Country Article / Postcards

Pit-Stop at Leros Island

Date: 07/20/2003

On the Greek island of Leros, Agia Marina is where the inter-island catamarans and hydrofoils dock (I sailed there from Lakki.) Most of the best hotels and restaurants are located around this bay but it's still a working fishing port, so it's not uncommon to see an impromptu fish-market whenever a catch is landed.

The harbor's main landmark is a traditional Greek windmill by the water's edge (untouched since it was last in use.) Head for this windmill if you want a good meal; an ouzo taverna I recommend called Neromilos ("the water mill") is beside it.

Heading north past the windmill brings you first to Krithoni, then to Andoni, which was the first part of Leros to be promoted as a resort--not quite as brash and bustling as Agia Marina, but pleasant nonetheless.

I stayed at the Hotel Ara (named for the owner's children) which stands on a low hill above Andoni--ask for rooms 18 or 19, for the view of Agia Marina Bay from their balconies.

Keith Kellet
For International Living