressive sandy Thanos Beach, with its crystal-clear waters offering the possibility of various water sports. Taking the road to the east, towards Kondia and at the top of the bay of Agios Pavlos, the view is breath-taking. There lies the popular beach of Evgati or Zemata, where many tourists gather and locals visit for daily excursions.

Kornos
Lying no more than 8 km southwest of Mirina is the village Kornos situated on the northern slopes of the Hill Skourka. Constructed in an amphitheatrical way, the picturesque stone houses, mansions at the time of their construction, pay tribute to the old glory of the area, which was once considered a village occupied by nobles. Kornos gave birth to many important persons who achieved great things and made fortunes by conducting business in Egypt. Nevertheless, they never forgot their roots and quite a few have become benefactors of their homeland.