Distance
from Piraeus: 171 n. miles - Area: 53 km2
Population: 8.136)
Situated between
Patmos and Kalimnos, 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 Pandeli,
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. 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.
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, to name a few.
