It is only 14 kilometers from the airport in the north of Leros to the southernmost village of Xirokambos. The small island is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea not far from the Turkish mainland and, with just 8,100 inhabitants, is a tranquil island where it is still quiet even in the high season.
“Leros looks back on an eventful past. On discovery tours, you will always come across fortifications from the Middle Ages, bunkers from the Second World War and blue-and-white chapels of modern times.«
In the coastal towns of Agia Marina and Panteli, the white houses are picturesquely lined up. Even if some locals dream of a second Mykonos at the thought of Leros, one can be happy that the big tourist boom has so far failed to materialize on the island. Enclosed we present our most beautiful Leros highlights.
Today, the season from May to October is mainly frequented by adventurers, gourmets and numerous sailors. Leros has a lot to offer for sporty active holidaymakers. Whether mountain biking, hiking or even diving. Around the island, for example, there are several shipwrecks on the seabed, which you can explore on a dive.
Leros is a manageable island. For a stay of 3-4 days, you can get a rental car and explore quite a lot of Leros. Or you can simply unwind on the beautiful beaches of the island!
#1 The windmills of Leros
Gleaming white, the six windmills of Leros are enthroned on a hill above the village of Panteli. They are the landmark of the island and a popular photo motif. Next to the first windmill is the Harris Bar, a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset.
In a cosy lounge atmosphere, cool drinks and small snacks are served here. The views from the terrace of the coastal town of Panteli and the Aegean Sea are breathtaking, justifying the upscale prices for drinks and snacks.
#2 Castle of Leros (Kastro tis Panagias)
If you drive a little further at the windmills, you will reach the Castle of Leros. A mighty fortress built in the 7th century by the Byzantines. Over the years, the castle changed hands several times. 400 years later, the Kastro was expanded by the Crusaders. During the Second World War, the Italians used the castle as a military base.
Inside the castle of Leros is the Church of Panagia with a holy Marian icon, which attracts numerous believers every year. From the fortress you can enjoy a beautiful panorama over the island and the Aegean Sea. In addition to the normal approach via the asphalt road, there is also a footpath that leads up over 300 steps to the castle. Open: Daily 08:30 – 12:30, 16:00 – 19:00
Directly below the fort, the road leads along the chapel of the Prophet Elijah. The view of the coast of Agia Marina below is magnificent. In the evening, you can watch the sun bathe the island in a warm light and disappear behind the horizon at the end.
#3 The village Panteli
The small village was for us personally the most beautiful place on Leros. The white houses are picturesquely lined up along the mountainside, fishing boats sail in the pretty harbour bay. During the day you can relax at Panteli Beach and enjoy a wonderful swimming. Only in the high season the small bay overflows with vacationers.
On the beach, the taverns have placed their chairs and tables directly on the shore. In the evening, when everything is illuminated, the atmosphere here is particularly romantic. In one of the numerous beach taverns you can end the day in peace with a glass of wine.
From Panteli, it is worth taking a detour to the locality of Platanos. Especially at lunchtime, you are all alone up here on the hill and can explore the pretty alleys with magnificent bougainvillea and colorful shutters extensively.
From Platanos you will then get back to the main town Agia Marina with its beautiful little waterfront with cafes, taverns and bars. On the way you will pass the magnificent church “Ekklisia Christos”. A little further on, you have a great view of Panteli Bay.
#4 Relax at Vromolithos Beach
If it gets too crowded for you at Panteli Beach in the high season, then it’s worth taking a detour to the Vromolithos Beach. Unfortunately, you can’t walk along the coast from Panteli due to private property and have to make do with the road that takes you to the next village. The bay is elongated and shines turquoise blue.
The beach section itself is quite narrow and the seabed rocky, so you walk over sandbags into the sea. For swimmers and snorkelers the bay is perfect due to its clear waters. At the very end of the beach you will find the quietest section.
