|
|
 |
|
 |
 Thanks to its natural partitions, Leros has many safe harbours and small bays with clean waters and dense vegetation. Its sea is dotted with flat little islands which give the sea its idyllic look. The marks left behind by passing civilisations are obvious here in Leros. The ancient monuments, the castles and the old monasteries, the petite villages with typical island a rchitecture and the imposing Italian buildings all co-exist harmoniously on the island.
Arriving at the harbour of Lakki, one is met by the unexpected sight of buildings with impressive architecture, wide streets and lots of greenery. The sheltered harbour of Lakki is one of the best in the Mediterranean. There is a monument for the memory of the sinking of the Greek Destroyer 'Queen Olga' by the German air force. The Italians have also erected a monument to honour their dead in the war.
 The houses of the three settlements which form the capital of Leros stretch along the hills and the natural harbours of Panteli and Aghia Marina reach as far as the borders of the Venetian Castle. Platanos, the commercial and administrative centre of the island is the oldest neighbourhood with traditional houses and a picturesque square. The archeological collection with its very interesting findings is housed in the town hall. The hill above Platanos is crowned with the Byzantine  Castle which is built upon the ruins of the ancient acropolis. Later on, the castle had segments added to it by the Ioannite Knights. In its enclosure is the Monastery of Panagia Kyra dating back to 1300 AD with wonderful frescos and a Byzantine ecclesiastical collection from the various churches on the island. The icon of Panagia Kyra is tied to decades of the island's myths and traditions.
Immediately after Aghia Marina one meets Alinda Bay. Here as in Lakki, one can find the majority of the hotels and rooms for rent on the island. Many of the surrounding beaches are, for lack of a better word, perfect.
 Walking in a northerly direction, the coast becomes rocky but many beautiful and sandy beaches sprout out in between. On the island's northern shores, one comes across the little village of Partheni with only a few houses but very rich in history. The first remnants of life on this island have been found here, together with the sanctuary of Artemis which was destroyed in the 11th century AD. Its remaining parts were used to build a little church. Here at the northern edge of the island one finds the beaches of Aghios Stefanos. Rina, and Belefoutis and a quick boat ride to the islet of Archangelos is a must.
On the south side there Ksirokambos with few houses, sandy beaches and a small camp site. At the entrance of the settlement, one can see the old castle of Lepidon where parts of the wall dating back to the 4th century BC have been preserved. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dry -
mostly cloudy
- thunder; Cumulonimbus clouds, towering cumulus clouds observed |
| Temp.:
15.0°C | 59.0 °F
Hourly
Fluctuation (0.0 °C/hr)
Humidity: 82 %
Wind: 5 bft - S
|
01:30 AM
(GMT+2) -
06/01/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
