 Platanos
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Platanos is the islandĒs capital, built amphitheatrically under the byzantine Castle of Panagia, the most important monument in the island. The traditional settlement of Platanos is ideal for long walks. The narrow cobblestone pavements with the architecture of Dodecanese islands will fill you with beautiful pictures. LerosĒ heart beats in the townĒs central square with the age long platan and around it the oldest neighborhood in the island. It is a live part of the islandĒs history. While touring around Platanos village you will see many mansions and two-story houses, true ornaments, as and many churches. Like the church of Saint Paraskevi, of Evangellistria and of ChristĒs with a stylish architectonic construction.
Saint Marina is the second neighborhood in the capital and the islandĒs second port. It is located between two mountain hills. Its white houses begin from the coastal road to the foothills of the mountain where the castle is.
Visiting PanagiasĒ castle is a must. It is the best spot in the island. You will get there by following the paths of Platanos up to the church of Saint Paraskevi and then the 300 stairs to the castleĒs entrance. The magnificence of the byzantine architecture and the stunning view lying before your eyes will make you forget all the hiking.
The byzantine castle of Panagia is preserved in a very good condition. According to archaeological findings in the same location was built the islandĒs acropolis. The Knights of Saint John gave it its current feature and made it impenetrable. In the CastleĒs yard you will see the church of Panagia of the Castle, built during the 14th century with remarkable frescoes. Highly impressive is the golden chancel screen and the icon of Panagia considered thaumaturge connected with many legends.
DonĒt miss visiting Bourtzi. The roman fortress located in the entrance of Agia MarinasĒ port. It is built on the remains of the ancient town. Near the fortress you will see the remains of the paleochristianic church with remarkable mosaics.
Pandeli is the third neighborhood of the capital. It is located in the south part of Platanos. Its small coastal settlement is built in the edge of the homonym gulf. Most of the houses are old and traditional. Fish boats anchored in the gulfĒs entrance complete this graphic picture.
Your tour around the capital will be completed with your visit in the islandĒs archaeological museum that hosts a remarkable collection from the excavations in the island. Among its exhibits distinguish: an anaglyph of classic times showing an old man leaning against his stick, the vessels dated from the 3rd BC and the byzantine coins from 575 BC found in Partheni.
While staying in the capital swim in the beaches of Platanos and Agia Marina that distinguish for their organization and infrastructures for water sports. If you care for more quiet beaches, the cove in Panteli is ideal for you. Very popular are the close beaches of Plakes, Bourtzi and Vromolithos.
All three neighborhoods of the capital distinguish for their tourist development. Anything you ask for is available in the town of Leros. Platanos and Agia Marina have the biggest market in the island. You will find many shops to buy gifts for your beloveds and souvenirs to remind you of your stay in the island. As for your entertainment there are many clubs staying up util late. Hotels of all categories and the hospitality of the residents will make you feel like home.
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