Lypsi island

General info:

The small island of Lipsi (Leipsoi)lies between Leros and Patmos, covering an area of some 15 square km and having a population of 700 residents approximately who lived in the homonymous and sole   settlement of Lipsi. Its landscape is composed by smooth hills covered by aromatic herbs, a few springs, while its coastline of some 35 km  is adorn by secluded coves and peaceful  beaches. The delightful chapels and the small churches that revealed themselves among  olive groves, vineyards and trekking paths  add to the warm serenity of the island.
It is this tranquillity and the simplicity, the absence of intensity of any kind that make Lipsi, this unknown for many- island a fine option for those who seek peacefulness and authenticity. Inevitably, the accommodation facilities are limited and the same applies for the entertainment options.

Historical profile:

According to mythology, Lipsi was the ancient Ogygia, the island of the Nymph Kalipso (Kalypso), who gave shelter to Odysseus (Ulluses) and tried unsuccessfully to convince him to forget Ithaca and to stay with her.
Historically speaking, the island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age by the Carians followed by the Dorians. Little is known for the history of Lispi until the 11th century that the island came under the authority of the Monastery of Patmos. In 1308 was dominated by the Knights of St. John, while in 1552 it was occupied by the Ottomans. The Italians took over the island in 1912 until 1943 when it passed into the hands of the Germans. Lipsi was liberated and integrated to the Greek state in 1948.

Villages:

The small settlement of Lipsi is built on a small hill and its white houses are spreading down to the picturesque harbour. Peaceful and charming the village becomes livelier during summer since its nearby pristine beaches attract locals and visitors.
Interesting places to visit is the 16th - century   Church of Panagia of Charos, the imposing white-painted Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos (St. John the Evangelist) and  the Castle that is surrounded by the relics of the ancient acropolis. 
The village offers few accommodation facilities and the entertainment options are limited to traditional taverns and some cosy coffee-bars, however the annual local wine festival, the religious feasts and the cultural events   that are held every year will initiate you to a different way of enjoyment.

Beaches:

Despite its size, Lipsi offer a variety of peaceful beaches that are characterized mainly by their crystal-clear waters.
The  most notable are the beach of Liendou, a sandy one with clear waters and tree-shade, the Katsadia beach, embraced by a quiet bay with sand and tree-shade; the Xirokambos beach a serene beach of pebbles and with crystalline waters and the sandy beach of Platis Yialos (Gialos) with clear shallow waters, ideal for children.

Access:

Lipsi  is connected  directly  with  the    Port of Piraeus and during summer season    with the islands of Kalymnos, Leros, Samos, Agathonisi,Patmos and Kos.   

 

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