Lipsi

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 Photo Credits Eugenio Lavi

The Island of Tranquillity

Travelling to Virgin Sceneries and Deserted Beaches of the 1950s under the Atmosphere of Tranquillity
Scattered pieces of land in the Aegean, a miniature archipelago of deserted islands and rocky reefs form the utopia of Lipsi. Emitting an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness, the mysterious island of Lipsi invites you to explore its beautiful sceneries. Lipsi is a well-kept secret, a buried hidden treasure and a hideaway escape in the Aegean waiting for you to discover it. The authentic character of the island is evident from the colours of the traditional houses painted in the shades of white and blue retaining the traditional identity of the Aegean. If you are pursuing in walking in labyrinthine alleys of a tiny settlement and discovering sheltered bays and coves with turquoise waters under the reflections of the glittering rays of the sun, this is the place for you. Whatever Lipsi might lack in size, it replenishes in landscapes and colours; besides they say less is more. An island embracing the value of peacefulness is ready to give you unforgettable memories, a place where beauty, nature and tradition harmonize in a very special way.
 
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Discover Lipsi

Best of Lipsi

The Capital of Lipsi

The Settlement of Hora is the capital and harbour of Lipsi located on the south side of the island. The authentic character of the beautiful settlement is evident from the colours of the traditional houses painted in the shades of white and blue retaining the traditional identity of the Aegean. Hora has a relaxing atmosphere that has managed to preserve its traditional character. One of the most beautiful areas of the village is the long seaside promenade.

The Acropolis of Lipsi

The Acropolis of Lipsi is located on the peak of the hill of Kastro. This is the oldest settlement of the island. Here, one can still see the traces of the ancient acropolis along with the remains of artificial terraces, wall ruins, stone structures, fragments of pottery and traces of fortifications. The acropolis of Lipsi offers panoramic views to the surrounding areas.

The Church of Panagia of Harou

The Church of Panagia of Harou (Virgin of Death) is the most important religious monument of Lipsi located on the eastern coast of the island. The beautiful church boasts a wonderful architecture. Inside the church, one can admire the miraculous image representing Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus Christ. The church celebrates in honour of the saint on August 23.

Archaeological Sites

The Acropolis of Lipsi is located on the peak of the hill of Kastro. This is the oldest settlement of the island. Here, one can still see the traces of the ancient acropolis along with the remains of artificial terraces, wall ruins, stone structures, fragments of pottery and traces of fortifications. The acropolis of Lipsi offers panoramic views to the surrounding areas.

The Ancient Settlement of Kouselio is located on the southeastern side of Hora. Archaeological research brought to light traces around the church of Panagia implying to the existence of an ancient settlement that flourished from the classical to the Christian era. Here, one will have the opportunity to admire architectural parts, fragments of pottery and remains of a large basilica with mosaics.

Churches

The Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos is a beautiful church with a blue dome and two bell towers located on the hill above the village of Lipsi. The church was constructed in shades of white and brown in 1931. It should be mentioned that the church was financed from the Lipsian Association of America. The church offers beautiful views to the Aegean.

The Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary dominates the charming bay of the island. The surrounding area is overflown from verdant landscape offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

The Church of Panagia of Harou (Virgin of Death) is the most important religious monument of Lipsi located on the eastern coast of the island. The beautiful church boasts a wonderful architecture. Inside the church, one can admire the miraculous image representing Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus Christ. The church celebrates in honour of the saint on August 23.

Museums and Libraries

The Ecclesiastical and Folklore Museum is housed with the housed in the Town of Hall of Lipsi. The museum exhibits ecclesiastical artefacts including icons, crosses and embroidered utensils, a collection of folklore items of local costumes and household objects along with a small archaeological collection of findings of the island

The Library of Odysseus Elytis is located in Hora. The library operates under the aegis of Unesco.

The Municipal School of Lipsi was constructed in the 1940s and it has been declared as a historical monument from the Ministry of Culture. The use of the building is tightly connected with the memories of the residents, as a space of consolidation and dissemination of the Greek Letters and the Orthodox Christian faith of the island.

Promenades & Villages

Hora is the capital and harbour of Lipsi located on the south side of the island. The authentic character of the beautiful settlement is evident from the colours of the traditional houses painted in the shades of white and blue retaining the traditional identity of the Aegean. Hora has a relaxing atmosphere that has managed to preserve its traditional character. One of the most beautiful areas of the village is the long seaside promenade.

Sunset Spots

Spot: Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, South Lipsi

Excursions

Boat Trip: The Island of Arki is blessed with the finest of nature! It is a well-kept secret, a buried hidden treasure and a hideaway escape in the Aegean waiting for you to discover it. The pristine sceneries creates a mysterious contrast with the deep blue of the sea shadowed from rich combinations of colours surrounded from low and bushy vegetation. Nature is the absolute master in Arki, as the virgin landscapes overtake the three quarters of the terrain! Whatever Arki might lack in size, it replenishes in landscapes and colours; besides they say less is more. A journey to Arki will remain unforgettable! Are you ready to find a special sense of liberation in the rhythms of nature?

