Lipsi is one of the smaller islands at the northern end of the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands that runs up the coast of Turkey. It lies between the larger island of Kalymnos and Samos and benefits from being on the main ferry routes and so relatively easy to get to. Visitors should forget
all the outdated nonsense written about 'donkey-powered' Lipsi.
You are more likely to be dodging scooters than donkeys since the
island's roads were widened and asphalted to encourage more tourism.
The huge harbour has also undergone a major revamp to accommodate the yacht
flotillas that now make Lipsi a must-make stop on the sailing route.
Lipsi still has the oodles of charm and the backwater atmosphere that you came expect from a tiny Greek island. But
it's a far cry from the days when the island was one of the hideaway gems of the Aegean. Lipsi is very small - you can walk virtually anywhere in a day - and now crossed with a network of paths and roads, courtesy of massive and some say entirely unwarranted EU grants. Lipsi is an island for those seeking a quite retreat where excitement peaks at the arrival of a ferry. The beaches are pleasant rather than outstanding and most have no facilities. Tavernas and cafes are concentrated around the vast main harbour which again, though pleasant, is not as picturesque as you might expect.
Overview
Lipsi is a tiny island, little more than the main port and a scattering of beaches now more easily reached since the old tracks were upgraded to asphalt roads.
Peace and quiet are the island's main characteristics, though a fleet of mopeds for hire and the appearance of cars, a taxi and some lorries suggest it will soon be getting a lot noisier.
The yachting set has prompted a rash of tavernas around the enormous harbour and it's been a long-time favourite with the now defunct British-based Laskarina tour company that once commandeered quite a number of apartments.
Lipsi's position on the main Dodecanese ferry route and its large natural harbour, not to mention the proximity of Samos, Leros , Kalymnos and Kos, make it an ideal base for island hopping.
With hotels on Lipsi.
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The
island is on the main route from the mainland to the Dodecanese so is well
served by ferries and hydrofoils. The usual route from the UK is to fly
to Samos and pick up one of the main ferries or hydrofoils heading south
or you can fly to Kos and head north. The hydrofoils and boats anchor off
the west end of the long, long harbour that winds around the bay
There
are daily ferries to Patmos and Leros as well as excursions to neighbouring
islets like Calapodia Aspronissi, Macronissi, Frago, Plavi and Arki.
Minivan
buses leave from a small park in the centre of the harbour for the main
beaches and there is taxi and a couple of scooter hire outfits.
Even
on tiny Lipsi you are met at the quay by islanders offering rooms for
rent. Recommended are the Galini apartments opposite the hydrofoil jetty
(41212) and Rena's rooms (41363) overlooking Liendou beach. Tour reps
in the office by the bakery are extremely helpful in fixing up accommodation,
providing island maps and with advice for travellers.
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