Description of Leros

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The island of Leros is a place blessed with natural beauty but unfortunately cursed over a dark past. Having been in the recent years an exile for political prisoners and mistreated mental patients, Leros thrives to reinvent its fame to what it really is, a lovely tourist destination with nice beaches and even nicer people. The development in tourist facilities is great and there are several hotels and rooms for your stay. The enchanting charm of Leros Island is worth a visit.

Geography of Leros

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Leros an area of 74,17 sq. km. with a total population of 8.207 residents. The islands closer to Leros are Lipsi and Patmos on the north and Kalymnos on the south.

History of Leros

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Leros has been inhabited since prehistoric times and there are several findings across the island for this evidence. After the prosperity in economy and culture that Leros knew under the political influence of Miletus, it followed the fate of the rest of the Dodecanese Islands during the Roman years and the Byzantine period when some of the most significant and rare Byzantine monuments were built on the island. In 1314, Leros was conquered by the Knights of St John until 1522 when it fells under the Ottoman Rule. In 1821 joined the Greek Revolution but in 1830 was given again to Turks. In 1912 was conquered by Italians until 1943 when it was occupied by Germans and then by British forces. Leros finally joined Greece in 1948.

Sightseeing on Leros

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Leros has a totally different architecture with many buildings dating back in the Italian Occupation. Leros has been chosen because of its important strategic position in order to serve the military interests of Italian fascists. Portolago is one the best examples of Italian Rationalist architecture where Mussolini even built a mansion for himself. The Castle of Virgin Mary is one of the most beautiful castles in the Greek islands with magnificent view. The Tunnel War Museum is a World War II museum situated in one of the underground arm storehouses built and used by Italians.  There is also a Historical and Folklore Museum that is situated in Beleni tower, in Alinta and a British Cemetery of the Second World War. The beaches of Alinta, Xilokampos, Vromolithos and Panteli are among the most popular ones of the island.

Local Products of Leros

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Try the local sweets named sviggi or pougakia.

Getting to Leros

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By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens.

Best time to visit Leros

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From May till September.

Useful Phone Numbers on Leros

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Police: +30 22470 22223
Port Authorities of Leros: +30 22470 22224
Airport: +30 22470 22275
Hospital: +30 22470 22286