#5 Lakki: A Place of History
If you reach Leros with one of the large ferries, you will immediately notice the bizarre architecture of the town of Lakki with its wide boulevards and rounded buildings.
What looks like a Cuban film set, are the remains of a planned city, which was built by the Italian occupiers in the Art Deco style. By the way, the bay of Lakki is considered the largest natural harbor in the Aegean.
The Italians used the island as an important naval base during World War II due to the natural harbor of Lakki. Numerous acts of war took place around Leros, including the Battle of Leros between the British and Italians in the autumn of 1943.
Experienced divers can explore the old shipwrecks at the bottom of the seabed. Among other things, the wreck of the destroyer “Queen Olga”, a British landing craft, parts of a submarine and sea mines, as well as huge anchors.
Even though numerous efforts have been made in the past to make the place attractive to tourists, there is still a yawning emptiness in the streets even in the high season.
Unfortunately, many buildings are getting old and need renovating. Lakki has potential, but currently exudes little charm. So the place usually remains only a transit station to the south. On the other hand, the numerous bathing bays around Lakki entice you to refresh yourself in the sea.
Our beach favourite in Leros
If you keep west in Lakki, a few kilometers after the turnoff to the Military Museum, go down to the Kokkina Beach. A beautiful little bay with reddish sand awaits you. This beach is our personal favorite in Leros.
That water is crystal clear and very shallow. Since the place is quite unknown to vacationers, you will only meet a few locals who refresh themselves here. The gravel road down to the beach is very steep.
It is recommended to park the rental car or scooter at the top of the main road and walk down to the beach. The beach is not to be missed. For us personally, one of the most beautiful Leros highlights.
#6 The Crab Church of Panagia Kavouradena
The island of Leros has several beautiful chapels in a unique location. The “Crab Church” of Xirokambos in the south of the island is a special gem. The church was built directly into a rock by the sea. You can reach it by driving along the dirt road southeast of the town of Xirokambos.
A fisherman is said to have been bitten by a crab while he was collecting mussels and when he looked at the shore, he saw the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He prayed and the wound healed. Exactly at the place where the icon was found, a small chapel was built directly into the stone.
#7 Insider tip Agios Isidoros Chapel
Another photogenic chapel is located in the northwest of Leros, near the village of Kokkali. The Church of St. Isidore (Agios Isidoros) is a great photo opportunity. It is picturesquely situated on a small rock in the sea. It can be reached via a narrow paved footpath. In the evening, the 50-metre-long path is beautifully lit by lanterns.
In the north of Leros there is also the airport and a military base. We found the corner a bit barren and less attractive compared to the rest of the island. There are only some lonely bays with pebble beaches and local farmers and wine producers. A visit to the wineries including a guided tour is usually only possible by appointment.
#8 Day trip to Arki Island
A special highlight during our stay in Leros was a day trip by pirate ship to the small island of Arki. The excursion boats depart from Agia Marina every morning during the season and head for different destinations depending on the day of the week.
The first stop along the route is the white limestone Islands of Aspronisi (White Island). The turquoise blue sea and the white limestone form a magical contrast and you can jump directly into the crystal clear sea water from the boat.
A few nautical miles further on, the boat docks in the south of Arki at Tiganakia Beach. In the strait, the water shimmers paradisiacal blue and there is inevitably a Caribbean feeling. Here, too, a jump into the cool water is worthwhile. Rarely have we seen the Aegean Sea as beautiful as in this corner.
The little harbour of Arki is the final destination and an island idyll like out of a picture book awaits you. Arki is only sparsely populated, only a few houses are lined up around the village. White chapels shine on the hills. Right at the harbour there are two excellent tavernas with delicious Greek appetizers.
You sit idyllically on the village square and watch the small fishing boats anchored on the shore. Here you can use the let your mind wander and if you want to explore the small island on an extensive hike, then it is worth booking a guest room on Arki in advance.
