Congrats on picking Leros for your next vacation spot! This lovely beautiful island has so much to offer, and we’re here to help you get the most out of your trip. Here are some key things you should know before planning your vacation in Leros.
Let’s set some expectations
Here’s what you won’t find on your Leros vacation:
– Don’t bother hunting for swanky, all-inclusive luxury resorts. If that’s what you’re after, you might wanna pick another island.
– No one will chase you down the beach or pitch you daily tours or other touristy stuff. Sorry, but that’s just not the Leros style.
– No casinos here.
– In the mood for a shopping spree? Well, if you need a few extra clothing items or you’re hunting for a cute outfit, you’re covered. But don’t count on overhauling your wardrobe or hitting any mega sales here.
– Beach parties and such aren’t really the scene here
Now, here’s what Leros has in store for you:
– A genuine Greek island vibe with quaint traditional villages and endless, crystal-clear beaches. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding.
– You’ll never go more than 5 minutes driving without seeing the sea.
– A rich history and captivating tales from the past.
– A cool mix of old-school family businesses alongside impressive modern enterprises.
– Loads of mooring options and stunning protected bays for the sailing crowd.
– Greek food is delish, but Leros takes it to a whole new level. Loads of restaurants on the island can attest to that.
So, if you’re still stoked about planning a Leros vacation, here’s what you need to know:
Transportation
Getting to and from Leros
There are a few ways to start your vacation in Leros, depending on where you’re coming from and how you’d like to arrive. If you’ve got a private yacht, just check the weather forecast and make your way to the island. If you’re yachtless, no worries! Your options are flying or taking a ferry.
By flight:
Leros has a small airport for domestic flights, mainly from Athens International Airport. The flight time from Athens to Leros is about 50 minutes. In winter, there are 3-4 flights per week, while in the summer, you can find 2-3 flights per day.
It’s a good idea to book your flight tickets ahead of time during the high season.
By ferry:
Leros is well-connected and easily reachable from many Greek islands and mainland Greece by ferry.
The island has two ports: Lakki, the main port, and Agia Marina, the smaller one.
Blue Star Ferry
One of the most popular ferry operators in Greece is Blue Star Ferries. They have several routes to Leros (Lakki main port) from Athens (Piraeus) and other islands like Patmos, Kalymnos, and Kos. The journey times vary depending on the route but generally take:
Piraeus (9-10 hours), Rhodes (5.5 hours), Kos (2.5 hours), or Kalymnos (1.5 hours).
Website: BLUE STAR FERRY
Dodekanisos Seaways (Catamaran)
Another option is Dodekanisos Seaways, or as the locals call it, ‘the Catamaran.’ It’s faster, operates only during the day, and offers ferry routes from/to Leros (Agia Marina port) to/from Rhodes, Kos, and other small Dodecanese islands. Their routes can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on your departure point.
Website: DODEKANISOS SEAWAYS
Leros Express
In addition to the well-known options of the Blue Star Ferry and the Dodecanese Express (Catamaran), Leros offers another local ferry service called “Leros Express.” This ferry operates from Agia Marina port and provides an alternative transportation option to Mastichari (Kos), Pitagorio (Samos), Agatonisi, Arki, and more.
Leros Express timetable can be found here.
ANEK LINES
There are also local ferries running between Leros and nearby islands like Lipsi, Kalymnos, and Patmos. These ferries typically have a less frequent schedule but can be a great option if you’re island hopping in the area, like ANEK.
By Private Speed Boat
Ferry schedules might not always align with your travel plans. If you need more flexibility or prefer a quicker transfer to or from Leros, consider chartering a private speedboat.
This option offers a faster and more personalized experience compared to ferries. Travel times vary depending on the starting point:
- Kos to Leros: Approximately 45 minutes
- Kalymnos City to Leros: Approximately 30 minutes
Speedboats typically accommodate groups of 4 to 9 people, depending on the specific vessel.
The Leros Way team will be happy to help book the right speedboat for your needs. Text us (WhatsApp or Viber) at (+30)694-7974447
Going to and from Turkey
If you’re planning to visit Leros from Turkey, you’ll be stoked to know that there are a few ferry options available. The ferries run from/to Bodrum and Didim, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the ferry company and the weather conditions.
Keep in mind that ferry schedules and availability can change depending on the season, so always check ahead of time and book your tickets in advance. You can usually do this online or at a travel agency on the islands.
Website: Yesil Marmaris Lines
You can get more info about how to get to and from Leros here.