Boat Trip: The Island of Leros is an island embracing tradition with history through the tangle of times, an island of natural beauty with elements of the folklore and the historical influences harmonizing in a mysterious way. Leros is a mountainous island with a hilly morphology and a rugged coastline with low hills. The beautiful diversified landscapes of the island form a series of natural beauty sceneries with verdant valleys and secluded bays surrounded from imposing mountains. An island with a distinct aroma of the Mediterranean, an aura of authenticity and an oasis of tranquillity possess a beautiful serene coastline with natural gulfs and hidden coves. You will be amazed from the unique architecture of Lakki and the colourful mansions of Agia Marina. When you will visit the square of Platanos and the picturesque fishing village of Pandeli you might feel like that time has stopped ticking from its incredible traditional beauty. The view from the imposing castle of Panagia and the six windmills might make you feel that you will never want to leave from Leros. All those places scattered though the island gives you a pleasant sentiment of an island where tradition, beauty and history harmonize in an interesting but strange way. One have to indulge in new pursuits beyond the mainstream and look with a different glance around so that he can remember what has been forgotten; to live and appreciate simple moments in a real treasure of unspoilt nature like Leros.

Boat trip: The Island of Patmos is waiting to reveal her true beauty to you embellished with exceptional charming bays, dreamlike seashores and breathtaking landscapes. It is said that a place dominated from monasteries is a place of exceptional natural beauty. So is Patmos. The charming capital of the island is one of the most beautiful villages of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses and well preserved mansions, cobblestone alleys and beautiful squares are crowned from the greyish walls of the fortified monastery, as the colours alter from the dazzling light of the sun of the Aegean and as though a formidable energy runs through the alleys of Patmos. Old doors and blooming gardens in every corner of the island hide a real surprize of unparalleled beauty. The natural beauty sceneries of Patmos alternate with small valleys and impressive cliffs rising like castles amongst the slopes of the hills in an effort to surpass the unique beauty of the fortified monastery by creating an amazing constant with the whitewashed colours of the Aegean architecture. In the absolute silence of the sacred places of the island of the Apocalypse, pilgrims come to meditate in order to find the answers in their souls. The soul of Patmos has a distinctive allure and a tempting charisma of tranquility to magnetize you with its unrevealed beauties. Are you ready to get inspired?

Activities

Bicycling: The countryside of Lipsi is an ideal place for cycling lovers. The island has a circular road that passes through all the regions of the island.

Hiking: Lipsi hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes starts from the cobblestone path of the Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary in the beach of Kato Kimisi and leads to the Temple of Ano Kimisi. (2) Another interesting trail includes the one that starts from the village of Hora and leads to the eastern isolated beaches of Monodedri and Tourkomnima.

Windsurfing: Lipsi is known for its ideal conditions for lovers of windsurfing, as the island gets really windy especially in the summer. The beaches of Mikro and Megali Myrsini are ideal for windsurfing lovers. Keep in mind that there are no windsurfing centres on the island.

Beaches

Aspros Kavos is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the northeast side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Elena is a secluded pebbled beach with blue waters located close to the town of Lipsi. It is an isolated beach ideal for those looking for seclusion.

Lientou is a sandy beach with crystalline waters located on the central part of the island. Due to its close proximity from Hora, the beach is one of the most popular of the island with various amenities.

Hohlakoura is a long pebbled beach with crystal clear waters and rocky formations located on the northeast side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for total privacy.

Kambos is a long sandy beach with crystal clean waters and tamarisk trees located on the central part of the island. Due to its close proximity from Hora, the beach is one of the most popular of the island with various amenities.

Katsadia is a secluded sandy cove with crystal clean waters located on the southeast side of the island. It is an isolated beach ideal for those looking for seclusion.

Monodendri is a secluded pebbled beach with impressive rocky formations located on the east side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for total privacy.

Papandria is a sandy and pebbled beach with deep blue waters located on the southeast side of the island. It is an isolated beach with a beautiful atmosphere surrounded from trees. If you love swimming, try to cross the distance of 200m that separates the beach of Papandria from the islet of Lyra.

Platis Gialos is a golden sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the north side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Tourkomnima is a beautiful pebbled cove with crystal clear waters located on the east side of the island. It is an isolated beach ideal for those seeking for total seclusion.

Coffee Corners, Gastronomic Delights and Cocktails Inspirations

Coffee Corners

Bakery of Kairi: Bakery, Hora

Milos: Coffee, Hora

Gastronomic Delights

Calypso: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Dilaila: Greek Cuisine, Katsadia Beach

Pantelis: Greek Cuisine, Marathi Isle

Platis Gialos: Greek Cuisine, Platis Gialos Beach

Pefko: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Sofoklis: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Stis Vasos tou Aspraki: Ouzo and Meze, Hora

Yiannis: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Cocktails Inspirations

Meltemi: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Milos: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Local Products & Specialties

The local products of the island include fresh fish and seafood, the cheeses of touloumotiri and mizithra, thyme honey and the local sweet dark red wine.

The local specialties of the island include cheese pies, black rice with squid ink, stuffed calamari, lamb with potatoes and the desserts of xerotigana with honey and sweet spoon of tomato and grape.

