Located in the Dodecanese and just an hour away from Kalymnos, Leros is among Greece’s most underrated islands. Featuring the largest natural port in the Mediterranean, the Greek island of Leros is a great holiday option. Due to its size and settlements, there are plenty of things to do in Leros, some of which are truly unique. The combination of beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes will fascinate you, and there will always be new places to discover.
On my recent journey to Leros, Greece, I had the opportunity to explore every part of the island. Hence, in this Leros travel guide, I’ll share 8 must-see locations on the island. In addition, you will also find the best places to stay in Leros and how to reach the island. Finally, apart from my photos, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions about the island at the bottom of this post.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Leros, Greece, and everything you need to know about your stay.
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8 unmissable things to do in Leros, Greece
In this section of my travel guide to Leros, you’ll discover some of the top things to see on the island. While the list is not exhaustive, you will find a combination of sightseeing, food tips, and beaches to relax.
So, here are the eight things you can’t miss when visiting Leros.
See the Medieval Castle of Leros at Panteli
The Castle of Leros at Panteli is the most important medieval monument on the island. Located approximately 200 meters above sea level, the castle is one of the most iconic buildings in the Dodecanese. Apart from the fantastic views, the Leros Castle overlooks the two most prominent bays on the island, Alinda and Agia Marina.
Set on the top of Apityki Hill, the Castle also has a strong religious significance. The locals call it The Castle of Our Lady, and a church close to it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to the legend, the icon of the Virgin Mary reached the Castle miraculously.
To reach Pandeli Castle in Leros, you have two options. The first is to take approximately 400 steps to its top; the second is to drive your car on a narrow, steep road to the hill’s top. I preferred walking up to the castle and enjoying the breathtaking island views.
If you also decide to take the stairs, do so either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There’s no shadow on the way up, and the sun can be intense even off-season.
Visit the Bellenis Tower in Alinda
Centrally located in the picturesque bay of Alinda, you’ll find the iconic Bellenis Tower. The tower’s beautiful architecture combines neogothic and Italian eclecticism elements, and its beautiful garden is a great place to unwind on a warm day. The Belleni Tower hosts the Folklore Museum of Leros and deserves a visit while exploring Alinda.
The museum consists of two floors, and there you’ll find costumes and religious artifacts interconnected with the evolution of the island. One room at Bellenis Tower is dedicated to Kyriakos Tsakiris, an artist exiled to Leros, while in another room, you’ll find exhibits from World War II.
Bellenis Tower is one of the most beautiful buildings on the island, and during the summertime, various artistic events take place on its premises.
Unwind at the “Paradosiako” Bakery
Walking the way up to the castle or exploring the island on a hot day can be challenging. However, Leros has plenty of great eateries and places to take a break. One of the best places for lunch on the island is the Paradosiako Bakery. Its name translates to “The traditional,” and it sure justifies it.
Paradosiako is located in the port of Agia Marina and offers a delicious selection of traditional snacks and sweets. Although you can grab something to chew in hand, I suggest sitting on the outdoor veranda straight at sea. I stopped at Paradosiako several times during my stay and would love to return there.
I highly recommend the Galaktompoureko, a sweet custard pie, and the traditional spinach pie. Make sure to stop at least once during your holiday for quick lunch or a sweet treat. You can see To Paradosiako on Google Maps here.
Swim at Agia Kioura Beach
Although Leros doesn’t have that many mindblowing beaches like the Cyclades, there’s one that really stands out. On the island’s northern part and straight after the beautiful Partheni Bay, you will find a tiny sandy beach with turquoise waters. Agia Kioura Beach was my favorite beach on the island and where I swam almost daily.
However, since the beach is small, it can fill up very quickly. The few tamarisks provide some shelter to the lucky ones, but if you arrive late, it’s better to bring an umbrella. On the other hand, the crystal-clear waters of Agia Kioura and the beautiful landscape surrounding it make the beach a must-stop location and definitely one of the top things to do in Leros.
