Things to do in Lemnos, Northeast Aegean Islands: The Best Churches & Cathedrals

Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland

One of the top sights of Lemnos is the roofless chapel Panagia Kakaviotissa in a cave in one of the wildest parts of the island around Mt. Kakavos. The easiest approach is by rented vehicle from the ring road around Myrina on a 2.5km long dirt road to a parking spot. From there a good path (1.3km, difference in altitude 110m) leads up to the chapel. In the first, steeper part are steps. The scenery is fantastic. My favorite way to visit Panagia Kakaviotissa is to include it in a longer hike, which lasts about 2 1/2h (breaks not included). Starting point is the Evgatia Beach Hotel by the road between Thanos and Kontias. From there one follows a dirt road with no traffic all the way to the previously mentioned parking spot. Already here one will appreciate the beautiful nature on this southwestern part of Lemnos. If one goes this way one has to be careful, since after 600m from the start there is branch off to the left. On the Terrain map of Lemnos it shows a path at the end of this dirt road leading directly up to Panagia Kakaviotissa. Forget about it. The path is difficult to find and very steep. Since it is open towards the west, the chapel is best visited in the evening hours for photography. All in all it is not so much a cultural sight, since the chapel itself is a rather modest construction. The whole visit here is mainly a nature experience with some great views. At the start of the track and again further up are shelters, which are good spots for a picnic. If one doesn't have a vehicle to pick one up at the parking lot on the way back, it means walking along the dirt road, crossing the ring road and going straight into Myrina.