Leros like most of the Greek islands 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 "capital" of Leros is Agia Marina - united with the 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 remains of a Byzantine castle of special significance during Byzantine times donated to bishop Christodoulos of Patmos from the Emperor Alexios Komninos, its shape is given by the Knights of St John, who arrived in Leros in the 14th century.
Still in a good condition are the circuit wall and the church of "Our Lady" within it. Laki, 3 kilometres south of Agia Marina is the islands port, ιt is built at the back of a deep, practically enclosed bay, whose range is only 500 metres wide This is one of the largest and best natural harbours in the Mediterranean sea.
Alinda, Xirokambos, and Partheni are charming seaside villages, while you'll find wonderful swimming at the beaches of Agia Marina, Pandeli, Vromolitho, Alinda, Laki, Merikia, and Xirokambos.
Leros has an Airport at Partheni which connects daily the island with Athens the Capital city of Greece. Leros island has also daily connections with ferry boats and hydrofoils to Piraeus and most of the Greek islands of Dodecanese like Patmos, Lipsi, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi and Nisyros. There are weekly connection as well with some of the islands of the Cyclades like Syros and Amorgos, from Syros the visitors can visit some of the upmarket islands of the Cyclades like Mykonos, Tinos, Ios, Paros, Naxos or Santorini.
As Leros has maintained its genuine traditional character, it is in the position to offer the highest quality of tourist services to every visitor. Modern hotel complexes, apartments for rent and guest houses, which come up to the highest expectations, have all been created with respect to the environment, the history and tradition of Leros. Here, away from the noisy towns and the stressful pace of life and even further away from crowed large tourist areas, the visitor finds the peace and recreation he is looking for.
In Leros the visitors find a hospitable environment with all the comforts. The enjoy countless beaches (Alinta, Panteli, Panagies, Xirokampos, Agios Isidoros, Mplefoutis, Agia Marina, Krithoni, Vromolithos, Agia Kioura, Koulouki, Merikia, Gourna, Dyo Liskaria, Drymonas and Vourlidia) and the discover the small isolated sandy beaches, hidden amongst the surrounding rocky land, such as Krifo beach.
Even if you are not a fisherman you will definitely wish to try your luck fishing at one of the plentiful fishing spots of Leros, which are near the numerous little islands around Leros. You can do this either by hiring a boat or with the help of one of the fishermen in Leros.
Modern travellers of the sea will find safe shelter at Agia Marina, Lakki and at the countless sheltered bays of the island. All those who do not wish to miss out on their football or basketball practice will find a football pitch at Lakki and a basketball and volleyball court at Panteli. Leros also has organized markets that sell everything. In the old traditional buildings in Agia Marina, Platano and Lakki the three traditional markets of the island are housed, shops selling fresh vegetables and fish, tourist shops, gold shops and boutiques.
As far as food is concerned, you will most definitely want for nothing else than the small picturesque tavernas on every beach and at the chic restaurants of the island. In addition to the rich Lerian cuisine you can try local fish mezedes such as koukouvades, fish marinata with rosemary, pastous kolious, pittakia me fava and the local mizithra cheese. As for sweets you will not be able to resist the mpoukakia, the sviggous and xerotigana. In addition try the diasogala a sweet drink like the soumada, which you will only find in Leros.
For the more restless amongst you Leros shows its most fun loving and bright side in the evening. Bars, discos and night clubs with local bouzouki music await you at Panteli, Agia Marina and Lakki. The noteworthy cultural events which are organised every year at Platano and Lakki draw the interest of every visitor as do the fairs with local music and dance groups.
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