Quiet Greek paradise island
I surfed, I sailed, I sank, I swam and I skied. I ate, I drank, I made merry.
While you might be met by blank looks when you tell your friends you’re going to the lesser known Greek island of Lemnos, let me reassure you, it is just as glorious as any of its bigger brothers.
Tucked away in the north of the Aegean Sea just off the Turkish coast, it’ll treat you to all the perks of a larger Greek island but without the drawbacks that often come with paradise and a lucrative tourist trade.
We’re talking cool, clear oceans matched in their brilliance by the sky overhead and a sun that transforms into a deep red as it slumps lazily over the horizon. Noticeably absent are sky-high mirrored buildings, hawkers harassing you into their restaurant and reddened tourists vying with each other to be seen in the latest designer hat.
The first evening was spent with a quick tour of the resort before tucking into dinner. What immediately struck me was how well children were catered for.
Childcare being included in the price of the original booking is clearly something they pride themselves on – and rightly so. Giving parents a well earned rest is a noble pursuit in itself.
Rooms provide everything you need and are clean and spacious. The quality of the view was dependent on which room you are in, so if you love a good vista, I’d ask for one when booking.
Next up, grub! And not a moment too soon. A good-sized buffet served everything from fish, meats and cheese to tasty dessert treats.
No doubt the showstopper, though, was the salad selection. Plump sweet tomatoes on a bed of fresh salad, smothered in Greek yoghurt and topped with olives. A simple mix indeed, but one I’m sure in the coming weeks I will start to pine for.
Breakfast and lunch followed a similar pattern, catering for all tastes. If you get bored, however, just a short taxi ride away lies the charming town of Myrina, where a plethora of small taverns and eateries will be happy to accept your custom.
One of the key selling points around a Mark Warner package holiday is the activities, of which there are plenty. I wouldn’t describe myself as particularly