LerosDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Leros

Leros is part of the Dodecanese group of islands in the southern Aegean Sea and includes the small islet of Farmakonisi with its population of 10 and several uninhabited islets such as Levitha and Kinaros. This island is known for its imposing medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John and is also said to be the hunting ground of the mythical Artemis. You can discover more about the history of Leros in its medieval castle, monuments, and museums while a drive around will reveal endearing traditional settlements and spectacular beaches. As pretty as a picture, Leros is a charming destination to visit if you love traditional island vibes.

The island’s landscape is characterized by small hills and secret coves. The bay of Laki is the largest natural port in the eastern Mediterranean and in 1932 the Italians established their main naval base in the Dodecanese here. The islanders are still occupied with agriculture, producing grapes, figs, prickly pears, guavas (found only in Leros), while wild eucalyptus, tamarisks, and pines grow in abundance. Be sure to visit the Byzantine castle at Pandeli and the lovely church of Prophet Ilias close by, as well as visiting the Folklore Museum housed in the Bellenis Tower to check out its collection of traditional instruments, old maps, and manuscripts, as well as memorabilia from the Second World War.

During World War II, Leros was bombed by the German forces in a push to defeat the Italians and it witnessed a fierce battle that lasted about 50 days, during which time many ships and planes sank. Today, the sea is home to an underwater ‘museum’ and scuba divers come to the island to explore the sunken Luftwaffe and RAF warplanes scattering the sea bed.
 

Routes and Ferries to Leros

Book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail to Leros from the port of Piraeus in 9 hours and 45 minutes with Blue Star Ferries. The ferry stops off at Syros (5.25 hrs) and continues to Patmos (2.10 hr). You can also book your ferry tickets to Leros and sail with ANE Kalymnou, and Dodekanisos Seaways. There are also ferries to Leros from Ikaria (1.50 hrs), Agathonisi (1 hr) Arki (3.10 hrs), Kalymnos (1 hr), and Fourni (1.15 hrs). Book your ferry tickets to Leros with Ferryscanner and sail from other destinations, such as Karpathos (11 hrs), Kasos (12.35 hrs), Kos (2 hrs), and Samos (4.20 hrs). Several ferry lines run from Rhodes to Leros and you can book your ferry tickets to arrive there in 3-5 hours, depending on the itinerary. When you book your ferry tickets to Leros from Symi, you can arrive there in around 2 hrs and 55 minutes, while ferries also sail from Kavala in high season

Leros Municipal Airport handles domestic flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” and the journey takes 50 minutes.
 

Ports of Leros

Lakki is the main port of Leros and serves most passenger ships arriving from all over Greece although some also disembark at the smaller port of Agia Marina. It is a large, natural harbor with modern port facilities and has a marina for yachts. The fact that the harbor resembles a small lake was the reason why the Italians called it Porto Lago and it was chosen by them as a naval base because of its sheltered position.
 

Capital & Villages

Leros is a small island with a few villages which have all managed to retain their traditional character. The capital of Leros is Platanos, which spreads along the coastline to include Agia Marina and Pandeli.

Laki

Lakki is a beautiful settlement and, as the main port of Leros, it’s also an ideal mooring spot for yachts and private craft. The Italians left their mark on the architecture of the town with beautiful neoclassical buildings that served their maritime needs while present on the island in the 1940s. Take a stroll along the wide boulevards and check out the Art Deco and Bauhaus influences, including the nostalgic old cinema. The majestic Leros Hotel and the old Navy administration building add a wonderful touch to this unique island settlement.

Agia Marina

Agia Marina is one of the main towns of Leros and the second-largest port on the island that enjoys a lovely position in a picturesque harbor. Its many traditional dwellings spread up the hill and classical mansions houses merge with traditional whitewashed houses to create a pretty walking destination. Cafes and taverns line the quayside and the Byzantine fortress of Bourtzi stands at the harbor, along with the old windmill. Check out the Archaeological Museum and the War Museum to learn more about the history of this interesting settlement.

