Leros is a Dodecanese island between Patmos and Kalymnos, with a deeply indented coast and deep bays. Under Italian rule (1912-1943) the bay of Lakki became a major naval base, and a new town, Portolago, was built in rationalist style: the cinema, market, clock tower and public buildings make it one of the most complete examples of 1930s Italian architecture outside Italy. In November 1943, after the Italian armistice, the island was the scene of the Battle of Leros between German forces and British and Italian troops; the War Museum is housed in a tunnel at Merikia.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Pandeli Castle | Byzantine fortress on the hill, with the church of the Panagia and a view over the whole island |
| Platanos and Agia Marina | The main town, the windmills and the little harbour |
| Lakki | The rationalist town of the Italian period |
| Pandeli | Fishing village with seaside tavernas |
Beaches: Vromolithos, Alinda, Dio Liskaria, Blefoutis.
Getting there
The airport has flights to Athens; ferries from Piraeus take 8-11 hours, with links to Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes.
See also Italians in Greece and Patmos.