One of the emerald, lush islands of the Dodecanese, besets amongst Patmos and Kalimnos, having some enchanting bays, aquamarine, shiny beaches, and some picturesque villages.
It’s main harbour is Lakki, it’s capital Platanos, Aghia Marina and Panteli, are the villages where some 8000 people which inhabit Leros island are gathered.
Platanos is built amphitheatrically beneath the impressive castle, and will strike you with the view of its greek custom architecture, the small nice and bright houses, the narrow streets. In the Town Hall of Platanos you may find some archeological items.From the position of the castle you can enjoy the coastline, the beautiful beaches and the azure sea.Platanos has been lately linked with Agia Marina in the north and Panteli to the south.
Although the island was neglected for the last 20 years by tourism industry, Leros became a popular destination foreign and Greek tourists alike, finding Leros as a genuine paradise because the island has some unique features, culture and architecture and is a piece of wilderness in the middle of civilization. Leros is green, has terrific infrastructure and is one of the few Greek islands, which is surviving during winter season as well, thanks to the many Greeks living and working here.
Leros has stunning beaches. Some beaches are sandy, some have pebbles, some are large, some small and secluded, you should discover on your own which can become your favourite: Alinda, Panteli, Drymonas, Plefuti, Gourna, Xirokambos, Kryfos,.Panagies, Tourkopigado, Kokali, Merkies, Koulouki.
If you want to have some fun like playing some football or basketball on the island, you may just do that as you’ll easily find football or basketball fields, you can dance in one of the many clubs, have a nice lunch or dinner in one of the quality restaurants and taverns, opt for a watersport like diving, have a long walk or hiking with firends, go to a play in an open-air theatre and there’s much more.
You can reach Leros by sea from Athens or by air. There are ferries coming from the neighbouring islands as well. On the island there are plenty of possibilities for transport, bus, rented vehicles, taxi.
Sightseeing
Virgin Mary (Panayia) of Kastro
The island’s castle – kastro Panteli – stands at the top of Pitiki Hill at approximately 200 meters above sea level.
Temple of Artemis
Next to the airport of the island visitors may visit the archeological ruins at Partheni. A goup of churches built on top of Roman structures was discovered in excavation in the 80s.
The Tunnel War Museum
A must visit museum, unique in its nature, displaying significant exhibits for World War II. In the 1930’s the Italians fortified the naval base of Leros building the largest underground complex of warehouses and workshops for making arms.
The Church of the Virgin Mary (Kavouradena) at Xerokambos
This very picturesque little church located in the village of Xerokambos is said to be the most beautiful of all churches of Leros. Built into the rock formation of the coastal sea where according to legend a fisherman was fishing for crabs when suddenly he found the icon of Virgin Mary.
Paliokastro
The castle of Lepidon, or else Paliokastro , is built on ruins of a Cyclopean wall construction dating back to the Hellenistic period.
The Archaeological Museum
Fine exhibits and artifacts can be found in the modern Archaeological Museum dating back to the islands pre-historic period and up to the medieval times.
Folklore Museum
The Historical and Folklore Museum is located in the tower of Belleni. There visitors can find costumes, needlework, ecclesiastical wood carvings, dating back to the historical period from 1880 to 1920. Many other exhibits worth seeing are the life of the activist Kyriakos Tsakiris, the Battle of Lesvos and the sinking of the torpedo vessel Vassilissa (Queen) Olga and many – many other exhibits.
Beaches
Vromomilos
This pebble and golden sandy beach is well worth coming to. After diving and swimming in the clear waters you can enjoy some good Greek food at the tavernas.
Bourlidia
In Bourlidia you can enjoy lazing on the beach and swimming in crystal clear water. You are going to be charmed by the combination of sand and rocks that you will find here and it will be a place you will find hard to leave.
Gourna
If you do not like deep water and you like sand in green and black colours, then your beach is the beach of «Gourna». This is a beautiful beach that you will not regret visiting.
Alinda
The beauties of the area «Alinda» are many. Among them is the sandy beach, where you will find all sorts of water sports and also the romantic beach «Krifo» for special moments.
Mplefouti
The taverns in Mplefouti are lined up side by side along a beautiful beach. It will be a hard decision to make – swimming in the sea and sunbathing or enjoying a great meal. Why not try both.
Greek highlights 