Situated in the Dodecanese only 50 minutes by ferry or 25 minutes by hydrofoil from Patmos, Lipsi, or Lipsos as it is sometimes known, is the largest of the minor islands to the north and east of Patmos. Most of the inhabitants live around the pretty little harbour and it is here that you will find what few facilities exist on the island including a handful of tavernas, mini-market, post office and a couple of cafes.
Beaches are generally not crowded and sandy, none more than an hour’s walk from the village. The nearest, Lendou, is only a few minutes’ walk from the harbour whilst Kambos, Plati Gialos, Monodendri and Katsadia lie further afield and involve some footwork.
Boat trips to neighbouring Marathi, Patmos and Leros are all possibilities but in the main this is very much a relaxing, doing little, unwinding holiday on what remains an unspoilt Greek Island.
Lipsi is the kind of island where the day’s structure comes from the boat. Something arrives, something leaves, and in between the harbour is quiet. The island is small enough to have walked most of within a few days, which tends to convert visitors either into people who leave early or people who come back every year.
Things to do
As well as visits to Patmos and Leros, there are local excursion boats that undertake day trips to the surrounding islets of Makronissi, Marathi & Arki including stops for swimming. Marathi in particular has a lovely, sandy beach and a few tavernas. Otherwise, walking to some of the more remote beaches can be very rewarding.
Getting there
Travel between Samos or Rhodes and Lipsi is by ferry (4 hrs. 45 mins & 4 hrs. 25 mins. respectively).
| Leg | By | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Samos → Lipsi | ferry | 4 hrs 45 min |
| Rhodes → Lipsi | ferry | 4 hrs 25 min |
Crossing times are the scheduled durations of the route, not a timetable. Sailings vary by season and operator.