By Nicolas Bard

No, we are not in the Sahara desert, nor for safari in Dubai’s dunes. We are in the impressive and spooky sand dunes of Lemnos, an area of ​​70 acres with a thin, golden sand, which creates a rare setting for Greek data, and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. The “thick sandy beaches”, as locals call the area, form a highly cinematic setting, where you can take amazing photos for Instagram. For this reason, whoever comes to the island has this place first on his list.

Lemnos is generally a barren island, but the spectacle one can see in the dunes is so magical that it literally cuts the breath. Around this extent of 70 acres of sand there is green, such as olives, pears and ole, which creates an even greater contrast to golden sand. Seeing the tourists crossing the dunes from above, it’s like watching caravans in the Sahara, without exaggeration. There are many who choose the place for sand boarding, while many take off the shoes and simply crack like kids in the sand.

But how were the dunes created? Sands as a phenomenon are more common on the coast. In Lemnos, however, this ecosystem is about 2 kilometers away from the sea, making it more unique. So the prevailing theory of their creation states that they were created by parallel action of the sea and winds, while in prehistoric times the sea reached that point.

It has been written from time to time that in the sand dunes of Limnos the desert scenes were filmed by the film “A Greek in the Harem” (1971) starring Rena Vlachopoulou. Although not the case – director Yiannis Dalianidis has said that these shooting was done in Attica – it is easy to understand that this rumor came out. It is enough to find yourself in this part of the northeast Lemnos a hot summer day and see this shocking landscape.

To reach the dunes, you will follow the road from the village of Katalakkos, 18.5 kilometers from the capital of the island, Myrina. The road is not asphalt and requires low speed, but there are many plates that will guide you properly. You will park your car in the first gazebo, and from there the walk begins. The best time to visit the area is early in the morning, to combine it with a bathroom on Gomati beach, and in any case don’t forget to take water, hat and light shoes with you. The only sure thing is that this wander will be unforgettable!