Lipsi
Introduction
Lipsi located in the north Dodecanese islands. On this small island people
still live off farming and fishing, and the few tourists that come every
summer. The life here is laidback, and if you decide to come here you'll
be able to enjoy the quiet and just relax.
Lipsi is very traditional with its white and blue houses, friendly
people and nice little beaches. The only thing that disturbs the slow
pace here are the excursion boats from Leros and Patmos, when the island
livens up a bit.
The island is quite green, and considered ideal for families with
children, since most of the beaches are shallow and the waters calm and
clean.
History :Lipsi was probably a quite
wealthy island in the 3rd to 1st century BC, but we do not have much
evidence on the ancient years on the island. It was probably inhabited
at an early stage, perhaps by peoples from Asia Minor and Dorians.
Christianity came early to Lipsi and there are several churches on the
island. One of the oldest is from the 8th century.
During the Middle Ages it was tormented by pirates, and belonged to the
monastery of Patmos for almost 600 years. It was then conquered by the
Turks in the 16th century, but they never actually settled here.
When the war of Independence broke out in 1821, Lipsi became an
important refuge for people escaping the enraged Turks, and many
battleships stopped here for repairing, planning and food.
The island was given to the Turks in 1830, and in 1912 the Italians took
over. The island was liberated in 1948, but parts of Lipsi still belongs
to the monastery of Patmos.
What to See :Christianity has
a strong foothold here, which can be seen in the many churches and
religious celebrations on Lipsi. In the capital, Lipsi, there are
several churches with blue domes, the most dominating being the church
of Ag Ioannis (St. John). Enjoy strolling around here! There is a small
museum with archaeological findings and icons.
The mountain at Kimissi used to be a hiding place for hermits, and here
there is a 16th century Church dedicated to the Sleep of the Virgin Mary
(Kimissi tis Theotokos). It is very pretty and open to visitors, but
remember to dress appropriately: longs skirt and covered shoulders for
women, long trousers for men.
What to Do
:Lipsi is first and foremost an island for relaxing, but bring
snorkelling gear or perhaps a fishing rod, the waters are very clear and
seafloor interesting. There are excursion boats that can take you to
some of the beaches and the surrounding little islands. You can also go
on daytrips to Leros and Patmos.
Lipsi Beaches :It is easy to walk
around and find your own little beach on Lipsi. If you don't feel like
that the beach in Lipsi is lovely. Platys Gialos is a protected beach
and great for children, other beaches near to town is Katsadia and
Liendou. Nudists go to Monodendri.
Nightlife:In Lipsi there are a
couple of bars and a disco. The evenings are quiet, though, so even if
it can get pretty late, don't expect any wild partying. There is a nice
bar at the beach of Katsadia.
Food :There is a few taverns in Lipsi,
as well as on some of the beaches. The local specialties are various
dairy products, cherry tomatoes, wine and pastries.
Shopping :You can get some souvenirs
like textiles and ceramics in Lipsi.
Getting Around: There are a
couple of mini-buses and taxis on the island, but walking is a very good
alternative. You can rent mopeds, and there are a few excursion boats in
Lipsi.
Getting There :Get a direct
flight to Kos or Samos and take the Ferry boat or hydrofoil from there.
Lipsi is also connected with Rhodes and Mykonos, for example, as well as
with Piraeus and ,Athens on the mainland.
Facts about Lipsi*
| Phone numbers*
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Size: 21 sq. km
Population: about 700
Airport:: No
Cash machine: Yes
Internet cafe: No, but travel agencies are online
Highest Mountain:
Price rate: Average |
International code: 0030
Local code: 22470
Doctor:
Police:
Port Police:
Tourist Information: 41288
Bus company:
Coast guard:
Post office:
Telephone company (OTE): |
*The info displayed may be inaccurate. If changes have been made, please let us know.
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