Leros has its own history - Leros

Leros belongs to the islands of the South Aegean, the Dodecanese and is located between Kalymnos and Lipsi. In ancient times, Leros, with Kalymnos, named Kalydniai Islands or Kalyndia. The name Leros, allegedly derived from "lefros», which means smooth, smooth as Leros, unlike the rocky Kalymnos is almost flat. The island's capital is Agia Marina where along with Platanos and Panteli are, a large settlement, designated as a traditional. In Agia Marina there is the church, built the 1933, cruciform, domed, lined the face of black stone, from Levitha island and red chips, Hidden from the beach. Here lies the 2^The harbor, used interchangeably, depending on weather conditions, the main port of Lakki.

HISTORY OF

The "Battle of Leros», It took place in World War II when "Battle Dodecanese». started on 26 September 1943, with the bombing of the island, the German air force and culminated in 12 November 1943, the German forces land landing. After battles 4 days, at 16 November 1943, Leros was occupied and the "Battle of Leros" ended with the victory of the Axis powers, which was the last. Leros was a place "exile"Political prisoners, the time of the April dictatorship (1967-1974), in place Partheni. Leros was also a therapy place patients or psychopaths "Colony psychopath Leros», writes relevant marble inscription (1957).

SIGHTS

Lakki, It is the largest natural harbor, deep, Mediterranean. The architecture of the houses of, exceeds standards as island has many Italian influences and a wealth of art deco buildings.

Worth to see Municipal Market, with the clock - tower, the legendary "hotel Leros», (former Albergo Roma, here lived the relatives of Italian soldiers), with adjacent cinema ( Cinema and Theater), the old one Italian Customs (Police now), the St. Nicholas Church, (former St. Francis, the Italian architect Armando Bernabiti), the Navy Hospital, great building naval Base (seaplane base), the Barracks of Regina (royal Barracks) etc..

Church of St. John the Theologian (10^th c.) Lakki. Originally type basilica with a wooden roof, but later turned into domed, basilica dome and vaults (13^th c.).
Bourtzi or Brouzi or Castle, Agia Marina, Roman style.

castle Pandeli or Castle Virgin, named after the Church of Our Lady of the Castle. Golden bull by the Emperor Alexios Komninos, we learn that it was built (11^The c.) by the Blessed Christodoulos, who built and the monastery St. John the Theologian, Patmos and was called Castle Pandeli. Located in Apityki hill or Pityki, Its central location and is built on the foundations of the ancient Acropolis. The current form of shaped the Knights of St. John, after the Byzantines of takers. In the castle, monk Damaskinos, Leros, created school (1726) elevating education of the island, which ceased operations in mid 19^th century.

Church of Our Lady or Our Lady of the Castle, Located in West. side of the Castle Pandeli and is the symbol of Leros. Worth to see the old icon of the Virgin Hodegetria (728 A.D.), with silver lining, the impressive temple (1745), the Pontifical Throne and the Pulpit. Today is the protector and sacred pilgrimage of the island and celebrates the 15 and 23 August.

Inside the castle you will also see the Church of the Holy Trinity, with remains of frescoes (9^th c.), the Church of St. Nicholas and a medieval church, marble remains of early Christian churches and coats of arms of the Order of St. John, recently dedicated to Unknown Christian Witness. Next to the Church of Our Lady works ecclesiastical vestry Byzantine Art, with religious relics, images etc..

Virgin Kavouradena, the settlement Xirokampos, 3,5 km from Lakki, there is a tiny chapel, in the rocks. It can be accessed by many stairs. You'll see an image of the Virgin depicting a crab holding the calipers of the Virgin Mary.

According to tradition, a fisherman while the bit a crab saw an image of the Virgin across the, the rocks and took with him. He went to the village church, but the image, The next day, returned behind the rocks. Then in this position a small church was built. There is a second version, in which two Kalymnians fishermen while they were fishing crabs, in Diapori Leros saw on the sea surface to float the icon. They took with them to Kalymnos, but after many dreams viewing, the returned Leros and built the church where you were fishing. celebrated on 15 August.

The chapel of Our Lady recommended for weddings and christenings, situated in an enchanting landscape, on the rocks and below the sea (Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos & Astypalaia, tel. 2243022700).

