Ammothines of Lemnos: The only desert in Europe on an island

Greece is full of treasures and rare sights not only created by man but mainly by nature. How can one of the most special parts of this country, and specifically of island Greece, not be included in this category? The reason for the "little Sahara", with its golden sand and endless beauty is called Ammothines. Indeed, the only desert in Europe located on an island. This island is Lemnos.

The Lunar Landscapes of Greece

Lemnos Dunes: Greece’s Own ‘Mini Sahara’

Ammothines of Lemnos — Dunes or otherwise the "little Sahara" in Lemnos

Lemnos is home to remarkable dunes, often referred to as the ‘little Sahara’ of Greece. These golden dunes cover approximately 70 acres on the island’s northern side, creating an awe-inspiring geological phenomenon.

Lemnos Sand Dunes — The traveler will find in Lemnos a highly impressive geological phenomenon of golden dunes

You will find it three kilometers above the village of Katalakkos and near Gomati Beach. Once you get there, you will find that it is an eerie landscape that you never imagined you would ever encounter in Greece, especially on an island. And yet Lemnos offers it to you.

The area where the dunes or simply dunes (meaning hills of sand) are located is essentially characterized by low vegetation and golden fine sand that creates this scenery. This particular sandy area of Lemnos is not coastal as usual and is not located on a beach or the sandy coast of the island. The water is more than two kilometers from the point.

When you get there, you will be impressed by the scenery and you will not stop taking pictures as if you are in the Sahara!

There is little flora that thrives in the dunes and this consists mainly of the beautiful white lilies of Lemnos which mainly bloom in sandy coastal areas. There are also some small trees throughout the area, such as osier, wild pear, wild olive, and oleander, as well as astyphida and thyme.

How dunes were created

Sand dunes of Lemnos like... Sahara — Dunes of Lemnos like... Sahara

According to geologists, the dunes of Lemnos are inland (as we said not near water), and their creation is due to the wind that moved the sand. This is why the dunes are constantly changing formation. One can imagine that they are an ecosystem created by the parallel action of air and sea. It results from erosion and deposition of sand, usually in coastal areas but also ones such as Lemnos.

This rare and special geological phenomenon proves once again the richness of Greece's landscapes and how many different scenery you can encounter even on the same island. As in Lemnos. On the one hand, the Ammothines and on the other the endless coastline with the amazing golden beaches and crystal clear waters to make your dives.

How to get to the Ammothines of Lemnos

When you go to the island of Lemnos, to reach Ammothines and admire this unique landscape, you will follow the road from the village of Katalakko. You will see that there are signs that will inform you where to go easily. When you arrive you will see a kiosk for visitors and from that point onwards you will have to walk to reach the main attraction.