Travel Guide Lakki

The main port of Leros, Lakki nestles in Greece's deepest natural harbor. Founded by the Fascists, the port was partly destroyed by World War II bombardments during the tragic Battle of Leros, and still thrills Greeks, for whom the name remains associated with the darkest aspects of their recent history. This can be seen everywhere in the bay, like strata of a past that doesn't go away, and contributes to the strange, even hostile atmosphere of the town today. While it's true that it's not very pleasant to stay here - you feel more like you're in an abandoned film set than a pretty Greek port - architecture buffs will appreciate its wide avenues and buildings from the Fascist era, including the cinema, the market and the Agios Nikolaos church. Lakki also has a few trump cards up its sleeve: good little tavernas, a few pleasant beaches nearby under the cover of tall eucalyptus trees, and a particularly friendly population.