Leros, is among the islands of the Dodecanese that offer experiences granting it the nickname ‘port of paradise in the middle of the Aegean’.
Looking for an island with a multicultural character that strongly resists the hordes of tourists, a place with picturesque settlements, natural harbors, bays and coves, pebbly and sandy beaches, fertile plains and low green hills, Leros is a destination that will give you a taste of Dodecanese attractors. The international appeal of the island, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, is one of the dominant elements that adds to its charm by magnetizing people from all over the world.
At the southeastern edge of the Aegean, history is being scribed from the very beginning…
The trek to the unspoiled Aegean island reveals a blessed place that played a dominant role in the most important events of history.
In Lakki of Leros (Porto Lago as it was named by the Italians who built it), the most paradoxically beautiful city in Greece reminiscent of paintings by Giorgio de Chirico, you will be fascinated by the unique architecture in the buildings – a legacy of the period during the Italian rule in the Dodecanese (1912 – 1943).
In most of the settlements such as in Agia Marina, Lepida, Lakki and elsewhere, beautiful neoclassical houses are erected that were used from time to time as residences of prosperous residents of Leros or as public buildings. The Tower Houses (in Gourna, Lakki and Vagia), another attraction of the island, a remnant of earlier times, where the inhabitants had to be protected from pirate raids.
Near the capital, Agia Marina, and Panteli, the mills of the island dominate. Scattered on the island are the churches, which vary from purely Byzantine to Western-style buildings or a mixture of them, while the view from the imposing castle of Panagia on Apitiki hill is mesmerizing.
Leros gathers a set of elements that characterize it as the ultimate destination for quality and carefree family holidays. Due to the shape of the island, the many small islands and rocky islets offer the right environment for marine explorations. On the beaches there are plenty of tamarisk trees that offer shade to vacationers. The island of Leros is green and in the interior there is abundant agricultural production, countless vines, figs, prickly pears, Guava (found solely in Leros) and vegetable crops.
A gem of clear blue waters and golden sands…
As a destination, Leros has nothing to envy from other islands. Its gentle mountains, the blue that surrounds it and its abundant light highlight it as a spiritually healing destination. Greek hospitality is widespread while the daily life of the residents follows its own calm tempo.
The smiling faces of the islanders, the simplicity, an eternal open embrace, touch every heart. The feeling you get from the first moment you set foot in this place is that you are in your second home, that you are a member of a community and not just a traveler. When at night you are exhausted from wandering through the labyrinthine cobbled streets, lie down, open your heart and share stories with them around a table with ouzo and homemade dinner.
Open handed Leros is not satisfied with drumbeats, it does not seek the attention of its visitors with flares and fireworks. It modestly maintains its grace and remains unspoiled by the passage of time. It opens channels of communication, unites by overcoming language and cultural barriers.
The beaches of Leros create a colorful puzzle of images, offering visitors a haven of tranquility and absolute freedom…
- Vromolithos: Popular beach of Leros next to the settlement of the same name. It is long, sandy, with taverns and beach bars.
- Agia Marina: One of the most well-known beaches of the island with shallow and clear waters.
- Penteli: Famous, long beach of Leros next to the homonymous settlement of the island. Here you will find one of the biggest beach bars on the island, while there are other shops and mini markets nearby.
- Alinda: One of the largest organized beaches (acquires umbrellas) of Leros with blue waters, sand and pebbles.
- Dio Liskaria: Beautiful sheltered cove with deep blue waters. The beach is organized with umbrellas and sun-beds. There are coffee and food shops close to the beach.
- Xirokambos: Quite a long, sandy beach with deep water ideal for diving and diving! Near Xirokambos there is a small rocky beach, Panagia Kavouradaina, for those who want a serene and secluded spot.
- Agios Spyridonas: Small beach with sand and pebbles. It stands out for the deep blue waters and the shipwreck on the coast.
- Krithoni: Well-known organized beach of Leros with clear waters, fine pebbles and umbrellas.
- Koulouki: These are 3 contiguous coves. They have fine, light-colored sand, cool waters and are surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a snack bar with snacks and drinks on the middle beach.
- Merikia: Beautiful, quiet beach near Koulouki. It has crystal clear waters and large tamarisk trees protecting from the sun.
- Agia Kioura: Beautiful, unorganized, isolated beach, ideal for peaceful moments and cool dives.
- Gourna: Known for its dark sand and clear, shallow waters. It has umbrellas, but also trees that offer shade. Behind the beach there are shops for visitors.
The hostess Leros will treat you with an excess of love the most delicious fruits of the region…
At the picturesque shops of the island you will try mouthwatering traditional recipes and enjoy your coffee and drink with a view of the sea.
The island of Leros has all kinds of shops, located in Lakki, Agia Marina, Platanos, Kamara, Alinda and Xirokambos. The interest of visitors is mainly attracted by the shops selling local agricultural and traditional products. On the island of Leros you will also find a tropical fruit (the fruit was brought from Egypt) guava! It is a fruit with a strong smell and flavor and thrives mainly in September.
Leros has two wineries with a wide variety of wines (Red – Rose – White).Don’t forget to take a shot at the traditional salt of the island such as pollock, sardine, mackerel, anchovy and roe. With a strong presence in the primary sector, cheese products are produced in Leros: myzithra (hard-soft), krasotiri and ladotiri (which are preserved in oil and wine, respectively).
The farm with eggs from free-range chickens, supplies the whole island and are available in local shops.It would be remiss not to mention the famous thyme honey of Leros, which is worth trying! Look for it in grocery stores.In the pastry shops, you will be introduced to the local sweets, patsavouropita with a sheet crust and yogurt, oven and pan puffs with Leros thyme honey, walnut, almond, tangerine and sesame, guava (local fruit), local wine, the delicious cheese pie with myzithra and the soft drink “soumada” made from bitter almonds!
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