Under the shadow of Athos lies the beautiful island of Limnos with a popular of 15,800 inhabitants, a total surface area of 476 sq. km, while the coasts are 259 km long. Limnos is a low island. Its only high point is the peak of Skopia (470 m.), while not far from Kotsinas stands mount Despotis, the ancient Mosychlos, where it is said Hephaestus, the god of fire, lived permanently. In the village of Kondopouli, one can visit the two lakes of Hephaestus's homeland. Asprolimni, previously a salt-mine, and Hortarolimni the island's waterland, while in the caves of Mirina reside the beautiful wild deers. Poplars, plane trees, eucalyptuses, pine-trees and almond-trees are scattered around the beautiful island of Limnos and the orchards are full of garden products. Agios Dimitrios is the land of vineyard production, where "Moshato", the famous dry wine, is produced. Compared to the other islands of the North-East Aegean Sea, Limnos's climate is very dry. Although the island suffers occasionally from strong winds, it almost never rains. The volcanic presence indicates the island's severe geological alteration, over time. The ruins of Poliohni depict the town's destruction from a strong earthquake, occurring at the same time as the volcanic eruption in Sandorini. The petrified forest, known to scientists since 1986, makes Limnos the capital of the scientific research regarding fossils, as the only samples of petrified palm-trees lie here. The people of Limnos are hospitable, plain and friendly who welcome tourists with modesty. The men of Limnos love feasts and celebration, where they can dance the local dances and sing, inviting tourists to their cheerful celebrations.