Leros
Leros island is on the southeast edge of the Dodecanese
islands in the Aegean. Leros has a population of 8207
inhabitants and an area of 53 square kilometers.The island
has a coastline that reaches 71 km . The largest town(Agia
Marina with Platanos and Panteli) has a population of 2672
and follows Lakki with 1990 residents. The town hall and
other services are in Platanos. Leros is one of the Greek
islands that have not yet burdened by mass tourism. The main
tourist area is Alinda, most interesting villages is the
fishing village of Panteli, near by is the Vromolithos
beach, other areas of Leros is Kamara, Gourna , Kokali and
Xirokampos. The Castle of the Virgin Mary, built in the
eleventh century dominates the mountain Apitiki over Panteli
and Platanos. The war museum of Leros is in Merkia tunnel
built in the Second World War.
History: Thucydides pointed out the importance of the bay
and the ports of Leros during the Peloponnesian War (431 -
404 BC) in which the Athenians defended Leros. The end of
the war,marked the start of the sovereignty of Leros from
the Spartans. The island also is known for the temple of the
goddess Artemis.
Leros followed the path of the other Dodecanese during the
Alexandrian, Roman and Byzantine times. After the division
of the Roman Empire, like the rest of Greece, was part of
the Byzantine empire. In Farmakos island, east of Leros,
Julius Caesar had captured by pirates for 40 days.
During the second world war the island was bombarded for 50
days during the famous battle of Leros when the allied
forces defended the island from the Germans.
Travel information: Leros airport: The airport was
constructed in 1984 in Partheni in the northern part of the
island. There are flights from and to Leros from Athens
every day.
Leros is connected with Piraeus and the other Dodecanese
islands by Ferries and in the summer there are daily
Catamarans and Hydrofoils.
Beaches: Leros has many beaches where you can enjoy swimming and water sports exept of Panteli you will find beaches in Vromolithos, Gourna, Plefouti, Alinda, Krithoni, Drymonas , Merkia and Kokali.
Panteli
