Leros is a lovely island of Dodecanese, boasting impressive history and supreme natural beauty. One of the most important settlements and in fact part of the island’s capital is the village of Platanos. Along with the settlement of Agia Marina and Panteli, they form Leros’s capital. Owing its name to an old plane tree from 1765, Platanos village attracts several travelers from all over the world. Although the settlement dates back to antiquity, it has been renovated during the Ottoman rule of Nikolaos Tsigadas Bey. This has brought a neoclassical touch to the village, with emblematic mansions and Turkish baths.
Once you find yourself to Platanos, you should head to the cathedral of Agia Paraskevi. The Turkish baths are found in the district Konaki, while the Archaeological Museum of Leros is only a kilometer away from the settlement. If you are looking for a picturesque path towards the Medieval fortress standing on top of the hill at the highest spot of the island, there are 300 stairs starting from Platanos leading you all the way up. Provided that you are in good shape, this is a climb worth completing!
Other monuments worth visiting are the Town Hall and the Library at the Open Market, the Church of Holy Cross and that of Evangelistria. As the hub of culture and history on the island, Platanos offers a unique retreat in Leros. And on top of that, there are many souvenir shops and convenient stores, restaurants and cafes, taverns and even a few bars to enjoy. This is where it all happens on the island, with modern facilities and accommodation options for all budgets and preferences.
Be sure to include Platanos is your island explorations, for an experience that will stay with you forever. Leros is definitely a jewel in the Aegean and Platanos reveals its true essence!