Please keep in mind that a military camp occupies the northern part of Leros. After reaching Partheni Bay and on the way to Agia Kioura Beach, you’ll see a sign prohibiting access to the military area. However, the beach doesn’t belong to the camp, and you are free to visit it. Just ensure not to trespass the fences or shoot photos of the army facilities.
Try to arrive early at Agia Kioura, and do not miss the chance to spend at this pristine beach.
Stop by the Agia Matrona-Kioura Church
Shortly before taking the path down to Agia Kioura Beach, you’ll come across a whitewashed church. Although travelers usually overlook it, the Agia Matrona-Kioura Church is a unique piece of Greek history and art.
What appears to be one more single-room Greek church is actually one of the most important political declarations in the country. Although the church dates back to the 18th century, its significance was raised during the Greek Military Dictatorship of 1967-1974. At this time, activists opposing the junta were exiled in Leros; among them was the famous left activist Manolis Glezos and Giannis Ritsos, the prominent Greek poet.
The group of people exiled in Leros decided to refurbish the church. However, instead of following the traditional religious techniques, they decided to use as models the faces of fellow detainees. The result is impressive, and the Agia Matrona-Kioura Church still stands as a symbol of resistance and freedom.
There’s, of course, no entry fee for the church, and visiting it is a must. Even if its door is shut, the church is never locked, and you can step inside and observe a rare moment in Greek history.
Explore the capital of Leros, Lakki
Lakki is the biggest natural port of the Mediterranean Sea and the island’s capital. Although it might initially appear as a sleepy coastal town, Lakki has a long history and impressive architecture for a Greek island. Compared to other settlements, Lakki differs significantly in terms of urban planning and architecture, making it a unique case.
In Lakki, you’ll see clusters of white houses, but the urban planning follows an open space practice, and the streets are wide. Most of the buildings in Lakki are in the style of Art Deco and Bauhaus, and Italian Rationalism left its mark on the island. The cinema-theater of Lakki, the Saint Nicolaus Church, and several other notable buildings give Lakki a flair that it’s hard to find elsewhere in Greece. Moreover, the presence of the sea and the blue sky is highlighted and offer Lakki a sense of freedom.
On the other hand, Lakki’s history is forever sealed with an atrocious moment in modern Greek history. From 1957 until 1990, it hosted what it was called the “Psychopaths’ Colony of Lakki,” a mental clinic that became a synonym for the inhuman treatment of its patients. This mental asylum didn’t really treat people needing help; instead, there are images of beaten people in horrific conditions. It finally shut in the late 1990s, but the story still, somehow, lives. Apparently, this was a fault of the Greek state and not of the island.
Nevertheless, Lakki is an impressive town, and you should definitely explore it while visiting Leros.
Shoot some photos at Agios Isidoros Church
If you can’t have enough picturesque locations on Greek islands and the small churches adding details to the mood, you simply can’t miss Agios Isidoros Church. This little church is seemingly built upon the water and will surely find a place in your Leros travel memories -and your camera.
Located in the quiet Kokkali area, Agios Isidoros Church is one of the most photographed spots on the island. A small paved alley connects the seaside with the church, and at the sea’s bottom, you’ll see the remnants of an old port settlement. The views from the church’s courtyard are fantastic, and arriving there at sunset adds an extra touch to the scenery.
You can see the exact location of Agios Isidoros on Google Maps here.
Discover two hidden beaches close to Alinda
Alinda is one of the most-visited spots on the island and the tourist resort of Leros. The majority of accommodations are spread around the impressive Alinda Bay, and you can swim in its clear water. However, the Alinda seaside is narrow, and the coastal road is straight behind it. Although one of the most famous organized beaches on the island, Dio Liskaria, is a short distance, there are also two tiny beaches worth exploring.
Between Alinda and Dio Liskaria, you will come across two tiny beaches called Panagies. They owe their name to the nearby church dedicated to Virgin Mary, which splits the two beaches. The first one is sandy, while the second is pebbled. The seaside is equally narrow, but you will be away from the crowds there, and the water is refreshing.
