In brief
Leros, the island of Artemis, the goddess of nature and the hunt, is a paradise in the blue waters of the Aegean. It’s still an unspoiled island, retaining its strong Greek character and friendly, hospitable inhabitants always happy to assist their visitors.
Leros is a lovely verdant island with a variety of natural settings. Green valleys interchange with dry hills and sandy beaches with spectacular rocky cliffs over the sea. The numerous bays and little coves offer an excellent selection of beaches.
Leros, the island of Artemis, the goddess of nature and the hunt, is a paradise in the blue waters of the Aegean. It’s still an unspoiled island, retaining its strong Greek character and friendly, hospitable inhabitants always happy to assist their visitors.
Leros is a lovely verdant island with a variety of natural settings. Green valleys interchange with dry hills and sandy beaches with spectacular rocky cliffs over the sea. The numerous bays and little coves offer an excellent selection of beaches.
General Information
Situated between Patmos and Kalymnos, Leros is an island of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches.
Leros’ topography has given rise to many villages. The most important is the capital, Agia Marina – united with two other villages, Platanos and Panteli, on the back side of the hill – a collection of little white houses, neoclassical buildings and narrow alleyways. It starts at the seaside and gradually climbs up the sides of the hill, whose summit is dominated by the sombre remains of a Byzantine castle. Of special significance during Byzantine times, its shape is that given it by the Knights of St. John, who arrived in Leros in the 14th century. Still standing today are the circuit wall and the church of Our Lady within it.
Laki, 3 kilometres south of Agia Marina, is the island’s port, also one of the best examples of Art Deco Architecture. Mussolini’s architects designed it in 1923, though in defiance of the dictator, the capital was moved above to the village of Platanos.
It is built at the back of a deep, practically enclosed bay, whose mouth is only 500 metres wide. This is one of the largest and best natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
Situated between Patmos and Kalymnos, Leros is an island of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches.
Leros’ topography has given rise to many villages. The most important is the capital, Agia Marina – united with two other villages, Platanos and Panteli, on the back side of the hill – a collection of little white houses, neoclassical buildings and narrow alleyways. It starts at the seaside and gradually climbs up the sides of the hill, whose summit is dominated by the sombre remains of a Byzantine castle. Of special significance during Byzantine times, its shape is that given it by the Knights of St. John, who arrived in Leros in the 14th century. Still standing today are the circuit wall and the church of Our Lady within it.
Laki, 3 kilometres south of Agia Marina, is the island’s port, also one of the best examples of Art Deco Architecture. Mussolini’s architects designed it in 1923, though in defiance of the dictator, the capital was moved above to the village of Platanos.
It is built at the back of a deep, practically enclosed bay, whose mouth is only 500 metres wide. This is one of the largest and best natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
Sightseeing
One of the most striking features of Leros is the Kastro of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Kastrou) that towers above the island's capital Platanos. It dates back to the 11th century, and was a stronghold for the Knights of St. John.
Here, there is also a museum with findings from various time periods, as well as an old church.
In Platanos stands the old cathedral Agia Paraskevi. The town itself is nice for strolling around in, and most of the houses were built in the 1800's.
In Alinda you can visit the church of Agios Isidoros that was built on top of an ancient temple. There is also a castle here, which is open to the public, and holds some interesting finds from the island, including parts of the warship Queen Olga that was sunk here by the Germans in 1943. The island's first printer can also be seen here.
Just outside Partheni there are the remains of a temple to Artemis.
In Xerokambos you can visit the church of Panagia Kavouradina ("The Virgin Mary of Crabs"). Legend has it that a fisherman found it here, and was immediately cured from a crab bite on his hand. In a dream he was told by a woman dressed in black to return the icon to where it was found, and so the church was built.
One of the most striking features of Leros is the Kastro of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Kastrou) that towers above the island's capital Platanos. It dates back to the 11th century, and was a stronghold for the Knights of St. John.
Here, there is also a museum with findings from various time periods, as well as an old church.
In Platanos stands the old cathedral Agia Paraskevi. The town itself is nice for strolling around in, and most of the houses were built in the 1800's.
In Alinda you can visit the church of Agios Isidoros that was built on top of an ancient temple. There is also a castle here, which is open to the public, and holds some interesting finds from the island, including parts of the warship Queen Olga that was sunk here by the Germans in 1943. The island's first printer can also be seen here.
Just outside Partheni there are the remains of a temple to Artemis.
In Xerokambos you can visit the church of Panagia Kavouradina ("The Virgin Mary of Crabs"). Legend has it that a fisherman found it here, and was immediately cured from a crab bite on his hand. In a dream he was told by a woman dressed in black to return the icon to where it was found, and so the church was built.
Beaches
Alinda, Xirokambos, and Partheni are charming seaside villages, while you’ll find wonderful swimming at the beaches of Agia Marina, Panteli, Vromolitho, Alinda, Laki, Merikia, and Xerokambos, to name a few.
Useful Information
How to get there
By air from AthensOlympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus
Alinda, Xirokambos, and Partheni are charming seaside villages, while you’ll find wonderful swimming at the beaches of Agia Marina, Panteli, Vromolitho, Alinda, Laki, Merikia, and Xerokambos, to name a few.
Useful Information
How to get there
By air from AthensOlympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22470 Municipal Offices: 60200
Area Code: +30 22470 Municipal Offices: 60200
Police: 22222
Port Authority: 22224, 23256
Olympic Airways: 22777 (airport)
Health Center: 23978
Health Center: 23978
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