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| The windmills of Leros. |
There is an ancient Greek word, levros (ο λευρός), which means flat, frictionless, smooth. It is considered that Leros was named after this ancient word, an island with multifarious shape, a land with low height "mountains", a quite green, for a Greek island, plain of pine trees, eucalyptus, olive trees and oaks.
The capital of Leros is Aghia Marina (Santa Marina), a natural port at the
middle of the eastern side coast of the island, built amphitheatrically among two hills, nowadays expanded upwards and united with Platanos settlement, this old "noble" neighbourhood with many glorious neoclassical mansions, and Pandeli behind the hills.
This is where we are starting our 10 kilometres running route, from the Santa Marina port towards the coastal village of Krithoni, then Alinda beach and the two consequent beaches named Panagies and Dyo Liskaria. At that point it is recommended either to jump in the sea and enjoy a refreshing swim or to return back via a u-turn. While we are reaching back Santa Marina we are going to run through the inner streets up to Platanos. Everything is noted at the following map which you may study and download at your device for easy use:
Sooo, let us go! You are kindly requested to be cautious while running and foreseeing the movement of cars and bikes. The streets become busy during summer and driving is chaotic. During our first running kilometre we are passing by the coastal boulevard, full of cafe, cosi bars and yummy smelling restaurants. As a background of your right hand view you will admire a beautiful windmill, almost sunk inside the sea, ideal scenery for your summer pictures!
You may notice that in this place you can find three different dominant architectural styles, combined all in harmony; the all-white typical Aegean little houses, the colourful and impressive neoclassical mansions (a must-see at your spare time) and Italian style buildings, heritage from the Italian occupation Era (The Italian Islands of the Aegean were a group of twelve major islands (the Dodecanese) in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, which — together with the surrounding islets — were ruled by the Kingdom of Italy from 1912 to 1943).
You may notice that in this place you can find three different dominant architectural styles, combined all in harmony; the all-white typical Aegean little houses, the colourful and impressive neoclassical mansions (a must-see at your spare time) and Italian style buildings, heritage from the Italian occupation Era (The Italian Islands of the Aegean were a group of twelve major islands (the Dodecanese) in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, which — together with the surrounding islets — were ruled by the Kingdom of Italy from 1912 to 1943).
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| Santa Marina, view from the castle of Leros, photo credit: iannis lag |
Regarding the neoclassical mansions, they where built by Egyptiotes, Greeks immigrants of 19th century born and settled in Egypt, who were coming back in Leros for vacation and building these amazing mansions, a dowry to be for their elder daughter. It is also said that a huge competition took place among these rich families, for whom will build the most spectacular house or impressive church. Such a weird but creative sort of contest!
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| This really impressive windmill on the right fond will become your perfect photo background. |
We have run already 1.5 km and just arrived in Krithoni. Here you will find five star hotels, old mansions of locals, a World War II cemetery and the "Patriarchate" a beautiful building with a small church of St. Sofronios at its backyard. Here used to rest the Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria.
I have more info for you, we are not done yet...! You have run about 2.5 km, you' ve seen so much already and you just arrived in Alinda, the most touristic and hype beach of Leros. There are quite a few trees by the seaside, offering refreshing shadow, but you may rent umbrellas with seabeds as well. Plenty of watersports are offered in Alinda, such as wind surf, canoe, water ski and more. Numerous cafe - bars around will tempt you for sure. But the most thrilling thing at Alinda is a castle like building you will see at your left. It is Belenis Tower, a real jewel of Leros, witnessing the glorious past of Leros and its people. I am not going to show you other photo of this tower but the following, which intrigues mind and senses:
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| The castle of Leros, as seen through the Belenis Tower in Alinda beach. |
Continuing the running route with northeast direction, through a coastal road full of pine trees, we will find Panagies, consisting of a small hill with a church and two beaches on each side of the hill. The one is sandy and the other has pebbles.
Running further and passing by a water spring, we see the beach called dyo Liskaria:
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| Leros, Dyo Liskaria, a beautiful beach with eucalyptus, and a beach bar called Zephyros organizing plenty of interesting beach parties! |
Sooo... Having run some more than half the distance, I think it is about time we should return back to Santa Marina. From now on our optical canvas has Leros castle as a backgroung....
Our "wandering around" the narrow little streets of Santa Marina and the up the hill ways to the aristocratic Platanos might makes us feel tired, but it worths the try!
Such strong and particular images we have seen and received are causing intense feelings gathered in a thrilling portion, which is impossible to experience the same unique thing via a car or means other than running.
Leros was an unexpected surprise and managed to blow our minds. We will definitely return back here!
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TIPS:
For getting in Leros from Athens you have two options. Either take the ferry boat and 10 hours later arrive at the island, or take the plane! The second choice is totally safe, but also remains a unique experience. In the following video you will get an idea about the fear of having the propeller really close to your face and also will experience the phenomenon of loosing height for the landing and you see only water around you, untill the very last moment that *BINGO* the landing corridor suddenly appears! Bon voyage!
with info from:
Η Καθημερινή
skai
kairos
eirinika
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