No time spent in Leros is complete without a visit to the island’s castle (also known as the Castle of the Virgin). It is located at the top of Pityki Hill, 200m above sea level, and was built by the Byzantines on the site of an ancient fort. It houses the miraculous icon of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary which, according to legend, appeared out of the sea and is believed to have healing powers.

You can walk the 500-odd steps up to the castle from Platanos (the capital and oldest settlement of Leros) or drive up through the village of Panteli. However you choose to get there, you’ll enjoy the same sweeping views of the bays of Agia Marina and Panteli amidst a background of low mountaintops, fields and valleys

Local tip: Look out for the charming chapel of Agios Ilias next to the castle. The sunset views of the purple-and-orange-tinged sky and Alinda Bay from around the back are amazing.

Source : https://www.discovergreece.com