Events & Festivals

Every 6th of January (Epiphany Day), people throw a cross in the sea for the sanctification of the water.

Every 24th of June, the celebration of Klidonas in honour of Agios Ioannis Genesios (John the Stoker) takes place in Hora, where the male inhabitants set fire and women bring the so-called “unspoken water” to the central square, followed from a feast with traditional dancing and music.

Every 10th of August, the Wine Festival takes place in the island Lipsi. The festival last three days and it is accompanied from traditional music, dance and food.

Every 23rd of August, the celebration in honor of Virgin Mary takes place at the Church of Panagia tou Harou. This is the largest traditional celebration of the island.

History & Mythology

Mythology

The name of the island is connected with the myth of Odysseus who was imprisoned on the island for a period of seven years from the Goddess Calypso on his return journey from Troy.

History

Archaeological findings show that Lipsi was inhabited since prehistoric times from the tribes of Cares. During the Middle Ages, the island was tormented from pirate invasions, while Patmos along with Lipsi were vested to Osios Christodoulos, after the desire of the Emperor Alexios Komnenos, where many monks from Patmos came to live in Lipsi and a series of new monasteries were built, along with the Monastery of Panagia Harou, the protector of the island. Lipsi followed the historical path of the other islands of the Dodecanese till the Greek Revolution broke out, where the island became an important refugee for people escaping from Turks and an anchorage for battleships needed repairing and food. Lipsi were then dominated from the Turks and the Italians, until their unification with Greece in March of 1948.

Travel & Transport

By Boat (182 Nautical Miles): Lipsi is accessible by boat from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts from nine to ten hours. The easiest way to visit Lipsi is by airplane to the island of Leros, and then by boat. Lipsi is also connected with the islands of Agathonisi, Kalymnos, Kos, Leros, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos and Symi. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !

Mysterious Greece Tips

About Lipsi

Lipsi, else written as Leipsoi, is one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese. It is actually a small island complex with numerous uninhabited islands. As the size of the island is tiny, it has a road network of only fifteen kilometres. However, you will not need a car although there is a car rental service, as there are frequent buses and a municipal mini bus for the main beaches. Also, don’t forget to bring money with you, as there is only one cash machine on the island.

Book and Novels Under the Sun of the Aegean

Reading your favourite book under the sun of the Aegean is just marvellous! So, make sure you bring your favourite book with you!

Camping on Lipsi

Although free camping is prohibited from the State of Greece, Lipsi is one of the favourite destinations of free campers!

Candles and Lights in the Churches of Lipsi

Every Maundy Thursday, the inhabitants of the island light their candles in all the chapels of the island!

Escape from the World

Lipsi is an ideal destination for those looking for an escape from the real world!

Explore the Unexplored: Lipsi Archipelago

Undoubtedly, the best way to discover the small archipelago of Lipsi is by boat. You will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful beach of Tiganakia of the island of Arki, the underwater caves of the isle of Makronisi, the beautiful turquoise waters of the isles of Aspronisia and Pilavi, and the delicious seafood on the isle of Marathi. Excursion boats operate from the town of Lipsi.

Miraculous Lilies and the Virgin of Death

The most important religious monument of Lipsi is the Church of Panagia of Harou (Virgin of Death). The beautiful church boasts a wonderful architecture. Inside the church, one can admire the miraculous image representing Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus Christ. The church celebrates in honor of the saint on August 23. A remarkable event takes place at the church; Every spring, the worshippers gather lilies and place them in vases in front of the icon of Virgin Mary. A few days before the feast, the dried flowers are blooming again.

Relaxing in Lipsi

It will be quite easy to adapt to the simple rhythms of life of Lipsi. So, make sure you leave all of your problems and thoughts in the ferryboat! Once you step in Lipsi, the air of serenity will definitely capture your body and soul!

Romantic Promenades

The church of Agios Stathis is a charming chapel local opposite the beach of Hohlakoura on the southeast side of the island. Enjoy the serenity of the views towards the endless blue of the Aegean!

Taste the Wine of Lipsi

Lipsi are included in the network of wine producing cities in Europe namely Resevil, The island has a long tradition in viticulture. In fact, the local sweet wine Anama filled the Holy Communion Chalices in the Vatican during the dominance of the Italians. Today, the local varieties include the sweet red wine of Fokiano and the white table wine of Victoria.

Walking in Lipsi

One of the most beautiful activities is to walk around the circular road of Lipsi. By this way, you can discover the hidden beauties of the island!

Photo Credits

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Note: All the images are copyrighted from their owners. Please see Terms & Conditions. You can find the original images at the following links:

Aspronisi Isle: Kostas Limitsios by Flickr

Beach view: zl0_0lz by Flickr

Church: Pug Girl by Flickr

Church of Panagia Harou: Stardust Arnahan by Flickr

Katsadia: Kostas Limitsios by Flickr

Makronisi: Lagkalis Dimitris by Flickr

Path to Monodentri: Diana Rasador by Flickr

Platis Yialos beach: Kostas Limitsios by Flickr

Pristine Beauty: Diana Rasador by Flickr

View of Lipsi: Pug Girl by Flickr