Lipsi (aka Lipsos) is a small collection of islands located near to Patmos and Leros (with its airport just a 40 minute flight from Athens) in the northern Dodecanese south of Ikaria. The largest island in this group is itself called Lipsi and is just 16 square km in size with 35km of coastline. With its large harbour, and location on the main ferry routes, it is very easy to get to Lipsi and well worth the effort.

The resident population of Lipsi is around 650-700 people who earn a living from fishing, farming, and tourism. Having some nice beaches, but nothing amazing, and some nice tavernas, but nothing amazing, Lipsi does not attract a vast number of tourists. Therefore even in the peak season it never feels very busy, and remains a peaceful authentic rustic retreat.

From the UK the commonest route is to fly direct to Samos International Airport from Manchester or London Gatwick, and then take the ferry or hydrofoil south to Lipsi.

Beaches on Lipsi

The town beach (Liendou) is located very close to the village shops and tavernas and is shallow shelfing and sandy. A couple of kilometres away is the wonderful bay of Platys Yialos (pictured above) which is the best sandy beach on the island with crystal clear water and is overlooked by a taverna and served by a minibus from the town centre. Closer to the centre are the narrow shingle and sandy bays at Katsadia again with a taverna nearby.

Other beaches worth trying are Kambos Beach (stony) just beyond the town beach, Elana (stony and inaccessible) a bit further down the coast, Kimisi (very small and stony, but beautiful) a good two hours walk to the West of the centre. To the East and North are the more difficult to access beaches of Monodendri, Tourkomnima, Kohklakoura, and Kserokambos all of which offer no facilities and very limited or no shade.

Getting Around Lipsi Island

As a relatively small island, it is possible to walk pretty much everywhere along a network of roads and paths built using EU grant money. Mopeds are also available for rent which makes the whole island very accessible, and there are two taxis.

Accommodation in Lipsi

There are plenty of rooms to let, hotel rooms, and guesthouses in Lipsi – with approximately 350-400 beds available. Except in the very height of summer it is not necessary to book ahead. Islanders with vacancies meet ferries on arrival at the port.