Limni is a charming coastal town on the northwestern shores of Evia, nestled between the deep blue waters of the North Euboean Gulf and lush green mountains. Believed to be the site of ancient Elymnion, which Aristophanes referenced in his play Peace—not Sophocles’ as some online sources wrongly cite—Limni’s name is thought to be a modern misinterpretation—spelled with an “i” instead of a “y,” even though no lake (limni in Greek) is nearby. This small town is perfect for those seeking a relaxed getaway, offering scenic beach strolls, stunning traditional architecture, and easy access to the natural wonders of northern Evia.
I have a strong emotional bond with Limni. My paternal grandmother grew up there—her father, Georgios Kechriotis, served as mayor of Limni for a time—and when I was little, my family and I would often travel from Chalkida to visit her family home. I always look forward to returning whenever I get the chance, often bringing my guests there during tours of the island’s north.
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How to Get to Limni
By Car
From Athens, you have two primary routes:
- Via Chalkida: Drive to Chalkida via the national highway and continue north to Limni.
- Via Arkitsa Ferry: Take the ferry from Arkitsa to Edipsos, then drive south to Limni.
The first route is more scenic, taking you through the island, and should take slightly less time—roughly three hours.
If you haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
By Public Transport
At the time of writing, two daily bus routes operate from Liosion Station in Athens (location) to Limni at 11:00 and 16:00. Check the bus company’s official site for updated routes.
By Boat
If you’re a sailor, good news! Limni has a small port where you can dock your boat. By the way, National Geographic ranked the Euboean Gulf among the top 10 sailing destinations worldwide.
I once sailed into Limni as a crew member during the opening day of Euboea’s regatta in 2019. That day turned out to be the windiest I can ever recall in the otherwise calm bay—several boats ended up with torn sails, and one even suffered a broken main! Ironically, on the final day of the race, when we were supposed to finish in Kymi after crossing the typically wild Aegean, the sea was as calm as a millpond. After drifting aimlessly for an entire day, we finally gave up and switched on the engine.
Where to Stay in Limni
Accommodation options in Limni are limited but charming. Here are a few choices within the town:
- Onar Limni – A cozy stay with great sea views.
- Coastal Garden House – A peaceful retreat with a garden setting.
- Eviali Apartments – Comfortable apartments for a longer stay.
Explore more options in the surrounding area and beyond the convenient map below:
Stay22 is a handy tool that lets you search for and compare stays and experiences across multiple platforms on the same neat, interactive map. Hover over the listings to see the details. Click on the top-right settings icon to adjust your preferences; switch between hotels, experiences, or restaurants; and activate clever map overlays displaying information like transit lines or concentrations of sights. Click on the Show List button for the listings to appear in a list format. Booking via this map, I will be earning a small cut of the platform's profit without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
What to Do in Limni
Explore Limni’s Beautiful Churches
Limni has several beautiful churches, each with its own unique charm. Here are the most notable ones:
- Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos – A grand church with impressive steeples. (location)
- Church of Saint Athanasios – Another striking landmark with tall bell towers. (location)
- Church of the Life-Giving Spring – A historic stone-built church exuding old-world charm. (location)
Visit Limni’s Museums
- History and Folklore Museum – Housed in a traditional mansion, it showcases Limni’s cultural heritage. (location)
- Museum of Traditional Costume – Located next to the folklore museum, displaying regional attire from different periods. (location)
- Historical Archive – Situated in the town hall, preserving documents of local significance. (location)
- Hydrobiology Museum – Features fossilized marine exhibits, located a short drive south along the coast.
Admire Neoclassical Architecture
Limni features several remarkable examples of neoclassical architecture, reflecting Greece’s 19th-century aesthetic revival. Many public and private buildings in Greece were influenced by this style, which emphasized symmetry, grandeur, and classical elements such as columns and decorative moldings. Among Limni’s architectural highlights are the Police and Tax Office Buildings, designed by renowned German architect Ernst Ziller, who left a significant mark on Greek architecture.