Panagies offer an excellent alternative to the organized Alinda and Dio Liskaria beaches if you are up for a dip away from the crowds. For me, Panagies was an excellent alternative for an early evening swim after exploring Leros all day long.
How to get to Leros
Despite being conveniently located in the Dodecanese, Leros is one of Greece’s distant islands. However, Leros has a small national airport, which means that you can take a domestic flight and reach the island quickly. Apparently, you can also reach Leros by ferry.
So, let’s see how you can reach Leros by ferry and airplane.
To Leros by ferry
If you are on a Dodecanese island-hopping vacation, it won’t be hard to reach Leros. Although it doesn’t connect to every other island, you have a good chance to find a ferry or catamaran to the island. On the other hand, traveling to Leros from Athens will require significantly more time. You’ll need to reach the port of Piraeus and take the ferry to Lakki.
Your best option to find ferry connections to Leros is to head over to the Ferries in Greece website. This is the best aggregator when it comes to ferry traveling in Greece, and it will show you every available itinerary from your starting point. I would suggest choosing the “Leros – All Ports” option because the island has two ports: Lakki, where the ferries stop, and Agia Marina, for catamarans.
To get a better impression, here are some traveling times:
- From Piraeus to Leros, you’ll need 9 hours and 30 minutes.
- If you are in Kos, you’ll need between 90 minutes (catamaran) and 2 hours (ferry) to Leros.
- From Rhodos to Leros, it takes between 4 and 6 hours.
- Finally, from Kalymnos to Leros, the journey is approximately 1 hour.
If you decide on the journey between Piraeus and Leros, it might be good to consider booking a cabin. You’ll have a bed to sleep and an ensuite bathroom. For longer journeys, it’s a must for me, and I reviewed the Blue Star Ferries Cabin here.
To Leros by plane
The plane provides a great shortcut. However, please keep in mind that Leros has a small national airport, consisting practically of one room. Therefore, there are no international flights to Leros due to its short runway (~1 km). In addition, only small 50-seat airplanes serve the route, so be prepared for tiny seats. However, I have used these planes dozens of times, and they are totally safe.
That said, you can only take a domestic Greek flight to reach the island. The airlines serving the route are changing often, so your best option is to check the website of Kiwi. That’s a great flight aggregator that it’s always up-to-date and shows you the best prices and itineraries.
Most of the time, Aegean Airlines serves the route. You can also check the Aegean website here. If you are a Star Alliance Member, it might be worth booking with them because of their generous miles program.
The flight time between Athens and Leros is approximately 40 minutes.
Where to stay in Leros, Greece
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Leros. You will find boutique hotels but also down-to-earth apartments to rent. That said, there are several options for every budget, and the truth is that most accommodations are fairly priced.
In Leros, I was delighted with my accommodation. I chose to stay at Eleonas Rooms in Alinda, and I think it’s one of the best places I have ever stayed in Greece. Elaionas is set on the edge of Alinda Bay and close to Panagies Beach (that’s how I discovered it). It is located on an olive tree farm (hence, its name) and has five separate houses. The rooms are spacious, and they come with living rooms and verandas to the garden. Although they don’t have a direct sea view, the houses are 30 meters (or…30 seconds) away from the beach.
In addition, Dimitris, the owner, has a deep knowledge of Leros and is willing to share it with his guests. Throughout my stay, I got various Leros travel tips from him, ranging from beaches to restaurants. Overall, I had an excellent stay, and it will be the place to go on my next visit. Make sure to book in advance, because due to their number, they sell out quickly.
You can book your accommodation at Eleonas here.
Other places to stay in Leros
During my Leros holiday, I had the chance to check some more accommodations. I did that for the readers of my travel blog, and here are some other great places to stay in Leros.
Alidian Bay Suites. That’s one of the best places to stay in Leros, combining proximity to the beach and finely decorated rooms. As its name suggests, Alidian Bay Suites is located in Alinda and comes with several perks, like a saltwater pool, poolside snack bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas. The rooms are fully equipped and have balconies with a sea view. You can book your accommodation at Alidian Bay Suites here.
