History of the island

History of the island

At the southern tip of the Aegean Sea, Leros, which belongs to the Dodecanese and is at close distance with Patmos, measures 8,500 inhabitants. It extends to over 53 square kilometers, while its coastline is 71 kilometers. With beautiful beaches, traditional character and a relaxed pace of life, Leros is ideal for those looking for a small but welcoming paradise for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The influence of the Byzantine period, at the end of the 3rd century AD, is diffuse. Wonderful examples of church architecture and fortifications meet the traveler in his passage. Do not miss an excursion to the Castles in Lepida but also to Panteli, the most important medieval castle of Leros. On the island you will find many beautiful churches such as the Panagia, the Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Lakki, one-room post-Byzantine churches and temple ruins. Do not miss the Church of Christ and Cross, in the area of Platanos, as well as the Church of Agia Paraskevi.

Leros was liberated, along with the rest of the Dodecanese, in 1912 from the Ottoman domination and remained in the possession of the Italians until 1947, when it was reunited with the rest of Greece.