LipsiDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Lipsi

Lipsi is a tiny, one-village island that sits in the Aegean Sea between Patmos and Leros. It is part of a group of small islands in the Dodecanese complex and has only 700 permanent residents. Lipsi has been a well-kept secret for many years, known only to those who seek out unique locations with an emphasis on total relaxation. It is surrounded by 37 other uninhabited islets, most of which are minuscule, such as Aspronisi, Kalapodia, Franco, and Plavi. The harbor is the main gathering spot and from there, you can walk to the small beaches scattered around the 16 km island and enjoy the rugged scenery as you do so.

The island first saw settlers in prehistoric times and a fortified town has been found there going back to the 4th century BCE. According to Greek mythology, Odysseus was imprisoned on the island for seven years by Calypso on his return from Troy. During the 11th century, many monks from Patmos established monasteries on Lipsi, the most famous one being Panagia Harou, which still stands. Most of the residents are involved in fishing, farming, and tourism and you will enjoy many of their delicious products in the harbor-front taverns during your stay.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lipsi

Book your ferry tickets to Lipsi with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries. The journey takes about 8.30 hours, stopping off at Patmos on the way. From there, it is only a 30-50 minute crossing with either SAOS Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, ANE Kalymnou, or Dodekanisos Seaways. You can also book ferry tickets to Lipsi with Ferryscanner and sail from Leros (40 mins), Kalymnos (1.30 hrs), Ikaria (1.35 hrs), Agathonisi (3 hrs), Fourni (1.50 hrs), and Arki (1.55 hrs).

Book your ferry tickets to Lipsi and sail from Karpathos (14 hrs), Kasos (12.45 hrs), Kastelorizo (12.45 hrs), and Kos in 2-3 hours. There are also departures from Nisyros for Lipsi and you can book your ferry tickets to sail there in 4.40 hours or depart from Samos (4 hrs), Symi (3.25 hrs), or Tilos (6.05 hrs).

Lipsi doesn’t have an airport but you can take a domestic flight lasting about 50 minutes from Athens International Airport to Leros Municipal Airport. From there, you can travel to the port and cross over to Lipsi in 40 minutes by ferry.
 

Ports of Lipsi

Lipsi is a tiny island with one town, which is also the only port. It is set in a natural harbor and serves passenger ferries arriving from islands around the Aegean. It is a sheltered port that also provides mooring for the local fishing boats.
 

Capital & Villages

Chora is the only settlement on the island and it is here that you will find the concentration of tourist facilities such as hotels, shops, and restaurants. The small houses have retained their traditional style, with whitewashed walls and blue doors and shutters, making it a pretty reminder of Aegean architecture. A lovely promenade offers visitors the chance to take a pleasant stroll while the many fish taverns beckon diners to enjoy fresh octopus and ouzo.
 

Best Beaches

The beaches in Lipsi offer the visitor a truly special experience, with their turquoise waters and secluded settings. Most are accessible on foot but there is a local bus that does daily runs to the most popular ones if you don’t feel like walking.

Platis Gialos Beach

This is a popular beach 6 km southwest of Lipsi town and is a wide, open cove with no facilities. It is an ideal place to relax and the serene setting will help you to find peace and tranquillity throughout your stay. Behind the tamarisk trees, you will find a wonderful tavern serving a range of local dishes.

Kambos Beach

This is one of the longest beaches on the island and is close to the main town. Its sandy shoreline, crystalline waters, and serene surroundings make it a firm favorite and there are a few rooms to rent nearby.

Tourkomnima Beach

Another pristine beach, Tourkomnima can be found 6 km southeast of Lipsi town and is a secluded cove attracting visitors seeking sheer calm, The pebbled shore helps to keep the water crystal clear, and at the edge of the peninsula opposite the beach sits a small chapel dedicated to Agios Stathis. On the other side of the rocky outcrop, you will find Xirokampos beach which is always calm when Tourkomnima is windy and vice versa.

Katsadia Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches on the island as it is sheltered from the wind, with sandy, shallow waters. Large trees provide natural shade and an inviting cafe-restaurant on the beach serves refreshments and meals all day long. Many sailing yachts come to anchor here or at the neighboring Papandria beach because of its safe mooring options.

Papandria Beach

Papandria beach is next to Katsadia and is a lovely cove offering total seclusion and privacy. The mix of sand and pebbles create a pleasant feel underfoot and when you step into the clear blue waters, you won’t be disappointed. You can enjoy views of the tiny uninhabited island of Lyra across the bay and if you feel like exploring, walk westward along the coastline to discover three more tiny hidden beaches.

Lientou Beach

This is the closest beach to town and is one of the most popular with families, offering transparent shallow waters and fine sand. The summer winds can’t reach this sheltered bay so it is a great place to unwind and absorb the energy of the warm Greek sun. It is also a picturesque setting from which to watch the small boats and yachts sailing to and fro until sunset.
 

Things to Do

Visit the Museum

The Nikiforos Ecclesiastical-Folklore Museum can be found in the main square and houses valuable icons from the 16th-17th century. You will also find other ecclesiastical objects, traditional costumes, coins from various eras, and a small selection of archaeological artifacts.

Climb to the Kastro

Follow one of the two main roads towards Plati Gialos beach to reach the ruins of the ancient city. Although not fully excavated, the hilltop ruins reveal an acropolis and surrounding tombs. You can also see the remnants of ancient structures, stone plinths, and ceramic roof tiles. In the area known as Kouselio, you will find the ruins of an ancient settlement, including wall sections and an olive-press counterweight. An ancient marble inscription found there is now incorporated into the walls of the church of Panagia of Kouselio.

Check out the Churches

The Panagia tou Harou (Madonna of Death) is named after the eponymous icon showing the Virgin Mary holding a crucified Christ rather than an infant in her arms and it is considered to have miraculous properties. Each year on the 23rd of August, lilies left by a little girl in 1943 seem to miraculously revive and flower, much to the delight of the islanders. The Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John Theologian) is situated on a natural hill overlooking the main town and hosts the holy icon of Panagia Mavri (the Black Madonna) as well as being home to the holy icon of Panagia tou Harou.

Take a Boat Trip

Lipsi is surrounded by 24 tiny islands, which you can explore by taking one of the organized daily tours. Local boats will take you to the exotic white pebbly beach of Aspronissi, the underground caves of Makronissi, the aquamarine waters of Tiganakia, the rocky islet of Arki. and to Marahi, where you can savor excellent seafood. Take a dip in the sparkling waters and enjoy the spectacular sunsets at the end of an amazing day.

Have Drinks at the Winery

Sample some of the island’s excellent wines at the Lipsi Winery, situated on a hillside overlooking the vineyards and affording spectacular views of the island. Sample varieties such as Fokiano, Assyrtiko, Athiri, Mandilaria, and Syrah, and remember to take some bottles home with you. You can also purchase local products such as cheese, thyme, honey, and loom-woven fabrics before leaving the island.
 

Transportation Around Lipsi

Walking is the easiest way to get around the island, with most beaches being very close to the main harbor town. Cars and bikes are not necessary and not all of the roads have asphalt but if you do wish to rent a car, you will need to bring it with you as there are no car-rental facilities on the island. You can rent a motorbike although availability is limited and there are a few taxis, as well as the local mini-bus to take you around.