Leros
Leros Island is approximately 53 square kilometers. The island consists of one municipality which has its administrative headquarters in Platanos . The most important villages of Leros are Lakki, Gourna, Xirokambos, Alinta, Panteli, Blefoutis and Partheni.
Lakki: It is the main harbour of Leros island and the biggest natural harbour in the Mediterranean Sea . It has modern harbouring facilities and a yacht servicing team. In Lakki, you will see the imposing buildings stretching along the coast and built in a peculiar architectural style. The roads are wide and there are trees and parks, all planned and created by the Italians in the inter-war years. The Lerians have preserved these historic buildings, which are today considered as architectural masterpieces of the early twentieth century, unique in the whole of Europe and draw the interest of all the visitors to the island. Lakki is particularly tourist developed, with modern shops, hotel complexes, restaurants and bars and clubs.
Gourna: In the east of the island stretches one of Leros’ open bays, Gourna, with green/black sand and shallow waters.
Xirokambos: It is an old seaside village situated in the southern part of the island, just 7 km from Agia Marina. In front of Xirokambos, its bay opens out with the tiny islands, Glaronisia and opposite, at a distance of one nautical mile, is Kalymnos Island . At the far end of the village there is an incline and at the top of the hill, at a height of 70 m, Paliokastro or Kastro Lepidon as it is also known, is situated. This castle is older than the Kastro Panagias at Agia Marina. It is built on the ruins of an ancient acropolis, dating from 2.500 B.C. Today on the same site we can find the small church of Panagia (Virgin Mary). The visitor can enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of Xirokambos’ sandy beach.
Alinta: It is in the center of the Agia Marina bay and consists of the most tourist developed area of the island with the most modern facilities. The area is planted all over with pine trees and olive trees and has a huge sandy beach with crystal clear waters. The tower of Beleni is a smart, carefully renovated house of distinction, which houses the Folklore and History Museum.
Panteli: A small picturesque bay and fishing village with true island character, which is to the east of the island, below Platanos. Panteli has developed into the cosmopolitan center that it is today, with the yachts, which moor next to the little fishing boats, the restaurants and the night life at the discos, bars and pubs.
Blefoutis: It is a small, full planted settlement with amazing sea situated in the north side of Leros, near Partheni. It is an ideal place for a relaxing and peaceful holiday.
Partheni: It is a small fishing village situated at the north part of Leros Island between a large, fruitful valley and the sea. Here it is said that the ancient sanctuary of Parthenios Artemis was built, that’s how the place took its name.
Away from the noisy towns and the stressful pace of life as well as from the crowed large tourist resorts, the visitor finds the peace he is looking for holidays. Apart from the physical beauty, Leros can offer plenty of activities like fishing, sailing, visits to Museums, Archeological sights, Italian fortifications (batteries etc), picturesque churches and neoclassical houses.
For fishing lovers there are plentiful fishing spots near the numerous little islands around Leros. This can be done either by hiring a boat or with the help of the local fishermen. The modern sea travellers will find safe shelter at Agia Marina, Lakki and at the countless sheltered bays of the island.
In Leros’ archeological museum there are noteworthy finds on display including: inscriptions, gravestones, coins, mosaics and pots. The renovated tower of Belenis today houses the folklore and history museum of Leros with its rare exhibits.
From Platanos we go up the steps towards the castle which dominates high on the hill. Crowds of people follow the same route every 15 th August to go up and pay their respects to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of the castle.
Paleokastro is the oldest castle in the history of Leros and it is located on the top of the hill above Xirokambos. The church of Panagia (Virgin Mary), which is found in its interior, was built in the 4 th Century A.D. and was later renovated. The walls to the north east are cyclopean, according to archeologists, because the stones are square and each one weighs about 500 kilos.
You should also visit the Italian fortifications (batteries etc.) and the War Museum in Lakki , the picturesque little church of Agios Isidoros in Gourna and the churches Agia Paraskevi and Evagelistria.
Famous Beaches in Leros: Alinta, Panteli, Panagies, Xirokambos, Agios Isidoros, Blefoutis, Agia Marina, Krithoni, Vromolithos, Agia Kioura, Koulouki, Merikia, Gourna, Dioliskaria, Drimonas, Vourlidia and many small, isolated sandy beaches.
Try octopus roast or krasato (with wine), pie from mardaki, fish roasted, fried and plaki, fried calamari, roasts and stuffed tomatoes, Lerian cheese pie and others. From the splendid dishes that you will try the sea urchins should not be absent. In sea urchin salad or even strait out of their opened shell with oil and lemon, make an ideal snack for ouzo or wine.
You will be thrilled with the sweets of spoon, the quince and the plum tomato, xerotigana, pougakia, local svigi and the sweet refreshment drink, that is served in the weddings soumada.
By Ship: From PiraeusBy airplane: From Athens
Piraeus Port Authority
210 4226001-4
Hospital
22470 23251, 22470 22988
Athens airport
210 353 0000
Αirport
22470 22777
Leros Police Station
22470 22222
Taxi
22470 22550, 22470 23340
Coastguard
22470 22224
