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8 Must-see in Leros

In addition to its beautiful beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and welcoming people, Leros ceaselessly enriches each visitor’s experience by presenting attractions that go beyond mere must-see landmarks; they capture the essence and soul of Leros.

  1. St. Isidorus Monastery: This church seemingly floats in the middle of Gourna Bay, offering an ethereal experience shrouded in myth and legend.

  2. Castle of Leros: Overlooking the Aegean Sea, this castle from the Byzantine era protects the Virgin Mary of Castle and carries the legacy of Byzantine emperors.

  3. Lakki: A town representing the Italian occupation period, it showcases elegant art deco and Bauhaus designs and is located on one of the Mediterranean’s best natural harbors.

  4. Mount Patella & Parabolic Acoustic Wall: Serving as an open-air museum, this place provides a unique insight into World War II history, with the Parabolic Acoustic Wall standing as a restored piece of history.

  5. War Museum of Leros: Set within Italian catacombs, this museum provides an immersive insight into the wartime experience, featuring weapons, medical supplies, and medals of honor.
Leros has always been a true case study, an island shrouded with mysteries and legends, most of them connecting to the sea. With a tradition carrying over from the Middle Ages, from the far bygone eras of Byzantium, especially due to the time of Iconoclasm, Leros was always a safe haven for several special icons. One of those very special icons lie at the church of St. Isidorus.
The small church is located inside Gourna Bay – and the inside is literal: St. Isidorus stands smack in the middle of the bay, connected to the land through a small strip of concrete and rocks. Built somewhere around the 14th century, the small church is reminiscent of several normandian castles, where the tide either covers or not their way to the entrance. However, the location is not a newfound one – quite the opposite. The church was built upon ancient ruins, some of which can be easily seen even today as you walk over them, and in fact, part of the small strip to the Saint is built with ruins from the bygone era.
In fact, recent research shows that the ancient port of “Porta” has actually provided the foundation of St. Isidorus, a port that it is thought to have had both an ancient temple as well as several defensive and commercial buildings built in the broader area. This port has been documented in several ancient sources. Yet, its exact position was actually searched for quite a while.
What is even more interesting is the story behind the Icon itself. The story starts at the sea, where a poor, one-handed fisherman tries to make a living, barely coping. As he was fishing around, the icon was caught in the fishing nets of the poor fisherman. The icon, showing gratitude towards the poor fisherman, granted the man a wish, and the man asked to have his second hand back, and by miracle, he actually got it back. Out of gratitude to the Saint, the fisherman built the small church in the middle of the sea, where it has stood ever since, defying the all-mighty elements of mother nature.
Whether the legend is an actuality seems highly irrelevant. The legend of St. Isidorus just adds more mystique to the already unique small church. Considered amongst the most impressive and beautiful churches of Greece, in part due to the astounding and awe-inspiring sunsets that you can witness at the location, St. Isidorus remains one of the most unique yet under-the-radar locations for several weddings and baptisms. Nowadays, the church is celebrated as always every year on the 14th of May, the name-day of St. Isidorus, with high honors and true celebrations taking place every year. Just, when you visit both St. Isidorus and Leros, always look around, and especially towards the sea… As always, when it comes to Leros, you just never know where and when you are gonna find your next personal treasure…

St. Isidorus monastery

Patella Area, leros -Aerofono

Parabolic Acoustic Wall

The Castle

The Castle of Leros

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Congrats on picking Leros for your next vacation spot! Our 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 Leros adventure.

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Swastika over the Aegean, September-November 1943.                                                              Anthony Rogers                                                                                                                                             Toro; 1st edition (January 1, 2013)
Swastika over the Aegean, September-November 1943.
Η Λέρος στην Οθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία.                                                                                     Ηλέκτρα Κωστοπούλου.                                                                                                                     Φιλίστωρ, 2005
Η Λέρος στην Οθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία.
«Μπελλένειο Γυμνάσιο Λέρου» (1956-2006) 50 χρόνια ύπαρξης και πνευματικής προσφοράς                                                                                                                                       Ειρήνη Διαμαντάρα - Ζαρίφη.                                                                                                           Μπελλένειο Γυμνάσιο Λέρου,  Αθήνα 2008.
«Μπελλένειο Γυμνάσιο Λέρου» (1956-2006) 50 χρόνια ύπαρξης και πνευματικής προσφοράς
Εφορεία Σχολών (και Εκκλησιών) Λέρου (1889 -2012) 123 χρόνια ζωής και προσφοράς (Αρχεία Ιεράς Μητροπόλεως)

FAQ

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Leros is a Greek island located in the southern Aegean Sea, near the Dodecanese island group.

You can reach Leros by ferry or by plane. There are ferries that depart from several ports in Greece, such as Piraeus, Rhodes, and Kos. There are also direct flights from Athens to Leros.

The best time to visit Leros is during the summer months, from June to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, spring and autumn can also be good times to visit, as the weather is milder and the island is less crowded.

Some of the top attractions in Leros include the Castle of Pandeli, the War Tunnel Museum, the war monuments located on various hills of the island, the beaches of Alinda and Vromolithos, and the picturesque villages of Agia Marina and Platanos.

Some of the best beaches in Leros include Alinda, Vromolithos, Gourna, and Blefouti. These beaches offer crystal clear waters, beautiful scenery, and a range of water sports and activities.

English is widely spoken in Leros, especially in tourist areas and hotels. However, learning a few basic Greek phrases before your trip is always a good idea, as it can help you connect with locals and better understand the island’s culture.

Yes, Leros Island is a great place for nature excursions, as it has a diverse landscape with mountains, hills, and beaches. There are several hiking and mountain biking trails on the island, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Maps and guides are available at local tourist offices and can also be found in this website. Some popular hiking and biking routes on Leros include the trail from Platanos to Panteli, the hike up to the Castle of Leros, and the mountain biking trails around Mount Vigla.

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