THE beautiful and little-known island of Leros is about to be easier to get to.
Often overlooked in favour of nearby Greek neighbours of Kos and Rhodes, Jet2‘s new flights are launching in May.
Panteli village is a popular fishing spot and in Leros[/caption]
Leros has traditional windmills, chapels but also an Italian influence[/caption]
Leros has more Italian influences than other Greek islands, being taken by the country in 1912, which means you’ll see some ochre architecture amongst the classic Greek white and blue.
The island has beaches galore but some of the most popular are Aldinas Beach and Agia Marina beach.
Aldinas Beach is right next to a walkway full of restaurants and coffee shops.
The beach itself is the perfect bay for swimming, with others saying it’s the perfect spot for snorkelling thanks to the clear waters.
Agia Marina beach is the longest sandy beach on Leros, with its shallow water making it an ideal beach to visit with small kids.
One of the best ways to see the island is on a boat, and with this you can also sail over to hidden cove and explore shipwrecks.
Out on Koulouki beach, in the Lakki Gulf, you’ll discover three quiet coves with sandy beaches and pines.
Lakki is actually one of the deepest natural harbours in the Med so is great for diving and swimming.
One very photo-worthy spot is the Church of Agios Isidoros.
The chapel is connected to the main island by a narrow causeway with views of the Agios Isidoros beach.
The chapel is only accessible by foot over the causeway[/caption]
For any keen hikers, a challenging walk is the 500 steps from the ancient capital of Platanos to the 11th-century Panaghia Castle where there are rewarding views across the village below.
Any foodies will be spoiled for choice – it is Greece after all – and local delicacies include tyganopites fried pies, guava fruit marmalade and laggites, honey-covered fritters.
In terms of where to stay, Alinda, Pandeli, and Agia Marina are amongst the most popular.
We found the beautiful Asterias in Pandeli that one guest described as “a corner of paradise”.
The apartments, with private balconies, are popular with families and can sleep up to five people.
The price ranges from £58 per night to £120 depending on whether you fancy staying in a room or renting an apartment – all self-catered, but giving you the chance to check out the local tavernas.
The Asterias self-catering apartments have incredible balcony views[/caption]
You can hike all the way up to the Panaghia Castle to get views of the village below[/caption]
One couple staying at the hotel said that around the corner were “great beach bars and restaurants, all serving food much better than most of Greece“.
For a more conventional hotel, head to the Bay of Crithoni for the Crithoni’s Paradise Hotel, which starts from £53 a night.
Crithoni’s Paradise Hotel is also bookable through Jet2holidays as part of their Leros launch.
Brits can fly from nine UK airports and change at Kos Airport to get to Leros.
All passengers will get free transfers and ferry services when booking a package holiday – which will take one hour and 30 minutes.
Other new Jet2 flights launching from May 2025 are to the islands of Poros and Aegina.
The new flights will change at Athens if travelling to Poros.
For anyone seeking a more adventurous trip, here is how to do two Greek islands in one holiday.
You can get to Leros with Jet2 from May 2025[/caption]
