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’
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.
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.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lemnos Sand Dunes, also known as Ammothines, are located on the Greek island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea. Specifically, you can find them three kilometers above the village of Katalakkos, near Gomati Beach on the island's northern side. The dunes cover approximately 70 acres and are situated inland, more than two kilometers away from the water.
The Lemnos Sand Dunes are referred to as Europe's only desert located on an island because they represent a rare geological phenomenon unique to island geography in Europe. The golden sand dunes create a landscape similar to the Sahara Desert, with an arid environment characterized by low vegetation and extensive sand formations, making it a distinctive natural wonder found nowhere else on European islands.
According to geologists, the Lemnos Sand Dunes were created through wind action that moved sand across the inland area of the island. The dunes are the result of erosion and deposition processes, which typically occur in coastal areas but also happen inland as in the case of Lemnos. Since wind continuously moves the sand, the dunes are constantly changing their formation over time.
The Lemnos Sand Dunes have sparse flora adapted to the sandy environment. The vegetation consists mainly of white lilies of Lemnos, which bloom in sandy areas, along with small trees including osier, wild pear, wild olive, and oleander. The dunes also feature astyphida and thyme plants, with most of the landscape characterized by low vegetation and golden fine sand.
To reach the Ammothines of Lemnos, take the road from the village of Katalakko on the island. Follow the informational signs that will guide you to the dunes. When you arrive at the location, you will find a visitor kiosk, and from that point you will need to walk to reach the main sand dune attraction.