Partheni, B. Island's, bay Partheniou, after Kamara. The settlement camp was also the place of exile for political prisoners (about 74.000), during the April dictatorship (1967-1974).

THE Giannis Ritsos (1909-1990), internationally renowned poet, Nobel Peace Prize "Lenin», left, integrated into the Communist Party of Greece, exile was, for a while, Partheni Leros, during the April dictatorship. Here in exile (1968) wrote 16 from 18 quatrains to music by composer Mikis Theodorakis, in Paris (1971-1973), an album entitled "18 Little Songs of the Bitter Homeland».

Among other things here and written the well-known quatrain :

"Kykladino cyclamen,

rocks the crevasse,

you found colors and antheis,

who stalk and stirs "

Today, the prisoners buildings, occupies an Army Unit.

Partheni has a large marina, a shipyard and nearby is also the island's airport.

Virgin Kioura or Matrona (18^th c.), perhaps the unique pop art painting in Greece. Political prisoners of the camp in Partheni, Manolis Glezos, Kyriakos Tsakiris and Antonis Karagiannis They had the idea of the hagiography of the ruined old church. implementing, artists - painters, K.Tsakiris, A. Karagiannis and Tzanateas where they painted, under surveillance, the works of the temple, into 8 months (1969-1970). During the junta some whitewashed some frescoes but the Ministry of Culture, proclaimed the church, monument (2001) again highlighted these unique frescoes. Agia Matrona, It was one of Osia 14^th century. A.D.

Sanctuary of the Virgin "Iokallidos", B. Island's, next Partheni. Ruins of ancient temple, near Church of St. George (14^th c.). Here worshiped Iokallis Virgo, which is identified with the goddess Artemis. Legend also says here, in small bay, They had found refuge guinea fowl, sisters to tragic Meleager, which had been transformed by the goddess Artemis in birds and moanful grieved and sad over the grave of their brother.
Monastery of Holy Angels (1994) or IM. Lady of the Angels, located west. Island's, the road from Lakki to Mt.. Here lived the old woman Gabriel, which envisioned and the creation of the Abbey. The IM. celebrated on 26 March and 6 September. Next to IM. It is one of the oldest churches on the island, The Saint Peter. Just below the monastery you will see the church of Lady Gourlomata (14^th c.).
Villa Pasha Tsigadas(1884), holiday home of a wealthy Lerians, who was president of the Greek community in Cairo.
Agios Isidoros (14^th c.), the church located almost in the sea, in Merikia, Kokkalis in the bay. Here are the summers most marriages and baptisms island.

Royal Technical Schools, former base Royal Navy and exile of political prisoners. In St. George area, the Italians (1930) they made 3 buildings, as Government House. The 1949 inaugurated the new use of buildings, as the Royal Technical Schools. The season, of the April dictatorship and until 1970, buildings were exile and after 1970 Navy, He handed over the buildings at the Psychiatric Hospital of Leros, but they were never used for this purpose. Since so remain until today.
tower Bellenis (1903), in Alinda, a building of medieval architecture with neoclassical elements. Here housed Record & Folklore Museum Island's, with works of political prisoner, Artist Kyriakos Tsakiris, he painted together with other inmates, St. Kioura. You will also see some objects pianist George Themeli, the cover of the Treaty of Sevres, the watch from legendary destroyer "Queen Olga», stopped in 10.15 pm, while sinking the German destroyers (26-9-1943) etc..

War memorial, the destroyer "Queen Olga".
Archaeological Museum Agia Marina, Housed in Urban School Leros (1882). You will see many artifacts from excavations on the island.

War Museum - Tunnel, in Merikia. Within a restored Tunnel, you will see exhibits that were found scattered on the island from the "Battle of Leros". At the end of the Tunnel, there is a small wherein projected short film, the history of the Battle of Leros.
Agia Kyriaki, small island in the bay of Panteli, the chapel. built in 1950 and can be reached by boat (about 20 minute journey).

Mount Skoumparda, N. Leros, full of Italian artillery batteries called that inspired Allister MacLean, author of the book "The Guns of Navarone".

beaches

The beaches in D. Island's, bay Panteli, They are :

Panteli beach, famous and very popular beach, the homonymous settlement. Sand with small pebbles, organised, full of restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.

