LEMNOS, GREECE

Lemnos Sand Dunes

A miniature desert appears out of nowhere on the lush isle

of Lemnos, like something out of a Greek myth. 

The soft yellow sand is carried by the wind from the beaches nearby and deposited here, in the crook between the two extinct volcanos that make up the island of Lemnos. If the wind is strong enough, one can see waves in the dunes, like a great sandy ocean.

It might seem like a barren landscape, but in actuality the dunes play host to a large variety of local fauna, especially wild rabbits who hop out around sundown. Additionally, white lilies sprout right from the sand, while olive trees flank the edge of the desert. 

Walking straight from lush forest vegetation into the arid desert lends visitors a feeling of otherworldly fantasy. Indeed, Lemnos appears in Ancient Greek mythology as Hephaestus’ home when Zeus expelled him from Olympus. Perhaps because of this ethereal feeling, or because of the island’s variety of landscapes, many film directors have shot their desert scenes on Lemnos.

Know Before You Go

You probably need a four wheel drive car to comfortably reach the desert, as it is only accessible via a dirt road. Avoid visiting at noon on very hot days. The sand can be scalding hot. Very early in the morning or just before sunset makes for a more comfortable visit.