Leros

Byzantines, Knights, OttomansThe castle above Platanos likely originated as a Byzantine fortress; in 1309, the Knights Hospitaller took over the island and expanded it. Later, Leros, like the rest of the Dodecanese, belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Traditional Aegean houses and 19th-century buildings dominate the townscapes of Platanos and Agia Marina.Italian Era and WarIn 1912, Italy occupied the island, developing Lakki Bay into a naval base. The planned city of Portolago, an example of Italian Rationalism, was built there in the 1930s. In November 1943, German troops captured Leros in battle, occupying it until the war's end. Tunnels, gun emplacements, and the War Museum in Merikia commemorate this.Island LifeLeros relies less on tourism than many neighbouring islands. Fishing, administration, and the hospital shape daily life, while the annual patron saint festivals are the most important dates of the year.

ArrivalLarge ferries from Piraeus dock in Lakki and take around nine hours. Catamarans connecting the Dodecanese between Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes stop in Agia Marina. From the airport near Partheni in the north, there are flights to Athens.On the IslandAn island bus connects the main towns like Lakki, Platanos, Agia Marina, and Alinda, but it only runs a few times a day. For the secluded bays in the north and south, rental cars or scooters are more practical, both available in Lakki and Alinda. You should order taxis by phone in advance.On FootPlatanos, Panteli, and Agia Marina are close to each other and connected by stepped paths. The island is hilly, so bicycles are only partially suitable for longer distances.