History and society
Leros is part of the Dodecanese islands, located north of Kos and Kalymnos, and south of Patmos and Samos. Some 25 kilometers to the east the turkish coastline can be seen. The population of Leros is about 7900 and it's land area 54 km2. The island is 15 km long and 1,5 km wide at its narrowest point. The domestic flight from Athens takes you to Leros in one hour and the fast ferry (hydrofoil) from Kos island in one hour and a half.
The island of Leros has a long history. In antiquity, it was mainly under the influence of the important Ionian city of Miletus. In Roman times, it hosted a Roman fort because of its strategic importance. The castle of Panteli, its most important medieval monument, dates from the Byzantine era, along with other remarkable ex amples of ecclessiastical architecture and fortifications.
In the beginning of the 14th century, Leros was occupied by the Knights of St. John of Rhodes and constituted part of the Province of Kos, along with seven other islands. During this period it was used as a place of exile. In the first half of the 16th century Leros was conquered by the Turks, but maintained a relative autonomy.
Leros took an active part in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and became, along with the rest of the Dodecanese a part of the newly formed Greek state. But in 1830 by the London Protocol the Dodecanese islands were ceded to Turkey and Leros reverted to Turkish rule. During the Italian–Turkish war in the early 1900’s, Leros came under Italian rule. During the WWII the Nazi army occupied Leros from late 1943 until 1945, when the British army took control of the island. Finally, in March 1948, Leros was reunited with Greece.
During the military junta period of 1967–74, when political dissidents such as Mikis Theodorakis were imprisoned, Leros became one of the main places of exile accounting for almost 1/3 of the total of political prisoners. Traces of these periods are easily visible at Leros; the 11th-century medieval castle at the top of Pitiki hill, the Italian architecture in Lakki, the wartime installations of the Italians and Germans on the hills, the War museum at Lakki, the War cemetery and the Agia Kioura Church.
The general impression of the visitor is that it is an authentic Greek island with a strong identity preserved from mass tourism. One factor that has enhanced the identity at society level is Leros’ educational and cultural association Artemis. Some 400–500 persons actively participate in the traditional dance and music training activities of Artemis.
The public sector is still an important source of income for almost half of the work force, ie. the hospital, the army, police and immigration service, schools and the municipal services. Over the past 20 years three boatyards/marinas have been established and serve mainly tourist boats, but also servicing public vessels. In summer time, there are about 80–100 cafees and tavernas in Leros, most of them in the area of Alinda, Agia Marina, Platanos, Pandeli and Lakki. Agriculture and fisheries are still important to provide fresh fish and sea food to customers.
You will find local fish in the markets at Agia Marina and Lakki. There are small producers of goat cheese, two wine-producers, one olive oil refinery. Markellos Marine Farm is producing Seabream for export and is the biggest fish farm in Greece. There are about 20 goat farmers in Leros and goats are very visible everywhere up at the hills.
Four reasons to visit Leros
- Leros in Spring. The landscape is full of flowers and the land is green.
- Religious Leros during the Orthodox Easter. The religious feast continues for one week and has an strong impact on the whole society. Ceremonies are organised in at least 7 different churches. The graveyard among the Upper Spilia road towards Agia Marina is worth a visit.
- Active Leros in September – October. Take part in the Göran Schildt Regatta, rent a bike or hike by ferry to different island. Leros is also a popular place for divers when water is still warm.
- Contemplative Leros. If you want to stay in peace and take time for yourself, rent a house or a studio and visit Leros late autumn or early spring.
Getting to Leros
There are daily flight from Athens to Leros during the summer season. The small airport located at Partheni, is only operated by domestic aircrafts. The distance from the airport to Agia Marina is about 6 kilometres. In winter time the number of flights is reduced. Alternative routes to Leros from abroad are flights to Samos or Kos and ferry from there to Leros. You can also take the ferry from Piraeus port to Leros. Information about ferry time tables at GTP Ferry Connections.
If you need assistance for planning your stay at Leros or a professional guide we can suggest to contact Lone Olsen. Lone speaks Greek, English, Danish and Swedish. Lone Olsen’s phone is +306973288221 and e-mail: .
More information
- Municipality of Leros – The municipality of Leros maintains a very informative website in five languages (gr, en, it, ru, mandarin).
- Lerosisland – A private webbsite with useful information for visitors in English.
- Artemis – The cultural and educational association of Leros, Artemis, is active on Facebook.
- Kalispera Greece – Janne and Camilla Eklund maintain the excellent website and tourist guide “Kalispera”, on Greece and Greek islands since 1997. You will find useful information there about the Dodecanese and other Greek islands in English. Their Leros information page, Kalispera Leros, is also available in Swedish.
