Getting from Santorini to Lemnos

Lemnos is a large, volcanic island in the northern Aegean that most visitors to Greece never reach, and that gap between quality and visibility is one of the most compelling things about it. The island is flat and unusual, with a landscape of rolling hills, wetlands and volcanic rock that looks nothing like the Cyclades. Myrina, the capital, has a Byzantine castle above the harbour, a fine archaeological museum and a waterfront lined with seafood restaurants that are excellent and almost entirely local. The island produces some of the best Muscat wine in Greece. The beaches on the western and southern coasts are long, sandy and largely uncrowded. Lemnos rewards people who are willing to detour from the standard Greek island circuit.

Take the ferry

There is no practical direct ferry from Santorini to Lemnos. Ferry connections to Lemnos run from Lavrio, around 60 kilometres southeast of Athens, three times a week year-round, taking around 9 hours. A longer connection via Piraeus also exists but takes around 24 hours. Getting to either port from Santorini requires going through Athens first. Flying is the far more practical option for this route.

What about flying?

Both Santorini and Lemnos have airports, which makes this a manageable connection by air. There are no direct flights between the two islands. The journey goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Lemnos, with Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both serving the Athens to Lemnos route. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours door to door. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly via Athens. It is the only realistic approach for most travellers and the connection is easy. Lemnos Airport is around 22 kilometres from Myrina so factor in a taxi or transfer on arrival.