Geological hiking on Lemnos island

In the northern Aegean Sea, there are several islands that remain little known in Central Europe, even though they offer not only a unique natural environment and fascinating history but also the charm of a destination far away from mass tourism. After previously leading journeys on the island of Lesvos, our next adventure takes us to the northernmost volcanic island of the Aegean — Limnos.

Around 30–40 million years ago, the island was an active volcanic field with peaks rising up to 600–1000 meters. Massive eruptions shattered the mountains, forming vast calderas and impressive lava domes. Today, you need to be able to “read the rocks” to understand this ancient story, yet remnants of craters and numerous volcanic domes are still visible.

Despite its often semi-arid climate, Limnos has developed a surprisingly rich natural world. In spring, the island turns lush and green, bursting with flowers and aromatic herbs. Rare reptiles inhabit the rocky slopes and sand dunes, while wetlands and seasonal lakes become a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Thanks to its fertile soil, Limnos has been settled for over 5,000 years and gave rise to some of the earliest Aegean cultures. Among them is Poliochni, considered one of the oldest towns in Europe. The island’s early inhabitants, known as the Kabeiroi, left behind intriguing traces of their mysterious cults. On this pilot tour, we will visit archaeological sites in Myrina and the northern part of the island.

There will be plenty of time for photography and personal exploration. We’ll also keep the program flexible to allow spontaneous excursions, adapted to the weather and the interests of the group.

Your stay will be at one of the most charming hotels on the island, beautifully located on the edge of the ancient Varos crater — the perfect base for discovery and relaxation.

Since Limnos has its own airport, the island is easily reached via Athens. Flights take about 45 minutes, and there are good connections from Germany with Aegean Airlines, a carrier that earned travelers’ trust with its safety standards, even during the pandemic. The onward flight to Limnos is usually operated by Olympic Air, a subsidiary of Aegean.

At Limnos Airport, you will be personally welcomed by your tour leader, Tobias Schorr, and transferred by private coach directly to the hotel — a journey of about 20 minutes.
An earlier arrival on the island can be arranged if desired.

Our hike begins right at the hotel, following the edge of the ancient crater. Along the way, we pass by old defensive walls dating back to the First and Second World Wars. The views over the village of Varos and the wide crater valley are truly unique. With a bit of luck, we may spot rare orchids or fragrant wild herbs along the path.

The hike ends back at the hotel, and the afternoon is free for spontaneous activities — perhaps exploring the surroundings, relaxing, or taking photos. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel or in a nearby tavern.

After about a half-hour drive, we reach the village of Kontias and a small reservoir, where our hike begins. The trail leads us up to the summit of an ancient lava dome that was active around 23 million years ago. Beneath a natural rock shelter, shaped over time by erosion, we find one of the most beautiful chapels in Greece — Panagia Kakaviotissa, the only chapel in the entire country without a roof, open to the sky and filled with a very special atmosphere.

On the way back, we cross the crater basin of the volcano and follow a quiet valley to return to the reservoir. Along the route, we pass fascinating geological formations and may even spot amphibians in the mountain stream.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel and meet later for a shared dinner, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

The island’s capital, Myrina, is famous for its picturesque harbor, crowned by a majestic medieval castle. We stroll up to the fortress and enjoy fantastic photo opportunities of the surrounding landscape with its numerous lava domes and the town below.

After descending, we visit a small archaeological site with ancient remains. Following a short break and refreshment, we hike up to the summit of a lava dome crowned by the charming Agios Athanasios Chapel, offering stunning panoramic views over Myrina.

We then explore the remnants of the historic Thermia thermal baths before returning to our hotel in Varos. In the evening, we gather for a shared dinner, rounding off the day in good company.

After breakfast, we drive to the northwest of the island. Near the small village of Katalakkos, we set out on a hike along the crater rims, passing through open fields and along old stone walls. Here, too, we find traces of the World Wars — silent reminders of Limnos’ great strategic importance. Even today, parts of the island remain a military area, though the peaceful nature here hardly reveals this past.

We take time to enjoy the fragrant air, observe local plants and wildlife, and soak in the serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel, making plenty of photo stops along the way to capture the stunning landscapes.

The ancient inhabitants of the island, the Kabeiroi, remain shrouded in mystery, and many discoveries are yet to be made. Anyone who has not visited the theater ruins and the sacred Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi has not truly experienced the island’s archaeological treasures.

We first drive to the Kabeiroi Sanctuary, then begin a scenic coastal hike back to Varos. Along the way, there’s time for wildlife observation, as this region is known for its rare birds, insects, and reptiles. Charming small chapels by the roadside offer both shade and perfect photo opportunities.

We drive to the archaeological site of Poliochni and take time to explore this fascinating place. The visible foundations of the prehistoric city date back long before 2500 BC, with the earliest traces of settlement reaching 4,000–5,000 years into the past.

Afterwards, we marvel at the island’s vast sand dunes, a striking and unexpected landscape. Later, we continue to Moudros, where we discover fossilized tree remains, preserved for millions of years under layers of volcanic ash from ancient eruptions.

Our journey then takes us to the small island of Koukonisi, home to the oldest known human settlements on Limnos.

In the evening, we return to the Varos Hotel and share a delightful farewell dinner together.

Sadly, every journey must come to an end. Depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to Limnos Airport in the morning or at midday, ensuring you reach your flight to Athens on time and your onward connections run smoothly.

If you wish to extend your stay on Limnos, this can be arranged — just let us know when booking. It’s also easy to combine your trip with a stay in Athens, for example, to visit the Acropolis and explore the vibrant capital.

We’re happy to assist you with flight bookings, trip extensions, or planning your Athens stay.

• Airport–hotel transfer
• Half board
• Guided hikes
• Entrance fees
• Transfers

• Flight to Athens
• Flight Athens–Limnos
• Personal equipment
• Tips/gratuities
• Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages

• 4-6 participants

• 1840,00 €
• single room 150 €

March-April (on request)

Our planned hotel will be located in Varos. It is one of the most beautiful and modern hotels on the island. If it is not available for our travel dates, we will arrange an equivalent hotel of the same quality.

Tobias Schorr (born September 1, 1967) has been leading hiking and study tours to volcanic landscapes in Greece since 1996. After many years living in Greece, he knows the country intimately and now invites you to discover the little-known island of Limnos. With his trained eye for geology, nature, and history, he guides you to the island’s hidden treasures — from ancient lava domes and fascinating rock formations to rare plants, wildlife, and impressive archaeological sites such as Poliochni and the mysterious Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi.

As a co-founder of a volcanology-focused travel company (2005–2015), Tobias brings deep expertise in volcanic processes and a talent for making complex geology understandable and exciting.

He speaks fluent Modern Greek, helping you connect with the warm-hearted people of Limnos and experience authentic Greek culture beyond the tourist trail. Almost all the photos on this website are his own work, and as a professional photographer and photo designer, he loves to share tips and help guests capture their own unforgettable memories.

If you have questions about this or other journeys, or would like to invite Tobias Schorr for a lecture in your hometown, you can reach him daily between 10:00 and 20:00 (CET) at +49179-4761831, or by email.

The trip is suitable for all age groups from 12 years and up who feel physically fit, enjoy regular hiking at home, and have no health issues. The hikes often follow rocky trails and can occasionally be steep, but no fear of heights is required.