As the crowd continued to flock to things like Mykonos and Santorini, these Greek islands began to lose the very very much that made them special: a glimpse of life in Greece. Therefore, it is no wonder that more people on vacation are abandoning Greek tourist hotspots for more undiscovered gems.
One perfect example is the relatively small, calm, and path-filled island of Leros, located between Patmos and Kalymnos. It is part of the Dodecan archipelago in the Aegean Sea, 197 miles (171 nautical miles) from Athens' Piraeus Port and just 20 miles from Turkey. Perfect for those looking to relax, Leros has plenty of bays and coves for those seeking complete isolation away from other holiday makers, with breathtaking cliffs hanging in the ocean.
Platanus, the capital of ancient Leros, is located on a hill just next to the village of Agia Marina. It owes its name to the ancient plane tree that dates back to 1765 once there. Unfortunately, the tree has dried up and replaced it with something new that takes years to grow.
Among the must-see landmarks of Leros are the impressive medieval castle of Pantelli, built in the 11th century. Also stop by the Paraskevi Church of Agia, the ancient cathedral of the Turkish baths and the city.
Of particular note are the windmills scattered throughout the island, giving the atmosphere of Mykonos that many long for. Today's functionality is not the same as when it was originally created, but it is a distinctive structure of Leros that attracts visitors' attention. Some have been restored, while others have been transformed into unique guesthouses. The most picturesque place for the old windmills in Leros is the windmills of Pandeli on the way to the castle.
Among the best beaches in Leros is Alinda Beach, two miles northwest of Platanos, with many tourist facilities and beach bars. For something more modest, head to Vomoritos Beach, just south of the capital, with a sandy beach and a few fish cups nearby. Finally, for privacy, Dioriscalia Beach is the ideal choice. This secluded beach can only be reached via trekking passes from main roads that are only four miles or more from Platanos.
Over the past decade, the island has developed as a diving destination, attracting visitors who are trying to discover some of the many ancient shipwrecks found in the surrounding seas.
Leros is accessible by tourists by a 9-hour ferry ride from Piraeus Port or a 45-minute flight from Athens. Location in the Aegean Sea can not only reach Patmos and Karimnos by frequent ferry routes, but also small Lipsi, Kos, or Rhodes, making it the perfect destination for those who want to discover multiple islands at once.
According to a TripAdvisor visitor, “Leros has its own charm and is far from the crazy crowds of large tourists (…) If you want an island, a big hotel with all the facilities, then the big pool, AI, hundreds of rooms, and Leros is not the place for you. The island.”
