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All Greece Lemnos Volcanic Rocks of Lemnos

Volcanic Rocks of Lemnos

An alien landscape on the banks of the Aegean Sea.

Lemnos, Greece

Added By
Kristo Pantera
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Fragokefala at Lemnos   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
Fragokefala at Lemnos   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
Lava ripples along the rockface   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
Petrified lava   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
Fragokefala at Faraklo   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
Faraklo on Lemnos   Kristo Pantera / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Greek island of Lemnos is the mythic location of the forge of Hephaestus, god of blacksmiths, metallurgy, and all things fire.

According to legend, Hephaestus landed here after Zeus hurled him off Mount Olympus - and although the fall was a steep one, he could hardly have touched down in a more appropriate spot.

The Miocene volcanoes that used to spew lava on these shores are long gone, but they’ve left behind peculiar, entrancing rock formations. The locals call these rocks “faraklo” or “fragokefala” - “bald” or “bald heads” - references to the barren hills and tawny orbs that dot the volcanic landscape. This petrified lava is frozen in all sorts of bizarre shapes, from ripples in the rockface to built-up 3D spirals.

Markedly unlike the extensive beaches and striking waterfalls that draw most tourists to the island, this site is located at the northern edge of the island, beyond the settlement of Poliochni (which is notable in itself, as the oldest Neolithic city in Europe). Several gravel paths lead from the small town towards the raging Aegean Sea. Although it may take a few moments to find the right one, the rugged coastline will be worth the adventure.

Related Tags

Rocks Rock Formations Landscapes Volcanoes Geology

Know Before You Go

After the village Propouli, you take a small detour off the road and see it right beside the beach.

Community Contributors

Added By

Kristo Pantera

Edited By

hana

  • hana

Published

January 11, 2016

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Sources
  • http://advroutes.blogspot.gr/2015/04/8.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemnos
  • http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/northeastern_aegean_islands/limnos
  • http://alimniantale.blogspot.com/2012/12/motor-scooter-ride-to-cape-faraklo.html
Volcanic Rocks of Lemnos
Lemnos, 814 01
Greece
40.000629, 25.233837

Nearby Places

Lemnos Sand Dunes

Lemnos, Greece

miles away

Samothrace Sanctuary of the Great Gods

Paleopoli, Greece

miles away

Hermitages of Karoulia

Agion Oros, Greece

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lemnos

Lemnos

Greece

Places 2

Nearby Places

Lemnos Sand Dunes

Lemnos, Greece

miles away

Samothrace Sanctuary of the Great Gods

Paleopoli, Greece

miles away

Hermitages of Karoulia

Agion Oros, Greece

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lemnos

Lemnos

Greece

Places 2

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