Vourlidia beach, with the chapel of St. George. crystal clear waters, sandy and rocky, ideal for fishing. Access is by boat or with your own car, the road from Lakki to the right of the bend position Ankara.
Vromolithos beach, very popular beach. It has small pebbles, clear water, trees, organised, with the Cafe Of the Mar and restaurants for food.

The beaches NW. Island's, Alinda bay, They are :

Agia Marina, oblong beach, Sandy with shallow waters. Families prefer because it is close to most rented accommodation.
Alinda beach, the most popular beach on the island, oblong, sandy. Secured by N. and BE. winds and you can comfortably moor your boat.

Panagies beach, small, quiet beach near Alinda. Sandy, sheltered from the wind, a canteen for the necessary.
Crithoni beach, small coastal settlement, a small mole, between Agia Marina and Alinda. They are oblong, sandy, shallow, organised, with trees. Very close you will see an old mansion, the "Patriarchate", where the yard is the chapel of St. Sophronius. so named because here once hosted the Patriarch of Alexandria, Sophronios.

Two beach Liskaria, small, Sandy beach, with trees, organised. Access is then Panagies, Alinda. There are cafes and restaurants.

Hidden beach, isolated, Since access is made either with your own boat, either walk Panagies, after Alinda. Here there is a cave that gushes fresh water.

The beaches in B. Island's, bay Blefoutis, They are :

Vagia beach, isolated, with small pebbles and nice deep green waters. Access is only by boat or after a long hike.
beach Tsilonero, quiet, small beach.
Beach Agios Nikolaos, with the homonymous chapel.

beach Blefoutis or Blefoutis, oblong long beach. Sandy beach, family, with many trees for shade and KEFEA-restaurants. It features a dock to tie your boat but know that it is affected by A. and BE. winds.

beach in St. Kioura, small but beautiful beach, sandy and pebble. Access is by dirt road, from the church.

The beaches in A. Island's, bay Kokkalis, They are :

Kokkalis beach, the chapel of Agios Isidoros.
beach Gourna, in a beautiful bay, sandy, shallow, organised, with cafes and restaurants.

Drymonas beach, for a swim and ouzo with seafood in the village taverns.

The beaches in TO. and N. Island's, Lakki bay and Xirokambos, They are :

Beach Agios Spyridon, sand and pebble, trees for shade and a wrecked ship to the edge of
beach Merikia, oblong beach, pebble, trees and café-restaurant. Here is the church of the Prophet Zechariah (14^th c.)

Koulouki beach, next to Lakki, with easy access. Consists of 3 consecutive coves. Sandy, piney, family, with café-restaurant.
beach Xirokampos, Stan. Island's, the homonymous settlement, with the church of Agios Fanourios. It is a very beautiful beach, sandy, with many trees for shade. Suitable for fishing, diving and snorkeling here as works Training Dive.

Kavouradena beach, isolated, quiet, rocky, ideal for fishing.

FESTIVALS - TRADITIONS

Festival Klydona, on the feast of St. John the Baptist, Eve 23 June, burning May Day wreaths.
Festival Alonaris, in August, the beach Gourna and the site of the old threshing floor, present here. A representation of the threshing, with a horse, in the threshing, dragging a cart loaded ears and then feast, with traditional music, dancing and plenty of wine.
Boulafentia, organized in August by the Municipal Youth and Sport Organization, in memory of the local heart surgeon Boulafenti. With cross-country racing and football.
Days of Remembrance and Democracy, International Symposium under the auspices of the President of the Republic and other public bodies. The purpose of the promotion of Leros, as Place of Reflection, internationally.
Feast of Agia Marina, 17 July. The festival is two days commencing on the eve 16 and ends on 17 July.
Festival Our Lady of the Castle, patron saint of the island, Platanos. Is the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August, the feast begin Eve.
Feast St.Fanourios, Ksirokabos, 27 August, with representation of the grape pressing
Feast Agia Kyriaki, the islet, 7 July.
Sightseeings – fisherman, Panteli. The catch from the trawl, full of whitebait, baked in the village square and is free for guests with wine. Then feast with live, traditional music and dance.
Sailing Games, Alinda, the 1^The late August, with games and music nights.
Wine Festival -Ampelourgou, every August, with a lot of wine, traditional music and dance.
Festival poultry Kitchen or feast Drimonas, in August, with local delicacies, a lot of wine and dance.

