Sahara, but not in Africa: who will like a small Greek island with almost no tourists

Greece, like most southern European countries, suffers from an excessive number of tourists. But even here, you can find corners where you can hide from people and have a great vacation.

According to the Express, the hidden gem of the country is the small island of Lemnos. There are almost no tourists here, and the landscape in some places resembles the Sahara desert rather than the lush northern Mediterranean.

Lemnos is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. The terrain here is mostly flat, and the local population is only 16,000 people with a small population. In the north of Lemnos, there is an area where there are solid sands and real dunes can be seen. This area is called the "sands of Lemnos" or Pachies Amotines. The arid area covers seven hectares.

Scientists assume that the unusual natural area arose due to the combined influence of the sea and winds. In prehistoric times, the sands of Lemnos were seabed, and over time, the local climate prevented them from turning into fertile land. Nowadays, only a few species of shrubs grow here, and in summer you can see the blooming of sea daffodils. At sunset, rabbits come out of their hiding places, having found comfortable conditions for themselves here.

After passing through the unusual "desert", you will see an "oasis" – Gomati Beach. An abandoned tank that has been standing by the sea for many years makes it an unusual tourist attraction.

The climate on Lemnos is Mediterranean. The average temperature here is 29.5 °C in July and 10.7 °C in January. At noon in Pachies Amotines, it may seem warmer due to the hot sands. Experienced tourists do not recommend visiting this unusual location during the daytime. During the heat, the hot sand can cause severe discomfort.

The main city and port of Lemnos is Mirina. It is located on the west coast of the island. Many of the local streets are paved with stone cobblestones. The city's main attraction is the ancient fortress. It acquired its current outline in the 13th century thanks to the efforts of the Venetians, but in the 18th century, the monument was severely damaged by the Russians, who during the Russo-Turkish War organized a siege of Mirina. The fortress is now open to the public.

The second largest settlement on the island is the town of Moudros, built on the shores of the bay of the same name, which is considered one of the best natural harbors in the Aegean region.

Tourism on Lemnos is not very developed, which makes it a great place for relaxation and solitude. The airport accepts international flights, but there are also ferries from the mainland for those who like to travel by sea.

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