Leros, Greek island in Dodecanese archipelago, Greece
Leros is an island in the Dodecanese group with a jagged coastline and several natural bays that indent the shoreline. The interior shows gentle hills with small villages scattered across the valleys.
The island was occupied in the 14th century by knights who built a fortress above a major harbor. This medieval structure shaped the island for centuries and influenced its strategic importance.
The island maintains traditional fishing methods and ways of life that are still visible in the harbor towns. Visitors see boats built and maintained using time-honored techniques throughout the ports.
The island is reachable by flights and ferries from the mainland, with both services running regularly. Visitors should plan to stay several days to explore the different bays and villages.
One town district displays buildings from the 1930s with wide streets and grand structures built during a European occupation. This architectural ensemble is unusual for Greek islands and feels like it comes from another era.
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