Saraya Resort. If you’d rather stay in a resort while vacationing in Leros, Saraya is your best option. Quietly set just 300 meters from Alinda Beach, Saraya has a fabulous garden with a swimming pool. All apartments have air conditioning and balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea. Buffet breakfast is included, and light snacks are offered at the poolside snack bar all day long. You can book your accommodation at Saraya Resort here.
Artemis Suite. Centrally located at Agia Marina, Leros, Artemis Suite is a beachfront property with fantastic sea views and a sun terrace. Artemis’ kitchens are fully equipped, and you’ll find wine, fruits, and chocolates in your room. Upon request, fitness and yoga classes can be arranged, and the host can also help you rent a bike or a car. You can book your accommodation at Artemis Suite here.
Archontiko Angelou. Last but not least, here’s one of the most special accommodations you’ll find on Leros Island. Archontiko Angelou is a stone-built villa located just 250 meters from Alinda Beach. The rooms have antique furnishings, and there’s a generous breakfast for its guests. The villa provides free parking for the guests. You can book your accommodation at Archontiko Angelou here.
For all other accommodation options, please use the interactive map below.
Leros travel tips: FAQ
In the final section of this travel guide to Leros, I will reply to some frequently asked questions about the island. Although I tried to cover everything, if you have more questions, please leave a comment at the bottom of this article. I’ll do my best to assist you.
Can you drink tap water in Leros?
As it’s often the case in the Greek islands, you can’t drink tap water in Leros. Although it is absolutely safe to shower or brush your teeth, you’ll need to buy bottled water from the mini market. This won’t be a significant cost: the water in Greece is valorized, and for half a liter, you should never pay more than 50 cents.
How do you get around Leros?
A local bus operates a couple of times per day between the main settlements and some of the island’s beaches. However, it doesn’t run that frequently, so if you want a faster service, it’s always better to call a taxi. There are plenty of them around the island, and the prices are fair.
Alternatively, you can also rent a car and enjoy complete flexibility and easy access to Leros’ beaches. However, during the high season, the cars sell out quickly, so booking one in advance is better. You can pick it up at the port, the airport, or have it delivered to your accommodation.
To find the best prices for renting a car in Leros, please check the Rental Cars website. It will show you local and international car suppliers and their pricing policy is straightforward.
Is Leros expensive?
Compared to other Greek islands, the prices in Leros are moderate. Everything seems reasonably priced, and Leros won’t let you down if you’re worried about your vacation budget. Renting a car for a day will cost you between 30 and 40 euros, while local food at a restaurant will cost approximately 20 euros per person (unless you order fresh fish).
Are there any hiking trails in Leros?
Yes, Leros is a paradise for hikers, even for beginners. Apart from the Castle, which requires some effort, you can find great hiking trails on the island.
Here are two great hiking trails in Leros:
- From Merikia to Tunnel War Museum.
- From Xirokampos to Panagia Kavouradena.
Is Leros safe?
Leros is an absolutely safe destination. If you use common sense, you will be totally safe.
Is Leros a party island?
Although there are places to enjoy some nightlife (Alinda, Agia Marina), Leros is not a party island by definition. If you search for wild parties like in Mykonos, you won’t find them here. However, the island is lively, with places to drink and dance.
Things to do in Leros: Conclusion
Leros is still off the radar for most international travelers. However, Leros is a unique Greek island, combining stunning architecture, a long history, and beautiful nature. Known for its relaxing rhythms and welcoming locals, Leros is where you will feel at home from the moment you step foot on its soil.
In addition, the quality standards are high and come at reasonable prices. For people searching for a relaxing holiday close to the sea and some easygoing days under the Greek sun, Leros is a great option. And, as a final piece of advice, go off the beaten path: the island is safe, and there are plenty of things to do in Leros even if you stay there for two weeks.
More about the Dodecanese: Nisyros guide, Tilos guide, Telendos guide, Kos day trips, Astypalaia guide
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Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos