Katalakos. Katalakos (or Katalako) is a mountain village with 150 inhabitants on the island of Lemnos. It is located 15 kilometres northeast of Myrina, on the slopes of a steep mountain. It is a picturesque village with houses built of stone, a village of narrow streets and alleyways.
About five kilometres northwest of Katalakos is a small desert (Amothines) with dunes, a unique phenomenon in Greece. From Katalakos a dirt road runs here. It is a large area of about 200 hectares and it reaches to the beach at the Bay of Gomati. This area is also called Pachies Ammoudies or Pachies Sandes or Amothines.
It's pretty impressive here, because you actually do not expect 'a Sahara-look-alike' place here in the mountains. Probably this area in prehistoric times was lying by the sea, hence this phenomenon. Many tourists like to hike through the desert, it is a unique experience and there are a number of dirt roads where you can walk. The area is also interesting for its flora and fauna. In the summer, especially in July and August, it is very hot here so be prepared if you want to go hiking. Near this desert lies the medieval Byzantine castle of Megisti Lavra.
On the Bay of Gomati (two kilometres from Amothines) is a very nice and large sandy beach. It is very popular among the inhabitants of the island because the sand is very good and the water is shallow. On the beach there is a cafeteria where drinks and snacks are sold and where beach beds and umbrellas are rented.
At this beach you will see many caravans and campers in summer. One of the most striking sights on the beach is an old tank which stands on a low hill between the dunes.
Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Revised by Maxine van Hoften Gee