| country: | Greece |
| departures: | This trip departs every Saturday from late May to early October |
| price: | From £759 - £1185 (7 nights) and £1059 - £1665 (14 nights) inc flights from the UK, depending on departure. Can also be booked without flights |
| offers: | 13th September departure from £575 for 7 nights - save £170 and from £725 for 14 nights - save £230. Book by 28th August |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Lemnos (or Limnos) is the eighth largest island in Greece, yet remains largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. Our club, situated along the edge of the long stretch of sandy beach in the bay of Avlonas, is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing, as well as a volleyball.
The club is built amongst extensive landscaped grounds with well-tended lawns dotted with colourful plants and trees leading down to the water's edge. Within the grounds are the archaeological remains of the pre-Hellenistic Temple of Artemis, which were discovered when the hotel was being excavated and have been preserved as a unique feature of the hotel.
A large saltwater pool is around 1.6m deep and has an area cordoned off for swimming lengths, while the rest of its considerable area is available for general use. Many sunloungers, a children's pool and a play area are nearby. Wandering down past the pool, our private beach is home to the sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing equipment, as well as a volleyball court.
A few small shops stock holiday essentials. An elegant lounge bar offers a superb location for a pre-dinner drink and a bright, and the modern restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for the superb food available on your holiday. Alternatively, Mirina, the capital of Lemnos is a gentle 20 minute stroll away, with its traditional way of life, narrow winding streets, charming shops and choice authentic restaurants.
PLEASE NOTE: This holiday can be booked with or without flights. When enquiring for further details it would be very helpful if you could let us know how many people are in your party.Waterskiing - 2 Ski Nautique ski boats and a variety of skis and wakeboards. Sailing - RYA tuition is included. A wide range of boats is provided. 7x Funboats, 12x Pico, 15x Laser 1, 5x Dart 16, 10x RS Feva, 2x Laser Bahia. Windsurfing - RYA tuition is included. A selection of 50 beginner and intermediate boards for all ages, with a choice of 60 rigs to suit all abilities and the changing conditions. Kayaking - 20 one and two seater kayaks. Scuba Diving - Based right on our beach, with Discover Scuba and Open Water courses available. Skills workshops are available for qualified divers. Snorkelling also available.
On the shore: Swimming pool - large outdoor pool, with a separate children's pool and indoor pool Tennis - 3 courts (tennis rackets and balls provided). Tuition is included. Biking - 30 Gary Fisher mountain bikes (minimun age 9 years). A range of fitness classes including fitball and stretch Boules, table tennis, giant chess and volleyball
Health Suite: Small indoor freshwater pool, gym, fitness studio, massage and beauty treatment rooms (health and beauty treatments available at a supplement)
Local culture:
A gentle 20 minute stroll from the Portomyrina Palace lies Mirina, the capital of Lemnos. Established in the 12th or 13th century BC, Mirina is a fascinating blend of old and new. The houses are built in neo-classical style with wooden balconies looking out onto narrow winding streets below. Mirina is dominated by its impressive castle perched on a high rocky outcrop at the water's edge since the Venetian era. The headland of the castle straddles the two bays of Mirina, belonging to the town's Greek and Turkish quarters and reflecting the fascinatingly varied history of Lemnos.
Wandering Mirina's streets is a great way to pass the time. The traditional Greek way of life is still very much in evidence and the pace is slow and relaxed. There are plenty of charming shops to browse - look out for classical pottery and wood carvings, local woven fabrics and embroidery - the traditional folk art of the island. Mirina also has an excellent variety of authentic restaurants scattered throughout the town and lining the scenic waterfront. Here you can watch the world go by whilst enjoying a delicious meal of freshly caught fish or other regional specialities, accompanied by a refreshing beer or the good quality wine of Lemnos - some of the finest in Greece.
Ancient civilisations:
Due to its strategic position in the Aegean, Lemnos has been at the crossroads of many different cultures, which have served to shape the history and people of the island. The island offers several classical sites, including the most ancient Neolithic colonisation in the Aegean - the city of Poliochni. Excavations have revealed a close relationship with the city of Troy - the centre of civilisation from years gone by. Another place of interest is Paliopoli, inhabited since prehistoric times and considered the most important town on the island in the 5th century BC. Excavations here have unearthed a sanctuary, a necropilis and a Roman theatre.
Explore the island:
Exploration of Lemnos by mountain bike or hire car is highly recommended if you wish to make the most of your time here. There is an abundance of hidden coves and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water waiting to be discovered. Travel inland and the interior is untouched by tourism and rich in agriculture. Here you will find many lovely villages full of character and a warm welcome from the local people, renowned for their hospitable nature.
All rooms have modern furnishings in neutral colour schemes with private facilities (bath/shower combination), air conditioning, mini fridge, telephone, TV and balcony or terrace with table and chairs.
The club is built amongst extensive landscaped grounds with well-tended lawns dotted with colourful plants and trees leading down to the water's edge. Within the grounds are the archaeological remains of the pre-Hellenistic Temple of Artemis, which were discovered when the hotel was being excavated and have been preserved as a unique feature of the hotel.
