Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It only takes a few minutes to explore the little built-up strip that stretches in both
directions from the boat landing. A narrow beach of reasonable sand runs along the
straight seafront, and the calm shallow water is ideal for kids. Kayaks and beach toys
are available for rent, while tousled tamarisks provide shade.
To find a more secluded beach, simply keep walking. A few hundred metres north
- head right from the boat landing, and keep going after the paved coastal roadway
peters out to become a dirt path - nudist
Paradise
beach is peaceful and sheltered, but
at its best in the morning, before the sun disappears for good behind the mountain. A
ten-minute walk southwest of the village, following a footpath over the ridge, will bring
you to the pebble beach at
Hokhlakás
, a scenic but more exposed spot where the sea
tends to be much rougher.
While all the shoreline buildings are of modern construction, abundant ruins are
scattered slightly further afield. Closest to the village, north of the boat landing, a
seafront field holds the ruined outline of the thirteenth-century monastery of
Áyios
Vassílios
. On the hillside immediately above
Hokhlakás,
Ayía Triádha
was originally an
enormous basilica, though now just a few stones survive. Further up the slopes, wherever
you look, giant Cyclopean caves burrow deep into the foot of the central massif.
Setting out to hike right round Télendhos would be a mistake; it's a long and exposed
walk with little reward. Devote an hour or two, however, to investigating the islet's
southwest corner, a little low-lying afterthought. Follow the footpaths through the
woods, signed to “Early Christian Necropolis”, and in addition to some intact arched
sixth-century tombs you'll come to a perfectly sheltered sandy cove that's ideal for
swimming and snorkelling.
8
ACCOMMODATION
TÉLENDHOS
Hotel Porto Potha
T
22430 47321,
W
telendoshotel.gr.
Friendly hotel on the hillside just north of
On The Rocks
(see
p.574), with twelve comfortable and spacious guest rooms,
eight self-catering studios alongside, and a large pool, plus
what amounts to a private beach. Special offers fo
r hik
ers and
climbers in low season. Closed late Oct to March.
€50
On the Rocks
T
22430
48260
,
W
otr.telendos.com.
Three superbly appointed en-suite rooms, with balconies
and sea views, above the beachfront restaurant 200m
north of the ferry jetty (see p.574). One can hold a family of
four. Breakfast - and kayaks - available. The same friendly
owners also rent a studio near Hokhlakás beach, with
double-glazing, kitchen, bug screens and internet. Free
boat
connection from Mastihári on Kos. Closed Dec-March.
€50
Zorba's
T
22430 48660.
Very simple en-suite rooms at
bargain prices, above a r
easo
nable taverna a short walk
south from the ferry jetty.
€30
EATING AND DRINKING
Barba Stathis
T
22430
47953.
Also known as
Tassia's
,
this welcoming place is just behind
Zorba's
(see p.574) en
route to Hokhlakás. Barbecue every night, and daily
specials like flounder fillet or fresh-made dolmades.
Daily
11am-late.
On the Rocks
T
22430 48260,
W
otr.telendos.com.
Very pleasant restaurant, with a shaded patio overlooking
the beach not far north of the ferry jetty, and run by a very
friendly Greek-Australian family. A full menu of fresh fish
and meat dishes, typically costing around €10, plus pizzas
and burgers, Greek specialities, and lovely home-made
desserts. Wednesday night is Greek barbecue, with music
and dancing. It also holds a lively bar.
Daily 9am-late.
Plaka
Next door to, and slightly cheaper than,
On the
Rocks
(see p.574), this large vine-covered terrace, poised
just above the beach, is a great place to enjoy inexpensive
local dishes such as goat with tomato sauce, or fresh
octopus, for under €10.
Daily lunch & dinner.
Léros
As the island of
LÉROS
is indented with deep, sheltered bays, lined with little
settlements, it doesn't have an obvious “capital”. Ferries arrive at both
Lakkí
on the west
coast and
Ayía Marína
on the east, but neither is recommended as a place to stay.
Instead visitors congregate in the resorts of
Pandélli
and
Álinda
, and in more refined
