French
DeutschLeros is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean Sea. It lies 317 km (197 mi) (171 nautical miles) from Athens' port of Piraeus, from which it can be reached by an 11-hour ferry ride (or by a 45-minute flight from Athens). Leros is part of the Kalymnos regional unit. The island has been also called Lèro (Italian) and İleriye (Turkish).
Understand
[edit | edit source]Get in
[edit | edit source]The Leros Municipal Airport[dead link] at Partheni connects the island daily with Athens and less frequently to neighbouring islands. There are also ferry connections to and from Piraeus and the other islands of the Dodecanese. The Catamaran Dodekanissos Express and the Hydrofoils (only during the summer) connect Leros with most of the Dodecanese islands. For those who want to visit Leros the alternative way to ferry travel (8–10 hours) is to fly to Athens and then fly to Leros with domestic flight or fly direct to Kos and then to Leros by boat (1 – 2 hours).
Get around
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Small rental cars are available from several companies. The representatives will meet you at the port or airport. E-bikes are available in Lakki. They require an app to use them.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Platanos (on the hillside between Agia Marina and Panteli). Platanos is the historic capital of Leros. Narrow streets, traditional houses, small cafés and attractive squares give it a distinctly Greek island atmosphere, while many elegant neoclassical mansions reflect the island's prosperous past. Above the town stands the imposing Castle of the Knights of St John, one of the island's most important landmarks. The climb is well worthwhile for its panoramic views and impressive medieval fortifications.
- 2 Agia Marina. The island's main harbour and commercial centre, with a waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas and local shops. Fishing boats and visiting yachts create a lively atmosphere. Many of the surrounding buildings date from the Italian period. Although Agia Marina and neighbouring Platanos have grown together, each retains its own character. Agia Marina is also home to the Archaeological Museum and serves as a convenient base for exploring the rest of the island.
- 3 Archaeological Museum of Leros (in Agia Marina). The Archaeological Museum of Leros displays finds from the island's long history, from prehistoric and classical times through to the Hellenistic period. Highlights include ancient pottery, inscriptions, sculptures and everyday artefacts discovered at archaeological sites across Leros.
- 4 War Museum (inside a restored military tunnel at Merikia). The War Museum tells the story of Leros during World War II, when the island became the scene of one of the Mediterranean's fiercest battles. Exhibits include military equipment, photographs, uniforms and wartime memorabilia, while the underground setting provides a vivid impression of the island's strategic importance during the Battle of Leros.
- 5 Castle of Leros (perched high above Platanos). Leros' most impressive historic monument and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Dodecanese. Built on the site of an ancient acropolis, it was extensively fortified by the Knights Hospitaller during the 14th century. The castle offers spectacular panoramic views.
- 6 Lakki. Lakki is one of Greece's most distinctive towns, renowned for its remarkable collection of Italian Rationalist architecture dating from the 1930s, when the Dodecanese were under Italian rule. Wide boulevards, elegant public buildings and a spacious natural harbour give the town a very different character from the island's older villages. Today, Lakki is the island's main ferry port.
- 7 Church of Panagia Kavouradena (near Xirokambos). The Church of Panagia Kavouradena is one of Leros' most unusual and picturesque religious sites. Hidden among the rocks, the tiny chapel is built directly into the cliff above the sea, its distinctive red roof making it stand out from the surrounding landscape. According to local tradition, a fisherman who was bitten by a crab discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary at this spot. After praying before the icon, his wound was healed, and when he later tried to take it away, a dream instructed him to return it to its original location. A chapel was subsequently built over the site, and the icon remains an important object of devotion
- 8 Palaiokastro (above Xirokambos). Palaiokastro occupies the site of the ancient acropolis of Leros and is one of the island's oldest fortifications. Built during the Hellenistic period and later reused as a Byzantine refuge, the hilltop preserves sections of ancient defensive walls, the remains of an Early Christian basilica and panoramic views over the bays of Xirokambos and Lakki. Nearby is the picturesque Church of Panagia Kavouradaina, built into the coastal rocks below.
- 9 Alinda. Alinda is one of Leros' most popular seaside resorts, centred on a long bay with a pleasant waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas and small hotels. It is also home to Belleni Tower, one of the island's most important museums, making it a convenient base for exploring both the coast and Leros' history.
- B10 Beleni's Tower. Belleni Tower is a restored early 20th-century mansion overlooking Alinda Bay. It houses the Historical and Folklore Museum of Leros, with exhibits covering the island's traditional way of life, maritime heritage, the Italian occupation and the Battle of Leros, together with photographs, documents and local artefacts.
Panteli, a fishing village, has a Byzantine castle and the Ecclesiastical Vestry of Byzantine Art.
Do
[edit | edit source]Beaches
[edit | edit source]- 1 Agia Kioura Beach. azure waters
- 2 Blefouti Beach. Calm and sandy
- 3 Vromolithos Beach. Sand and pebbles
- 4 Alinta Beach. Most popular
- 5 Dyo Lisgaria Beach. Shaded by eucalyptus trees
- 6 Gurna Beach. Look for Agios Isidoros, a chapel on a rock by the sea
Other
[edit | edit source]- 9 Mountain Ranch Horse riding.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]- In Panteli, try the Fisherman's spat dish made with lobster and kritharaki (orzo) at Psaropoula.
- At Agia Marina, go to Mylos for seafood and tomato fritters, and Paradosiako pastry shop for the best sweets.
- In Drymonas, you'll find barbecued crab and fresh fish at Sotos.
- At Xirokambos, Aloni is best known for its swordfish served with garlic purée.
- In Alinta, Mavraki serves home-style cooking.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]Connect
[edit | edit source]5G is available from the mobile phone networks and works well.
The electricity supply is not reliable with island wide failures not unusual. Also damage can be caused to connected devices. Always unplug devices such as chargers when not in use and try not to use them during the night.
Go next
[edit | edit source]Ferries are available to Agathinisi, Kalymnos, Kos, Lipsi, Patmos, Piraeus, Rhodes, Symi (Simi), Syros. Flights are available to Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes and Athens.