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Sightseeing in Leros

The traces of the fascinating history of Leros can constantly be seen on the island, through its monuments and buildings dating back to various periods: the Byzantine period, which brings to mind castles and knights; the period of the Ottoman rule; and the Italian occupation and Second World War. All together compose a silent museum and take us on a captivating journey through time.

As you tour the island, it is definitely worth discovering the picturesque villages. The traditional houses and Italian mansions blend harmoniously in Agia Marina. This little village, the most visited, is protected on its one side by the Brouzi, the old Roman fortress decorated with mosaics, arches and the remains of an aqueduct that until the end of the 1980s was used as a shipyard. A windmill stands proudly on the other side, built right in the water and which, according to the locals, was the gift of a rich Lerian from Egypt. Agia Marina is located next to the idyllic fishing village of Panteli, as well as Platanos, the architecture of which is also interesting. The marvellous neoclassical building in which the Town Hall is housed and the beautiful churches, Agia Paraskevi in particular, are the highlights. The central port of Lakki has similar architecture. Xerokampos, on the southernmost edge of the island, is famous for its clear waters. It also has a view over Kalymnos and the smaller islets of Glaronisi and Velona.

Panagia Castle is the best guard of Leros. Above the row of windmills at Platanos and at a height of 400 metres, the eye can track the blue horizon over all the neighbouring islands of the Dodecanese, as far as Samos and the Turkish coasts. On the west side of the castle is the famed church of the Panagia, which celebrates its feast day on 15 August, with both locals and visitors not having any second thoughts about climbing the 499 steps that lead to the church to honour the Virgin Mary. The church is believed to date back to the Byzantine period but took its final form under the Venetians. Today it houses the Ecclesiastical Museum of Leros. Recent excavations within the castle have revealed the ancient history of this spot, uncovering temples dating to the Late Hellenistic period. The large underground water tanks inside the castle are impressive.

The Patriarcheio at Krithoni is housed in a wonderful neoclassical mansion. It took its name from Sofronios, the Patriarch of Alexandria who would stay here whenever he visited the island. A mini conference centre with space for up to 150 participants has been created inside the building, while, in the courtyard, the small church of Agios Sofronios is prominent. The Patriarcheio is today the residence of the Metropolitan Bishop of Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia.

One of the most picturesque churches of the Aegean is in Leros. The church of Agios Isidoros at Kamara appears as though it is rising from the rocks of the sea.

Three kilometres after Platanos, at Alinda, you will see the Bellenis Tower, a stone-built, two-storey mansion which houses the Historical Museum, the Folklore Museum, the Press Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and the Municipal Library. It is worth staying in this region, the liveliest on the whole island.

It may not be easily accessible, but a trip to Katsouni bay is well worth it. After the impressive War Museum of Merikia follow the dirt road until you come to the Second World War monument that is set against the seascape: the barracks, the bases of the artillery battery, the lookout tower.

The Italian occupation, which lasted for 31 years, bequeathed a significant town plan to Leros. Take a walk in Lakki and you will be able to recognise the Italian traces in the public and private buildings: the circular market with the clock, the cinema and hotel complex, the Town Hall and more.

The beaches of Leros

Beaches with organised amenities, isolated bays and small shores hidden to the human eye are the choices for a swim in the sea on Leros. Alinda, Vromolithos, Krithoni, Xerokampos, Panteli and Gourna are ideal for families as they have sun umbrellas, loungers as well as clusters of tamarisks to provide shade. Dyo Liskaria is a picturesque little bay with organised amenities. Very close by is Kryfos, inside the cave of which gushes fresh water. To get to it, however, you need to go for a long walk or visit by boat. Two small bays form Koulouki, a beautiful pine-clad beach.
For absolute privacy, try the pebble beach of Agia Kioura at Partheni, a virgin landscape which is reached by a short dirt road. Other similar beaches are Agios Isidoros, Panagies and Drymonas.

Activities on Leros

From the footpaths to the seabed and the neighbouring islets, Leros offers adventure and emotion. The island’s gentle terrain has made the many footpaths possible, the majority of which have signage and special rest spots. In addition to their environmental or archaeological interest, a great number of the footpaths are associated with the history of the island during the Second World War.

The most characteristic routes are those up to Panagia Castle and the road that leads from Lakki to Xerokampos, Patella (where you will find the famous War Museum Tunnel) and Partheni.

For diving enthusiasts, there is a whole area, from the cape of Soumari to Mavros Kavos and from the bay of Xerokampos to Diopori, ideal for underwater exploration.

There is a German landing craft that lies in two halves near the island of Strongyli. At Partheni, near Korais bay, lies a sunken Greek cargo ship that had been commandeered by the Italians. On the bed of Belfoutis beach, at a depth of 17 metres, lies the fuselage of a bomber plane, while in the little harbour of Rina you can see “Ivorea”, the sunken Italian steamship. The most stunning underwater spot is that of the shipwreck of the famous Greek destroyer “Vasilissa Olga” on the seabed of Lakki, at a depth of 30 metres.

There are private diving centres on Leros, which can provide you with all the necessary equipment for your underwater adventures.

Friendly captains will take you to beaches that are not on Leros, but very close to the island, such as Aspronisia, Makronisi and Tiganakia, Arkioi, Leipsoi and Marathi. The small boats depart from the port of Agia Marina.

Food and Entertainment on Leros

The food of Leros is homely, of excellent quality and available at good prices. A genuine fishing island, it offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood in imaginative local recipes cooked by the local housewives. Among the most popular are the delicious tarts (known as alipasta Lerou) and the various pies, from those made with local mizithra cheese to those made with thyme honey and, in particular, the fried pancakes (tiganopites). There are, of course, also wonderful meat-based dishes.

The fame of the patsavouropita, a combination of galaktoboureko (milk pie) and giaourtopita (yoghurt pie), has travelled across the island. Also popular on Leros are poungia, pastry bites filled with bitter almonds.

The guava, the fragrant exotic fruit from Central America which reached Leros via Egypt, has become the basis of many local recipes, the most prominent being the delicious guava marmalade as well as guava juice.

In the shops selling local products it is worth buying guavas and soumada (soft drink made from bitter almonds), as well as wine from the two wineries on the island.

The nightlife of Leros is low key but there are still plenty of options for going out. Panteli, Agia Marina and Lakki in particular are home to many bars and cafés.

Travelling from Leros Municipal Airport

The airport is located 3 km from Platanos and can be reached only by taxi or car. The journey takes less than 10 minutes and costs around 10 euros.