Location: Leros
Top Things to do in Leros
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Leros, Greece
Leros (Greek: Λέρος) is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean Sea. It lies 317 kilometres (197 miles) (171 nautical miles) from Athens's port of Piraeus, from which it can be reached by an 8.5-hour ferry ride (or by a 45-minute flight from Athens). Leros is part of the Kalymnos regional unit. The island has been also called in Italian: Lèro and in Turkish: İleriye.
Restaurants in Leros
1. Saint Isidoros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By lcap988 - Athens, Greece
Already from the airplane, just before landing on the very short landing track of Leros airport, we spotted this little church of Agios Isidoros, for the first time.
Then we tried to investigate a bit around the subject and we read that this lovely church, which seems floating on the sea (actually it stands on the Islet of Alinda), was built about two centuries ago, by the fishermen. This little chapel is located on the site of an ancient Greek temple, the ruins of which can still be seen behind the altar.
We visited this nice place, during our short vacation in Leros, last August. When we reached the top of the islet and entered into the little church, we met there an old local lady, who takes care of this church, since many years ago. She was very happy to exchange a few words with us, even more when she understood we were foreigners. The view from the church is very beautiful, especially in the sunset.
No wonder that it has been said in many languages and ways that this is a charming, picturesque and romantic place, with a special "atmosphere".
I believe it is useful to remember though to be careful during the passage on the catwalk, which is connecting the Islet to the main land, mainly when the wind blows strong and the waves rise, because you are likely to become wet.
2. Deposito Di Guerra - War Material Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Joanna208 - Piraeus, Greece
This is a private collection of unique World War II exhibits, each one collected with great effort from the museum owner, Mr. Paraponiaris, and preserved in a very good condition. The museum owner is always present and willing to provide a free of charge tour and advise where each exhibit was found and other significant information. Especially to those interested in World War II facts, it would be a pitty not visiting this museum. As there is no entrance fee or other sponsorship (the museum is maintained solely by the owners), it would be good supporting this effort by buying one of the books sold or giving a small donation.
3. Leros War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By Guy R - Kent
Leros has a lot of history - not least from the 2nd World War - when you visit all of the museum is underground in the tunnels used during the war. There is a short film showing the Battle of Leros and how they fought against the germans. After visiting Leros for 2 weeks it's frightening to think this small island was under constant attack from the might of the German Army. Lots of great artefacts and well worth a visit.
4. The Virgin of Panteli Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By MartynH48 - Penzance, United Kingdom
We visited by coach (bottom gear with air-con off and interesting hairpin bends.) A wonderful lookout all around and a fascinating structure and interesting church. The American Greek Orthodox guide at the ecclesiastical museum next door was very informative, particularly about the way the early Greek Orthodox Patriarchs had suppressed and pushed out the early Orthodox female spiritual leaders in the same way that the Popes did in the early Catholic Church.
5. The Castle of Panagia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By JKe8630 - Akaa, Finland
Castle was a great experience. We start our tour to walk from Platanos to follow some 500 step footpath along the hillside. It was quit hard, but when you climb higher and higher and the town comes smaller and smaller, the views make it worth to do. Castle itself is great, even many parts of inside are ruin or rebuild, there are numerous walls, towers and levels which make it really worth of visiting. Also the views are amazing and the moving inside the castle is very easy. Some warning, if you are travelling with children, there are few places where has no protection against the falling down, so be careful. After visiting the castle, we walk back along road, which lead us great little restaurant build in windmill. The cold bear and salad taste quit good after all that walking.
6. Bellinis Tower Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Lordprotector - PE3 6SX
Whether or not you know anything of the Islands World War Two history there is much here to inform and amaze. The photographs of the torrid air/sea/land warfare depict this through just walking around this old German War Hospital. An added extra is the helpful attendant who also acts as a guide. Whilst on Alinda Bay this visit should be matched with going to the Commonwealth War Graves approx half a mile east. Some heroes never left the island.
7. Panagia Kavouradena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Panathinaikos-13 - London
This is a nice small church build in within the rocks and next to a lovely beach.
A icon dated a few hundred years is kept there, I am not sure if it is the original or if it is a copy.
You need a car to reach the church and there are a few steps before you get into it.
8. Lakki Port
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Bichoes - Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Me and my wife have arrived in Port of Lakki with ferry "Nissos Kalymnos" in august 2015 on our way to Leros Castle. The city is totaly diferent from typical greek style. Like the rest of the Dodecanese, Leros was ruled by Italy from 1912-1943. The Italian authorities founded the town of Lakki in the 1930s as a new model town with totaly new streets and buildings in architecture style razionalismo, typical for fashist Italy ruled by Musolini. The same buildings i also sow in Kos and some other Islands. They say Musolini have dream to make Portolago /Lakki/ main italian base in Dodecanese, and even have villa somewhere around the town. Actualy he never visit Lakki. Under Italian rule, Portolago was heavily fortified.The island garrison included about 6500 men. It was the home port for two destroyers, two small torpedo boats, and four submarines.All buildings iin town are cubic or circles. The main atractions are Navy barracks, the Klock tower, Fascist Party headquarters and the Roma Cinema. In 2015 we sow Lakki full of groups of syrian refugges, just sleeping on the streets, and living in some of the italian buildings. We drink a coffe in local cafe and go to Pandeli and Agia Marina. Later, we take back ferry to Kalymnos. I will never forget Lakki, this strange ghost town, living in other times. I realy hope, after some years, the Leros will be again place full of tourist and we visit it one more time. I realy love this island.
9. Gournes Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By michael w - Athens, Greece
Shallow, so ideal for small kids. Slowly deepens as you walk out. Strands of vegetation growing in the sand. The umbrella's and chairs are free, but I think they belong to the Gournes Taverna, so that is where to head to after your swim and sunbathing for a drink and a bite. It is a decent taverna and the host is very friendly.
10. Agia Matrona Kioura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By giorgosfoutas - Αthens
Protected by the ministry if culture this beautiful church was painted by exiles in the island . Unique paintings and historic church