Platanas

 Platanos is a well-developed hamlet between Agia Marina and Panteli, all of which are considered as one, and it is the capital of Leros. You can discover the history and culture of the island in Platanas with its many neoclassical buildings and historical monuments. Despite the influx of tourism, it has retained its traditional charm and you will find many shops and eateries reminding you of its heritage. A road from town leads up the hill to the Castle of Panagia; an 11th-century Byzantine fortress well worth visiting. Check out the church of the Holy Cross and the Archaeological Museum of Leros.

Alinda

This popular tourist resort lies next to the natural bay of Agia Marina and is rich in vegetation and olive groves. The restored castle of Bellenis can be found here and it now houses the Historical and Folklore Museum of Leros. Check out the Monastery of Agios Sofronios and the Church of Agios Saranta, as well as the Church of Agios Isidoros built upon rocks dating back to antiquity.

Panteli

Panteli is an old fishing village built amphitheatrical-style around the natural bay and joins with Platanos and Agia Marina. It is a truly picturesque spot surrounded by greenery, mountains, and coves and has some of the best fish taverns on the island. The Byzantine Castle of Panagia stands on the top of the hills, alongside the 6 traditional windmills, making it an attractive spot to enjoy the sea views below.

Xerokambos

Xerokambos is a coastal village on the southern side of Leros and faces the island of Kalymnos across the sea. The houses of Xerokambos are scattered amongst a small valley full of olive, cypress, and almond trees and you can see Palaiokastro or the castle of Lepidon on the hillside. It was built on the ruins of the ancient acropolis dating back to 2,500 BCE and upon visiting, you will discover the small church of the Virgin Mary within the ruins. Nearby is the little church of the Panagia Kavouradena, built into the coastal rocks; considered to be the most picturesque chapel on the island.
 

Best Beaches

Leros has several good beaches made up of sand or pebbles and many small coves ideal for a quick swim if you have access by sea. Most beaches are organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and other tourist facilities such as shops, taverns, and bars.

Alinda Beach

Alinda sits 3 km northwest of Agia Marina and is a long strip of sand and small pebbles. It is very organized, with all the usual facilities, and is lined by pine and tamarisk trees for natural shade. Enjoy a leisurely day of swimming and relaxation, try some watersports or take a walk along the coast to discover some more secluded coves such as the romantic beach of Krifo.

Vromolithos Beach

Vromolithos is a beautiful cove to the southeast of Pandeli village and is a lively tourist resort offering various types of accommodation. The beach is well-organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and the main feature of the beach is its crystalline waters backed by traditional fish taverns.

Dioliskaria

Dioliskaria beach is located 7 km north of Platanos and offers turquoise blue waters and a pleasant shoreline of sand and pebbles. Like most beaches on Leros, it doesn’t get very crowded and visitors can enjoy its unspoiled natural beauty while savoring some local cuisine at one of its waterfront taverns.

Xirokambos

Xirokambos beach is located 9 km southeast of Agia Marina in a natural bay that also offers endearing views of sweeping mountain slopes that reach the sea. The sandy beach with crystal clear waters makes it popular with scuba divers and it is a favorite beauty spot for both visitors and locals. The ruins of Paleokastro are nearby and there are plenty of taverns to dine at, as well as a campsite nearby.

Blefoutis Beach

Sitting on the northern side of Leros, this is a sandy beach overlooking a landlocked bay and exudes calmness and serenity. It is lined by tamarisk trees which reflect in the azure waters, creating a haven of natural beauty. A monument dedicated to the sad events of World War II can be found here and you will also spot the well-known fish restaurant serving excellent fish dishes.
 

Transportation Around Leros

Leros is a small island so public transport is quite limited, with buses only running between the main harbor and the villages. You can find taxis in most areas, and either car or bike rental is also an option if you prefer to move around the island at your own pace.