→ More information about the boat tour, as well as the departure times, can be found here: Agios Georgios Cruises Leros
Our recommendation for restaurants
Karaflas Restaurant, Panteli
Not only the view from the terrace of the Taverna Dimitris o Karaflas is excellent. The Greek food is simply delicious and traditionally prepared with love. In addition to fresh fish, there are many small appetizers such as Manouri cheese in balsamic vinegar. The prices are a bit high due to the location, as everywhere in Panteli. In the high season it can get very crowded and it is advisable to reserve in advance.
Zephyros Beach Bar, Alinda
Zephyros Beach Bar was a perfect place for us to relax and escape the midday heat with a cool drink. You sit idyllically at wooden tables directly above the beach. Chilled lounge music is playing in the background. The service is friendly and the prices are moderate. On the pebble beach you can rent sunbeds with umbrellas and refresh yourself in the clear sea water.
Mylos Fish Restaurant, Agia Marina
Meanwhile, almost an institution on Leros is the fish restaurant Mylos in the village of Agia Marina. The cuisine is superb, appetizers and seafood extremely tasty and the wine list very extensive.
The ambience is a bit more exclusive, so the prices are high. A special highlight is the small mill in front of the restaurant in the sea. Especially in the evening, when the sun goes down, this spot is a mecca for photographers.
More travel tips for your Leros holiday
Accommodation on the island of Leros
Here we stayed on Leros
Asterias Apartments, Panteli
In the beautiful village of Panteli we met with the British owners Al and Kitty and felt completely comfortable. Asterias Apartments are tastefully decorated and each room has a balcony/terrace with fantastic sea views. In the morning there is a delicious breakfast served with fresh fruit and homemade pieces.
The entire facility is lovingly landscaped and decorated. The beach with its numerous taverns is less than a 5-minute walk away. Nevertheless, the apartments are quietly located on the mountainside and are also suitable for self-catering. In addition to free Wi-Fi, each room has air conditioning. You can get more information about the accommodation and check prices via Booking.com*:
➲ To book Asterias Apartments*
Leros Hotels, Holiday Homes and Apartments
There are no large hotel complexes on Leros. Nevertheless, the island has some family-run hotels, holiday homes and apartments. We book almost all of our accommodations through the Booking.com* portal:
➲ To beautiful accommodations on the island*
→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodation in Leros and you can check prices here:
Getting Around & Car Rental on Leros
Since Leros is a manageable island, a scooter or quad bike is sufficient as a means of transport for most holidaymakers. At the ports of Agia Marina and Lakki, as well as in Panteli and Alinda, you will find local providers who have scooters & Co. available. For your rental car on Leros, we can recommend the following local providers:
- Alidian Rentals Leros Rent a Car, Buggy & Quad Hire
- Pagonis car scooter rental
How to get to the island of Leros
You can reach Leros by ferry as well as by plane from Athens. There are no direct flights from Germany to the island. The airport is simply too small for that. Leros is wonderfully immersed in a Greece Island Hopping. The island is located quite centrally in the eastern Aegean Sea.
🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Our best planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Arrival by plane via Kos
Olympic Air flies daily from Athens to Leros during the high season. The flight time is one hour. From Germany or Northern Europe you take a direct flight to the island of Kos and then a continuation by ferry to Leros:
➲ To search for flights with Skyscanner*
Arrival by ferry
The large ferry company Blue Star Ferries flies to Leros several times a week from Piraeus. Between the individual islands of the Dodecanese the catamarans of the Dodekanisos Seaways daily in high season. The fast ferries are the best option for island hopping in the Dodecanese. Click on the Ferryhopper* link to research suitable connections:
➲ To the ferry search with Ferryhopper*
→ You can find even more travel tips for the beautiful neighboring islands of Leros in our overview: Dodecanese Islands
*Support our blog Greece-Moments
In this post, you will find affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or buy something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. For you, the price remains the same. In this way, you help us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you like this post and you would like to say thank you? Then just buy us the next Greek coffee ☕️ To the coffee fund
Bookmark this post on Pinterest!