DAILY TRIPS

With your own boat to the islet Agia Kyriaki, towards islet Pigianos, for swimming and fishing.

The private craft Barbarossa, starting from Agia Marina for excursions to the islets B. Leros, Aspronisia, Tiganakia and islands Marathi and Lipsi. The vessel on the route will offer dishes of the island and ouzo, completely free and you will have time to swim and eat in islands, Lipsi and Marathi.

islet of Archangelos, B. Island's. If you have your own boat, you can go to this rocky island, which has been described as 'outstanding natural beauty' and has 3 wonderful paralies.I 1^or beach has a small pier, to tie and a tavern to eat, or 2^or beach is smaller, quiet, sandy and 3^or, also quiet, is a chapel of St. George and something remains of Italian observatories.
islets Faradonisia or Faris, NW. Island's. There are beaches, but if you have a boat you can moor competent and enjoy your dives.
islet Tripiti, B., It got its name from a natural hole that exists in the middle of the island. You can tie committee and make a dive in the clear waters, carefully because there are reefs.
islet Petalidi, B. Island's.
Islet Round Round, bay Blefoutis, nothing remarkable except a sunken ship on the bottom, in depth 6 m.
islet Needle, N. Island's, opposite the cape Diapori.
islets Glaronisia, N., There Mikro and Megalo Glaronisi. Caution, between two islands because there are reefs.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking, in marked paths from the municipality or non Lerou. For example, the path from the main village of Platanos to Castle Virgin, the church of Agia Paraskevi, It is marked and takes about 30 minutes.

A worthwhile trip is the church of Our Lady Kavouradena to Cape Diapori (1,3 km). Walking is by dirt road overlooking the bay Xiromerou and Kalymnos. There the trail marking, but in the end you will find a kiosk of the municipality to take a rest (length about, 30 minutes).

Diving and snorkeling, by experienced diving team (Information Costas Bucket, tel. 22470.24590, 6937515125, www.lerosactive.com).

ACCOMMODATION - FOOD- FUN

For your stay in Leros you can find many accommodations, Your indicatively mention :

BIANCO Boutique Hotel, Lakki, tel. : 2247022460, www.biancohotel.gr

Saraya Resort, Alinda, tel. : 2247022451, www.sarayaresort.com

Crithonis Paradise Hotel,4*, Krithoni, tel. : 2247025120, 2247025121, 2247025122, www.crithonisparadisehotel.gr

NEFELI Hotel,3*, Agia Marina, tel. : 2247024611, 2247024710-1

For local dishes worth trying the seafood Leros, their 'Koukouvou» (barmounia with rosemary and raisins), salted mackerel, patties with peas, local cheeses, as cheese etc.. of sweets, except for sweets and traditional almond try xerotigana with local honey, «langites» (folds), pouches, «svingous» (donuts) and the local drink 'diasogalo»(orgeat).

for fruit, try "gkavafa», an exotic fruit, brought from Egypt to Greece cultivated only in Leros.

For your enjoyment cafés, bars and club, Panteli, Platanos, Agia Marina, Lakki, Alinda or Vromolithos, which will make your nights unforgettable.

ACCESS

from Piraeus, το Blue Star Ferries, to Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rose (duration 10 hours) or speedboats, the islands Lipsi, Samos, Icaria, Astypalaia etc.. During the summer months there are local routes, Speedboat in most islands.

By air, directly from the International Airport "EL. Venizelos', Athens Airport Leros and small aircraft linking local airports on the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Astypalaia.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

Municipality of Leros, tel. : 2247028320, 2247023711

Police Station, tel. : 2247022222-3

Hospital, tel. : 2247023300

Airport, tel. : 2247022777

Port Authority, tel. : 2247022224

Taxi, tel. : 2247022550, 2247023070

Tourist Information Office, tel. : 2247022937

Travel agency Leros, tel. : 2247026000

G.A. Ferries, tel. : 2104582640, www.bluestarferries.com

DODECANESE SEAWAYS, www.dodecaneseseaways.com

AEGEAN FLYING DOLPHINS, information on speedboats, www.aegeanflyihgdolphihs.gr