Information about Leros Island Greece
Leros History
The island's name came from the word “leros” which means smooth or flat. Due to its strategic position in the Southeastern Aegean, Leros was considered of great significance throughout history. Based on various findings, the island is believed to have been inhabited since the Neolithic Period, by the Carians, the Phoenicians and the Cretans.
After the Trojan War, Leros Greece became a part of the Athenian Empire. From then on, the island became of great importance due to its position. During the Byzantine Era, it was a religious center. Like the rest of Greece, Leros was occupied by the Turks from 1523 and later by the Italians, who had an obvious influence on the physical appearance of the island. It was finally united with the rest of Greece in 1948.
Leros Sites & Attractions
On Apitiki Hill, near the capital town Platanos
-
The Byzantine Castle of Panagia. On the castle's premises is the 13th century
-
Church of Panagia Kyra.
-
The 6 restored windmills.
-
The Archaeological Museum that includes exhibits from the Classical Period as well as Paleochristian artifacts.
In Agia Marina
-
The Roman Broutzi Fortress, located at the entrance of the port.
-
The Old Flourmill, on Agia Marina Beach.
In Alinda
-
The Tower of Belleni, housing the Historical and Folklore Museum, which exhibits historical artifacts and archives.
-
The Church of Agios Isidorosn, built on a small isle.
Other interesting sites on Leros Island Greece are the 11th century Church of St. John the Theologian in Lakki, the Paleokastro (the Old Castle), which is built on the ruins of an ancient acropolis in Xirokambos and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Partheni.
Leros Beaches
On Leros Island visitors can choose either much-frequented beaches or secluded quieter ones. All of the Leros beaches have clean waters, while most have dining facilities nearby.
Several Leros beaches also possess water sport facilities as well as windsurfing and scuba diving schools.
Near the port of Lakki is popular sandy beach of Koulouki. If you prefer a quieter place, visit Merikia, which is located a few kilometers west of Koulouki.
On the southern side of Leros is Xirokambos Beach, with golden sands and many trees that provide shade from the sun. Traveling along the eastern coast you meet the Vromolithos and Panteli Beaches. Vromollithos is a lovely shingle beach with oak trees, while Panteli has sand and shingle.
Next to Panteli Beach is the settlement of Agia Marina and its lovely sands. A few kilometers north is Alinda, the most developed settlement and the most popular sandy beach on the island, with clear waters and trees. Around Alinda Beach you can find small coves that are quieter and offer some isolation from the crowds.
On the northern side of Leros are the beaches of Blefoutis and Partheni. The Blefoutis Beach is located on a beautiful bay, offering shelter from the wind. It is sandy, with turquoise waters and tamarisk trees. Partheni Bay is not as popular as Blefoutis, but does offer some charming coves. On the western side of Leros is Gournas Bay that possesses the longest sandy beach on the island. It is less frequented than other Leros beaches and has dark sands and shallow waters.
Nearby Islands
From Leros Island you can take a day trip to the isles of Kinaros, Levitha and Farmakonissi, which have clear waters, lovely beaches and small coves.
Local Cuisine Of Leros
The culinary masterpieces of Leros Island is something that you should definitely sample during your stay. If you like fish dishes, try the “koukouvades” (fish marinated in rosemary), fresh octopus on the grill, “saganaki” mussels, salted mackerel, sea urchins, “fouskes” and fish soup.
Other tasty dishes are goat meat in lemon sauce, stuffed cabbage and the locally cultured myzithra cheese.
The sweets of Leros are sinfully delicious. Try the “pouggakia”, “sviggos” and “xerotigania”, as well as the local beverage “diasogalo”.
Leros Nightlife
There is a wide variety of entertainment venues such as tavernas, restaurants, cafes , bars, clubs and live Greek music nightclubs in Platanos, the capital, as well as the nearby settlements of Agia Marina and Panteli. Stimulating Leros nightlife can also be found in Partheni, Alinda and Xirokambos.
If you are interested in traditional festivities, we suggest you attend the festival of Agia Marina on the 17th of July and the festival of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August. During the first 10 days of August, the popular Wine Festival is held in Xirokambos, while the “Alindia” Nautical Games take place in August in the settlement of Alinda.
How To Reach Leros Greece
Holiday makers can travel to Leros Greece by airplane from the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to Leros Airport, which is also connected by air with the islands of Kos, Rhodes and Astypalaia.
Alternatively, you can travel to Leros by ferry, not only from Piraeus Port but also from the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Lipsi, Patmos, Rhodes of the Dodecanese cluster, Amorgos, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros of the Cyclades cluster and Samos of the NΕ Aegean cluster, facilitating island-hoppers.
There are also high-speed boats making frequent trips, connecting Leros with the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Lipsi, Patmos, Symi of the Dodecanese cluster as well as Ikaria, Fourni Ikarias, Samos of the NE Aegean cluster. Hydrofoils can be opted for transportation to Kalymnos, Kos, Lipsi, Patmos of the Dodecanese and Samos of the NΕ Aegean cluster. High-speed ferries can transfer both vehicles and passengers, while hydrofoils are for passengers only, both ensuring quick and convenient transportation around the islands.
Enquire about flights and ferries to Leros Island Greece at:
- The Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”: Tel. +30 210 353-0000
- Leros Airport: Tel. +30 22470 22777
- Piraeus Port: Tel. +30 210 422-6000 to 4
- Leros Port: Tel. +30 22470 22224 and +30 22470 23256
