Limni has a rich mythological and nautical history, but these days it is primarily a lovely tourist destination which still feels like Greece 20 or 30 years ago, and a haven for writers, poets and artists...

Limni, Evia is a gorgeous little getaway in the North of Evia. North Evia was at the center of the huge fires that devastated a large part of the landscape in 2021. However, the undergrowth and shrubbery are coming back, even if the forest will take a while to fully return. The name Limni, meaning “lake,” actually comes from the ancient Elymnia and was shortened to the name it is today. Take a look at any ancient map of Greece and Elymnion/Elymnia is almost always on it.

Limni has a rich mythological and nautical history, but these days it is primarily a lovely tourist destination where you often experience just six degrees of separation from everyone else. If you stay long enough, you will find someone who knows a friend of yours or is connected to you in one way or another. The pace is generally calm, traditional, and slow, giving you the sense of stepping back in time—but at least you have the internet now.

Limni, Evia courtesy of Depositphotos.com

Eating and Drinking

There are more than 25 options for all your coffee, eating, and drinking needs, featuring all different styles of places. If you are seeking traditional food, a visit to Avra on the seafront offers a selection of classic dishes like “gemista,” pastitsio, and moussaka.

If you really want to step back in time, visit Kallitsi Taverna, which is not on the seafront but offers great meat dishes. The owner, Vasilis, is a butcher by trade and on weekends will often pull out his bouzouki, prompting people to start singing. This isn’t gourmet by any means, but it is traditional. In the winter, you will feel like you are in 1950s Greece.

For those looking for seafood, Kanargion offers a great selection of fresh dishes and is open all year. They close on Mondays, but other days you can enjoy your meal with ouzo, tsipouro, or wine from a local winery, Vriniotis. For a modern take on Greek small plates, Thealos is well worth a visit and comes with excellent service as well.

For modern café and bar locations, there are Barous, L’Angolo, and Giannaros. All three offer excellent coffee, and the first two provide good breakfast and brunch selections. There are many more, of course, but these places are the best starting points.

Photo Courtesy of Eviali Apartments

Hotels, Apartments and Rooms

When it comes to places to stay, there is not a huge amount of inventory, maybe 10-15 establishments, so booking early will help. Eviali Apartments is a quieter family-run apartment hotel in the center of town, managed by Madison and Stathis, offering mid-range prices and free parking. There is also the newly renovated Limni Boutique Experience near the port. This is a 4-star hotel for those looking for a bit more luxury. Koukounaries, run by Mrs. Evangelia—who also owns the flower shop on the seafront—has lovely rooms near the port as well. The Lakehouse, which was formerly the courthouse, has been renovated into modern rooms. The room sizes may be small, but they are very central and offer lovely views.

Limni, Evia courtesy of Depositphotos.com

Within the town, there are a few museums to explore. There is the traditional folkloric museum, which features a collection of historical items from the past, and the new sea museum housed in the white building at the entrance to the marina. There is also a private traditional dress museum. This contains an amazing collection of traditional outfits gathered from all over Greece and lovingly restored to their original condition. This one requires calling ahead, and someone helping maintain the collection will come open it for you.

There are a number of beach options in the local area. Within the town there is a popular spot for swimming on the right-hand side of the town called Proskopio (Scout House) – where there is also adjacent rockpools for exploring when the tide is low. This beach is more rocky than sandy and water shoes are advised for those not accustomed to them. A couple of local stores sell these water shoes inexpensively. This is also the point where windsurfers like to set up an many locals will be happy to share their knowledge with you.

On the left-hand side of the town is another popular swimming location called Kioski – in the Summer there are loungers/ umbrellas and a small canteen selling drinks and snacks. This Summer there is also an inflatable water park. This beach has starts with sand but gently becomes pebbles. It is also the best beach for a late afternoon swim as it captures the evening rays the easiest.

The most popular option however is Kohili Beach where there are 3-4 beach bars, a taverna and a long area to swim. This is the most family friendly beach, again with small pebbles, and a jetty that kids race to jump off.

If people are looking for more privacy, then heading past Katounia on the way to the Monastery Galataki, you can be delighted to find yourself enjoying a beach all to yourselves.

Activities can be arranged easily, such as scuba diving from nearby Rovies, and there is an avid windsurfing group right in Limni.

One thing worth mentioning is that Rovies – just a 10 minute drive away – has disabled access on their main beach.

Rovies, Evia

Every summer, there is a full program of events organized for the area, ranging from traditional dancing in the square, orchestras, and readings to cinema events and a rooftop open-air theater. The 15th of August is an event to be remembered. Book a table, gather a picnic, or grab a pizza and sit on the beach to watch a nautical spectacle to be treasured. Just be sure to book your room well in advance so you don't face disappointment.

However, the evenings in Limni are what you will recall most of all. Strolling along the seafront, enjoying a cocktail, and feeling like you are a part of something bigger than yourself. And look out, you may just run into someone that you know…
-Madison Brown

Limni, Evia courtesy of Depositphotos.com

 Madison Brown

Originally from Australia (with stints in the US & UK, France & Austria), Madison Brown has been living in Limni on the island of Evia for over 16 years. She and her husband Stathis run their family rental business, Eviali Apartments, which is open all year round. Madison lives there right through the winter for the full Greek integrative experience, and now makes it her mission to know the area as well as the locals. When she's not indulging her inner foodie, she’s usually running her daughter’s private after-school taxi service or trying to squeeze in time to study for her Greek citizenship exam... if she can ever find the time!

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