Leros Maps

Leros is an island in the Dodecanese, located between Patmos and Kalymnos in the southeast Aegean Sea. The island has a complex, deeply indented coastline with numerous bays, covering 29 square miles with a population of approximately 8,000 residents. The island lacks a single main settlement; instead, communities are distributed around the coastline. Platanos, built on a hillside in the center, serves as the administrative capital.

Lakki, on the southwest coast, functions as the main port for large ferries and features exceptional examples of Italian rationalist architecture from the 1930s, when Mussolini's government developed the harbor as a naval base. The wide streets, Art Deco buildings, and circular piazzas make Lakki architecturally unique in Greece. The Castle of Panagia (or Kastro) crowns a hill above Platanos, with a church inside built on the site of an ancient temple of Artemis.

Other significant settlements include Agia Marina, Alinda with its long beach, and Partheni in the north. During the mid-20th century, Leros housed major psychiatric institutions, which influenced the island's reputation. The island was the site of significant naval battles during World War II. Leros has remained less developed for tourism compared to Rhodes or Kos, maintaining a quieter character. The numerous bays provide good anchorage, making the island popular with sailing enthusiasts.