Getting around in Leros
If you’re wondering how to get around on the island, here are the options Leros has in store:
Ride the bus: One bus line connects all the major towns and villages on the island, costing 1.5-2 euros. Just be aware that the schedules can be a bit flexible, especially during peak tourist season.
You can find the bus timetable here.
Catch a taxi: Taxis are easy to find and super convenient. It’s always smart to book your taxi in advance to avoid long wait times or the risk of not finding one when you need it, especially in peak season and when a flight lands or a ferry arrives.
You can find taxi phone contacts here.
Rent a car or scooter: This is probably the most popular way to explore the island. You’ll find loads of rental companies offering cars and scooters, giving you the freedom to roam wherever and whenever you want.
You can find rental car operators in our business listing.
Walk: Leros is a small island, and many of the towns and villages are within walking distance of each other. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get some exercise and soak in the gorgeous scenery. You can also find suggested routes for hiking if you want to get to know the island even more.
Cycle: You can also rent a bicycle and explore the island on two wheels. There are some epic cycling routes that’ll take you through some of the most breathtaking parts of Leros.
You can find rental bicycle operators in our local business listing and suggested bicycling routes here.
LEROS ORIENTATION MAP
If you need some help with orientation on the island and where places are located, you can find your way around the island with our easy-to-use Leros orientation map! This downloadable map provides a clear overview of Leros, including major towns, villages, and roads. Use it to plan your trip itinerary and navigate the island with ease.
To download the color version of the map, click here.
To download the Black & White version of the map, click here.
ACCOMMODATION
Leros has got accommodation options for every budget and taste. When choosing a place to stay, the main factors to consider are usually location, budget, and type of accommodation.
Location
The main areas that most visitors prefer are Alinda, Pandeli, Agia Marina, Krithoni, Vromolithos, and Lakki. If you’re not sure where to look and need some guidance on the island before deciding which area to focus your search on, we’ve got you covered with this article <ADD A LINK>.
Budget
Leros offers accommodation options to suit almost every budget and at nearly every point on the island. Well, almost every budget – luxury resorts aren’t on our list. The high season tends to be pricier than other times, and typically, the earlier you book your accommodation, the more affordable the rates will be.
Type of Accommodation
Leros has a variety of accommodation options, with many owned by local families, giving you the bonus of getting to know some locals.
Here are the options Leros has in store:
Hotels: There are several hotels in Leros, most of which are small to medium-sized. Only a few hotels feature a pool, but nearly all of them are close to the beach or within walking distance of one.
Villas: The villas in Leros are usually situated in picturesque areas and offer a more private stay for couples or families. You can find small, cozy villas as well as large, luxurious ones with private pools and incredible views.
Apartments: Apartments in Leros are a popular option for those seeking more space and privacy, typically at a low to a reasonable budget. They range from simple studio apartments to larger, multi-bedroom units.
Guesthouses: Leros has many guesthouses that are typically run by locals and offer a more authentic experience. You can usually find studios with a small kitchen and a nice balcony with a bonus view. They are generally smaller and more affordable than hotels.
WEATHER
Leros has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and hot summers. But hey, no matter when you visit, there’s always something cool to do and see on this beautiful Greek island.
Summertime
During the summer months – June through August, expect hot temps and loads of sunshine. The average high during this time is around 30°C (86°F), so don’t forget to pack sunscreen and drink lots of water!
If you dig the warm weather and don’t mind the crowds, the summer months are where it’s at in Leros. The weather is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island. Plus, there are a bunch of events and festivals happening, like the Feast of St. John the Theologian in August.
Spring or Fall – March to May and September to November
If you’re not big on heat, you might want to visit Leros during spring or fall. From March to May and September to November, the weather is cooler and comfier, with temperatures ranging from around 15-25°C (59-77°F). It’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoor stuff but not so hot that you’ll be drenched in sweat. If you choose this period, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, meaning more peaceful and quiet beaches and easier access to restaurant seats.
Winter – November to March
In winter, from November to March, temperatures can drop down to around 10°C (50°F). It’s still a good time to visit if you’re into hiking and exploring the island’s historic sites. Plus, there are some fun winter festivals like the carnival in February and the Clean Monday celebrations in March.
Pack warm clothes and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting during this time.
So, as you can see, there’s really no bad time to visit Leros! It all comes down to your vibe and what you want to get out of your vacation.
So there you have it!
Leros is a total gem of a Greek island, with its laid-back vibes, stunning beaches, and delicious food. Whether you want to chill out on the sand or explore the island’s rich history, Leros has got you covered. So pack your bags, book your transportation and accommodation, and get ready to soak up the sun and make some awesome memories. Leros, here we come!
