Leros is a relatively small island, with scenic coves and crystal-clear sea. The absence of a large airport has helped the island by avoiding the "development" one sees in neighboring islands like Kos. Less development has also kept its inhabitants friendlier and more open.

For many years Leros has carried the stigma of a place to which people were sent for exile. As a result, its beauty has not been discovered, and the advantages it offers as a destination have not become known.

Furthermore, because of its small size and the absence of expansive sandy beaches, Leros never caught on as a major tourist destination.  It remains popular primarily with Greek and Italian visitors, offering relaxed, quiet surroundings, with a wide array of moderately-priced, good quality, genuine Greek food establishments.

The positive outcome of this lower development is the fact the local character has been maintained in large parts of the island, and the phenomenon of extensive construction of chararacter-less buildings just for the sake of touristic exploitation is not apparent.

Walks

The rolling hills of the island and the extensive roadworks completed by the Italians, allow the visitor to travel to enjoy the rare flora and fauna during long walks.

Beaches

The roads that offer the great walking terrain have also turned out to be the bane of the few beaches on Leros.

Cultural Sites

With the exception of the castle built by the Knights of St. John, the ruins of an ancient temple, believed to be a temple of Artemis, and a few churches, Leros does not offer much of great cultural interest.  However, in combination with the surrounding islands (see below) the visitor can have a varied cultural experience. The easy access via hydrofoil and caique, can make for interesting day trips. Visitors can also refer to the Ministry of Culture - Archaeological Site Map for more information of the archaeological sites in the region.

Museums

Leros has a recently opened archaeological museum for the display of the local finds and Belenis folkloric Museum with exhibits from the various stages of the island's development.

Surrounding Islands

Visitors staying in Leros can plan day trips to the surrounding islands and uninhabited islets.

The islands and islets of Kalymnos, Patmos, Kos, Lipsi, Arkoi, Marathi, Farmakonissi, Pserimos, Archangelos, Strongylli, Plateia, Aghia Kyriaki are all easily accessible via hydrofoil or caique. They offer a wide variety of archaeological sites, interesting towns and beaches. Finally, the islets of Aspronissia and Tiganakia have some of the most amazing beaches and anchorages in the Dodecanese.

text: ©Marianna Angellou, photos: ©TOUMBIS Editions