Visit the Hermitage of Saint Christodoulos
This is a humble chapel inside a seaside cave where the 11th-century Saint Christodoulos spent his final years in solitude. It is located near the lighthouse by the town’s west end. (location)
Climb to Saint Nicholas Chapel
Perched on the cliff above the town’s east, this chapel provides the best panoramic views of Limni and the surrounding sea. You can either hike or drive to it. (location)
Check out Limni’s Old Factories
Limni’s industrial heritage is reflected in the ruins of two once-thriving factories. The magnesite processing plant played a crucial role in the region’s mining industry, refining magnesite for industrial use before shutting down as demand declined. The resin processing factory, reliant on the surrounding pine forests, extracted and refined resin for shipbuilding and varnish production until traditional methods were phased out. Today, these remnants stand as silent witnesses to Limni’s past, contrasting with its natural beauty and offering a glimpse into its economic history. They are situated next to each other at the south end of the beach. (location)
Visit Nearby Monasteries
- Convent of Saint Nicholas Galatakis – A 9th-century monastery located 9 km south of Limni, known for its impressive Byzantine architecture and serene atmosphere. (location)
- Saint David Monastery – A renowned spiritual retreat located 28 km from Limni, this monastery dates back to the 16th century and is associated with Saint David of Evia. It is an important pilgrimage site, attracting visitors with its tranquil gardens and welcoming hospitality from the resident monks. (location)
Explore Nature
- Drymonas Waterfall – A stunning cascade hidden in the mountains, with a cool pool for year-round swimming (34 km from Limni). Read more.
- Hiking Trails – Discover trails on Mount Kandili, Telethrio, and Xiron for spectacular views.
Enjoy Local Festivals
- Elymnia Festival – A series of cultural events from mid-July to August 15th.
- Carnival Festivities – Including a treasure hunt and vibrant celebrations (late February or early March).
- Panaghia Limnia Fair – A traditional religious celebration with local customs (Sept 7–8).
Where to Eat in Limni
Limni boasts several excellent tavernas specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Greek cuisine. Some top choices include:
- Karnagio Limni Evias – Renowned for its seafood and seaside setting.
- To Meltemi – A great spot for traditional Greek dishes.
For coffee and sweets:
- To Neon Cafe-Patisserie – A favorite for pastries and coffee.
For drinks:
- Barous Day and Night – A lively bar for an evening out.
History of Limni
Limni’s history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation from the Paleolithic era. Archaeological discoveries on Kastria hill indicate that a Neolithic settlement once thrived in the area. In antiquity, Limni is believed to have been the site of Elymnion, a significant town mentioned by Aristophanes. Elymnion flourished in ancient times but fell into decline in the 9th–10th centuries due to frequent pirate raids, forcing its inhabitants to retreat inland for safety.
During the Ottoman period, the town’s population gradually returned to the coast, and by the 17th century, modern Limni had begun to take shape. The town became one of the most important maritime centers in Evia, with a thriving shipbuilding industry and a strong commercial fleet. Limni’s sailors and merchants played a pivotal role in trade, establishing connections with key Mediterranean ports and boosting the local economy through shipping and commerce.
Limni was actively involved in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830). Local hero Aggelis Goviòs led revolutionary forces from the area, and the town’s sailors provided crucial support in naval operations against the Ottomans. Limni’s fleet played a key role in the blockade of Chalkida, and its people contributed to the war effort through raids and coordinated attacks with revolutionaries from mainland Greece.
Following Greece’s independence in 1830, Limni officially became part of the newly formed Greek state. The town grew steadily, becoming the seat of the Municipality of Aegeon in 1835. By 1852, it had developed into a prosperous community with 298 houses, a school, a health station, and a courthouse, supporting a population of 1,403 residents. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Limni’s economy continued to thrive, particularly in shipping, fishing, and the extraction of natural resources such as magnesite and resin.
Places to Visit nearby
- Rovies (9 km) – A coastal village with olive groves and a Venetian tower.
- Aidipsos (30 km) – Famous for its natural hot springs and spa resorts.
- Agia Anna (27 km) – A scenic beach destination with long sandy shores.
- Ilia (20 km) – A picturesque fishing village known for its thermal springs and waterfront tavernas, offering a peaceful seaside atmosphere.
Video
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Limni in higher resolution.
