In this blogpost we will name the Top 6 Places to see in Leros, Greece. There is a YouTube video at the bottom of the page. This time the focus is on food and drinks but it also features a beautiful church located in the sea on a large rock and a tranquil beach with a nearby great vegetarian restaurant.
We spent three days in Leros, exploring the island’s beaches, culinary scene and picturesque small towns. What we found was an amazing island that I would rank as one of the best we’ve seen in Greece. Great food and drinks, not very touristic and extremely beautiful. Leros is also very affordable.
We spent 70 euros per night in this amazing one-bedroom apartment called Aegean Blue. With breathtaking views from the terrace and relaxing atmosphere it was the perfect starting point for a great island weekend. I would recommend staying in either Agia Marina or Panteli to be close to most of the beaches and restuarants.
Leros is a small Greek island nestled in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Situated between Kalimnos in the south and Lipsi in the North, it’s only a 1.5 hour ferry ride from Kos which is well-connected to the rest of Europe in Summer time. Leros does also have a small airport with flights to Athens and some other islands.
With its picturesque landscapes and rich history, Leros captures the hearts of visitors from around the world. The island boasts charming whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and stunning beaches that offer a tranquil escape. Whether exploring the medieval fortress of Pandeli or immersing in the laid-back island atmosphere, Leros offers a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation, cultural exploration, and a deeper connection with nature.
1. Harris Bar
Situated on a hill, Harris Bar commands awe-inspiring panoramic views of Pandeli town. With its extensive range of drinks and cocktails, this establishment is a haven for those seeking a delightful beverage experience. Operating from 5 pm until 2 am every day, Harris Bar allows guests to savor their drinks against the backdrop of a captivating sunset or to unwind after a satisfying restaurant meal. The bar offers a selection of contemporary cocktails as well as the timeless classics, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Adjacent to Harris Bar, visitors can explore the old windmills, providing an excellent chance to capture unforgettable photographs.
2. Mylos Restaurant
Established in 2000, this family-run restaurant serves gourmet style seafood in a beautiful setting.
Here you can enjoy your dinner with a breath-taking view of Agia Marina, in front of a traditional windmill, with the Aegean Sea at your feet. Experience some of the finest local ingredients, enhanced with modern culinary techniques, which will take you through a unique gastronomic journey. Mylos also has an impressive wine list, making sure every guest can find something delicious to enjoy. The restaurant gets very busy in the summer time so make sure to make a reservation to not miss out.
The Terrace Cocktail Bar opens its doors during the summer months, offering a splendid setting for late-night drinks. Guests can revel in the ambiance and unwind while enjoying their favorite beverages. Additionally, we had the privilege of being shown the meticulously controlled fridges where fish is dry-aged. With precise attention to temperature and humidity, the restaurant aims to astound its guests with perfectly dry-aged fish, showcasing the pinnacle of culinary excellence.
3. Alinda Beach and Stis Annas Restaurant
Alinda Beach and Stis Annas Restaurant: 5 minutes from Agia Marina you will find Alinda Beach. It’s a captivating coastal gem, blessed with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque stretch of shoreline entices visitors with its serene atmosphere and stunning views. Next to Alinda Beach is a restaurant called Stis Annas. They serve amazing home-cooked vegetarian food right on the beach. We tried the broad beans with potatoes and tomatoes, a great dakos style salad and a chickpea dish. Everything tasted fantastic and they are incredibly friendly.
4. Ouzeri Sotos
On the western part of the island, about a 15 minutes ride from Agia Marina you will find Ouzeri Sotos. A seafood restaurant focused on simpleness and freshness. They specialize in shellfish such as oysters, bladders and mussels. They also serve fresh fish, calamari, prawns and more. As Ouzeri Sotos is located on the western side of the island, it invites you to amazing sunsets as you are seating just next to the water.
They clean the fish and shellfish on their small bridge with water straight from the sea. Back to basics. Who needs running water?
We ordered fresh mussels, a Greek salad and a grouper-fish souvlaki. Super fresh and tasty. They also have their speciality Seafood Kokoretsi but it was not available that day. It’s a kind of seafood stick with calamari, prawns and other seafood. It was recommended by many visitors.
5. Church Agios Isidoros
As number 5 on our Leros Top 6 list is Church Agios Isidoros. It is a captivating gem situated just a 15-minute drive from Agia Marina. Perched on a small rock out in the sea, this beautiful church offers a unique experience as you walk across a pathway over the waters to reach it. The atmosphere is truly enchanting, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Moreover, if you’re an avid snorkeler, you’ll find excellent opportunities nearby to explore the underwater wonders. A visit to Church Agios Isidoros promises both tranquility and adventure.
6. Dimitris o Karaflas
Our last place on our Leros top 6 list is the restaurant Dimitris o Karaflas. A Mediterranean seafood restaurant with the highest quality. We ordered a Mediterranean lobster with pasta in tomato sauce and we were not disappointed. It tasted fantastic. The views from the patio where you dine were great and we enjoyed our evening at Dimitris o Karaflas.