A large saltwater pool is around 1.6m deep and has an area cordoned off for swimming lengths, while the rest of its considerable area is available for general use. Many sunloungers, a children's pool and a play area are nearby. Wandering down past the pool, our private beach is home to the sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing equipment, as well as a volleyball court.
A few small shops stock holiday essentials. An elegant lounge bar offers a superb location for a pre-dinner drink and a bright, and the modern restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for the superb food available on your holiday. Alternatively, Mirina, the capital of Lemnos is a gentle 20 minute stroll away, with its traditional way of life, narrow winding streets, charming shops and choice authentic restaurants.
PLEASE NOTE: This holiday can be booked with or without flights. When enquiring for further details it would be very helpful if you could let us know how many people are in your party.
activities
On the water: On the shore:
Health Suite:
Local culture:
A gentle 20 minute stroll from the Portomyrina Palace lies Mirina, the capital of Lemnos. Established in the 12th or 13th century BC, Mirina is a fascinating blend of old and new. The houses are built in neo-classical style with wooden balconies looking out onto narrow winding streets below. Mirina is dominated by its impressive castle perched on a high rocky outcrop at the water's edge since the Venetian era. The headland of the castle straddles the two bays of Mirina, belonging to the town's Greek and Turkish quarters and reflecting the fascinatingly varied history of Lemnos.
Wandering Mirina's streets is a great way to pass the time. The traditional Greek way of life is still very much in evidence and the pace is slow and relaxed. There are plenty of charming shops to browse - look out for classical pottery and wood carvings, local woven fabrics and embroidery - the traditional folk art of the island. Mirina also has an excellent variety of authentic restaurants scattered throughout the town and lining the scenic waterfront. Here you can watch the world go by whilst enjoying a delicious meal of freshly caught fish or other regional specialities, accompanied by a refreshing beer or the good quality wine of Lemnos - some of the finest in Greece.
Ancient civilisations:
Due to its strategic position in the Aegean, Lemnos has been at the crossroads of many different cultures, which have served to shape the history and people of the island. The island offers several classical sites, including the most ancient Neolithic colonisation in the Aegean - the city of Poliochni. Excavations have revealed a close relationship with the city of Troy - the centre of civilisation from years gone by. Another place of interest is Paliopoli, inhabited since prehistoric times and considered the most important town on the island in the 5th century BC. Excavations here have unearthed a sanctuary, a necropilis and a Roman theatre.
Explore the island:
Exploration of Lemnos by mountain bike or hire car is highly recommended if you wish to make the most of your time here. There is an abundance of hidden coves and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water waiting to be discovered. Travel inland and the interior is untouched by tourism and rich in agriculture. Here you will find many lovely villages full of character and a warm welcome from the local people, renowned for their hospitable nature.
facilities
We have 132 rooms, located in either the main building or in small two storey villas within the gardens. The rooms in the main building are closer to the reception and restaurant, whilst the garden rooms are closer to the beach and pool, offering a greater sense of privacy. There is a choice of twin, double and triple rooms and a selection of suites and interconnecting rooms for families. All rooms have modern furnishings in neutral colour schemes with private facilities (bath/shower combination), air conditioning, mini fridge, telephone, TV and balcony or terrace with table and chairs.
travellers' tales
The holiday was perfect for the all the family and seemed to cater for other families of other age groups. We all had an introduction to watersports and could take part as much or little as we liked. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
|
Firstly from the beginning of season we have sponsored 8 local children from the island aged between 5 and 8 who were very keen on progressing their sailing. These children receive free instruction each week and are working towards their level 1 RYA in sailing target end of their summer holidays.
Also during the fit out of the new centre all resources were purchased through local suppliers, giving a boost to the local community. These suppliers will continue to support the centre for spares etc. We are currently, through our dive operation on Avalon's beach, running an underwater litter collection scheme that the guests can help participate in, helping to take waste plastic from the marine environment. The majority of our activities programmes are based on wind, pedal or muscle power, providing enough energy to satisfy most thrill-seeking speed-freaks in the most environmentally benign way we know how. We can also cater for our more sedate guests, however! Where possible we use 4-stroke outboard engines on our powerboats to reduce noise, fuel consumption and emissions. We have tasked our overseas staff to identify 3 long-term initiatives that will bring positive benefits to the economies, communities and environments in which they live and work. We are working with The Travel Foundation to seek ways to develop practical, sustainable tourism solutions to help protect and enhance holiday destinations. And we are also working with the Federation of Tour Operators to develop responsible travel codes of practice. Kids can make a difference too! We encourage children to take an interest in the destination they are holidaying in and they’re loving it. We have been working with the Travel Foundation to produce a play and puzzle book aimed at 7-10 year olds, called "Hatch the Turtle". "Hatch" is a friendly little fellow who has lots of stories to tell about all the people and animals living in the amazing places our guests go on holiday. He encourages children to try local dishes, buy locally made crafts and speak a few words of the local languages. There are even a few words of Turtlish! This activity book will be piloted in the children's clubs this summer. In addition to this exciting new initiative, we have a range of activities running in our children's clubs overseas and here is a selection of the kinds of things they get up to:
|
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |













