Spirit of Leros

Leros is a unique island in the Aegean Sea.

One oif the most richest island. Yet, its tourism remains far behind.

The good old days of the psychiatric hospital

The money came from the old Lepida psychiatric hospital. This hospital operated for almost 40 years.
This establishment was a real scandal in Greece and Europe. It paid very high salaries to local families for years. Yet, work there was scarce.
The locals even stole equipment intended for the patients. Some still receive very good pensions from this hospital.
All this blocked the island’s development. People just wanted to work at the hospital. Others opened businesses to capture this money. No one wanted to do agriculture or tourism.
The island had too many sports cars. The famous plane tree was even cut down to make room. Every family had three or four cars. They could no longer be parked!
The hospital money helped the island. Land sales to foreigners also brought in revenue. Thus, Leros avoided the 2014 crisis. But the Greek tourists from before liked this change less.
The ARTE channel broadcast a shocking report: “Leros, the island of the damned”. This film triggered the closure of the establishment.

A peculiar island in Greece
In Athens, people know Leros as a very strange island.

Spirit of Leros

Here are some keys to understanding the true Leros spirit:
– For three years, Leros has been selling itself to the Turks. Offshore companies buy the land. The island also attracts their tourists. Everything is done to sell them alcohol. This tourism remains very basic. These visitors ignore the culture, museums or churches. They just consume over a few days.
– Despite this, a background of racism is felt. This is the case even for the French.
– The former mayor of the 2000s was re-elected in 2023. He likes to build and seek aid from Europe. Debates at the city council are often simple arguments. No one talks about the true future of the island.
– Do not look for a good service from lawyers, engineers or accountants. Their prices are very high. Yet, their level often remains low. They avoid clear explanations to keep control.
– Everyone watches everyone. Gossip is everywhere. It is almost the only activity here. Apart from church festivals, social life does not exist.
– Taverns call themselves “gourmet” to inflate prices. They imitate French or Italian dishes. It is often a bad copy, but they are proud of it. Finding real Greek food is becoming difficult.
– A few locals tried to live in Europe. Except for rare exceptions, they returned after six months.
– Greeks like to travel to eat well. But a Western tourist pays dearly for his trip. Food is not enough to make him come. Yet, Leros’ online advertising only shows plates.
– The world moves around the island. Yet, the locals are ignorant of the outside. They lack curiosity to go beyond Greek borders. Only conspiracy theories cross countries without limits.

Money in Leros, again and always

– Money is the locals’ only obsession. They act like real piranhas.
– Do not expect any free help on the island. Only your money interests them.
– Do not be fooled by small welcome gifts. Figs or free water always hide a future cost. Anyway, fruits often rot on the trees.
– Here, we do not judge beauty or morals. We just want to know the price of things. You will be asked the question directly, without embarrassment.

Construction in Leros

– The Greek state protects its own craftsmen. Your electrician must have a Greek diploma. He will install local wires and ask for cash. It’s the same for medical prescriptions. Yet, the country lacks 85,000 waiters in 2026.
– Construction techniques are twenty years behind. Yet, the locals think they are the best.
Small local anecdotes
– For seismic concrete, a local mason uses bad iron bars. He hides bars that are too thin in the concrete. Only the visible end is the right size! Yet, he charges you the top price recommended by the civil engineer.

My personal experience

because the words may be harsh
My grandparents emigrated to France in 1921 and they never set foot on the island again! I came here for the first time in 1973. It was the end of the military dictatorship.
My parents considered buying a house in 1995 on the island but they gave up! To have conducted the negotiations at the time, it was already the wild west!
I know the Greek language but from my early years I have always refused to speak it!!
I have seen the island change over the years. I experienced the closure of the hospital and the 2014 crisis.
Today, the island is no longer progressing. It uses small aids to plug holes or do work.
Yet, the locals still lack humility. That is the whole Leros spirit.

And you?

– You will always remain a foreigner here. Your expenses and your investments will not change your status.
– Solidarity does not exist for foreigners. The island is very religious, but no one will help you in case of a hard blow.
– If you are told AVRIO or NA TA POUME, it is a polite refusal. Fend for yourself!