LEROS

Leros (from Greek Λέρος) is an island in the Dodecanese, situated between Kalymnos (to which it is almost attached) and Patmos. It can be reached by sea, for example, from the Greek port of Piraeus (171 nautical miles) or from Kos, and by air (national airport of Partheni).

It has an area of 53 km² and a population of about 8000 inhabitants.

The island is predominantly mountainous with pine forests and small fertile valleys thanks to the abundance of springs, deep bays, and rugged coasts. The highest mountain, Clidi, measures about 320 meters.

Viewed from the sea, the island appears barren, but inland there are green areas rich in olive trees and oleanders. The population relies on agriculture and tourism. In the past, there was also significant emigration to Africa. Leros is a quiet island, not overrun by tourism, although many boats, including large ones, dock at the port of Lakki. It is also characterized by a peculiarity: the properties on the island almost always belong to women because an ancient custom mandated that real estate be inherited by female children. On Leros, many elderly people speak Italian due to the Italian occupation, which transformed it into a naval base and left its mark on the typical fascist-era architecture. Due to the presence of the naval base, it was heavily bombarded during World War II.

Unfortunately, the island was known in the past for the presence of a terrible and inhumane psychiatric hospital, which was also used as an exile camp for political dissidents during the period of the colonels' dictatorship.

The capital of Leros is Platanos, while the main port is in Lakki (one of the largest natural harbors in the Mediterranean).

The paved roads on the island are in good condition and connect all the main places, but the dirt roads are also always passable. You can get around by bus (limited routes), taxi, renting a car, or even better, a scooter.