Lipsi

Lipsi (Leipsoi) has an area of 17 km² and is situated in between Patmos and Leros in the northerly part of the Dodecanese. Lipsi is a small but very charming island. Prices are reasonable, the restaurants excellent, the countryside beautiful, the beaches class A and it's not particularly touristy. It sounds almost too good to be true? You are right, there is a catch. It's difficult to get there.

Lipsi is small so it's none of the "main islands" of the Dodecanese. Amongst the smaller ones I'd consider her big though. Since it is nowhere near any of the important ferry routes not too many people come here. The numbers went up in the last few years though. That to be honest doesn't surprise me the least. It might be difficult to get to Lipsi but it well worth's the effort. Lipsi is almost perfect.

Lipsi town: All ferries arrive here in the only bigger settlement on Lipsi. 500 of the all together only about 650 Lipsians live in the village. Most of the tourists stay here as well. There are quite a few good hotels and pensions that even during the high season offer a double room from 25 Euro a night. That's fairly decent. In the village you'll find quite a few restaurants that offer fantastic food. Prices are moderate at the same time; irresistible.

We find it difficult to recommend a place since they are all rather good. To name at least one: Kalipso offers very good value for money. It’s not only a good place to stay but also an excellent place to eat.

There is a small museum in Lipsi. Admission is free. The port is popular with sailing boats and yachts.

Beaches on Lipsi: There is a number of fantastic beaches on Lipsi. Most popular is Liendu Beach since it is only a few hundred meters from the village. A bit further away and therefore more quiet are Kambos (1 km) and Platis Gialos (3 km). They might be quiet but there are still restaurants for your convenience. If have you think you want to spend all your time on the beach anyways you can even book a small private room. Why stay in the village if you can spend time in the middle of nowhere? And no worries there are busses from/into the village that go every hour.

Ferries to Lipsi: There is a daily connection from Lipsi to Patmos and Leros. Not everyday but at least a few times a week goes a ferry to Kalymnos. If time is more precious to you than money you can also take one of the fast ferries. They go to Rhodes, Kos, Patmos and Icaria on a regular basis. The Flying Dolphins are a bit more expensive but certainly do live up to their name.