Lipsi island in Greece

Lipsi Island, Greece

Majestic summer nights

Lipsi island is situated between Patmos and Leros which are about 12 sea miles away. The island is rarely mentioned the years before and after Christ, most of the times as center for provisions. It is mentioned as an island with inhabitants and real life after the 12th century and this because of the establishment of the Monastery of Patmos, fact that brought life to the islands of Patmos, Leros, Arki and Lipsi. Despite all that, each of the elderly people has his own version of the story of Lipsi.

The main occupation of the permanent inhabitants is fishing, agriculture and mainly tourism. Primary School, High School and Lyceum are completely working in Lipsi. There also is a Museum of Popular Art, a Library and a Carpet Factory.

Lipsi island is 16 square metres. It is a pure example of the Aegean Sea islands, with all the characteristics like dryness, no running water, few trees and stones, with a 36 k.m. Seashore, of all kinds of beaches. The highest point is of 300 m. height. In the south of the island there are vineyards where the famous sweet, black Lipsian wine is produced, which is very strong. The people of the island have very strong religious beliefs deeply influenced by Orthodox religion, which is radiated by Patmos Monastry. It is obvious by the many small churches, which can be found on the island. There are so many that it is said that they are equal to each family. Panagia of Haros is worth being mentioned because of its Architectural style (plain island -Byzantine style). If an expert studies it, it will be concluded that it is a real miracle of the 17th century. The miraculous icon of the church is celebrated on the 23nd of August, the fiesta lasts three days. This Icon presents the Virgin Maria holding Jesus Christ Crucified and it's one of the most famous and rarest moments of Hagiography. There are many other churches, like Agios loannis Theologos built with money raised by emigrants, Kimissis of Theotokos (16th century) which is situated on the little harbor named after it, which is in the entrance of the main harbor, the place is leafy near cool, running water, surrounded by the holes of cliffs where the bones of monks, who lived there are buried, especially during the Conquest of Turks. Also Panagia of Kousselio built on the foundations of a Before-Christ Temple. On the walls piece of marble from that temple can be seen. This was used as a material for its construction. Two Agios Nikolaos, each one on either sides of the harbor, as we enter it we see them. Agios Theologos of Moschato (17th century), Agios Panteleimon at Katsadia and Prophitis Elias naturally on the top of a hill facing the harbor and many others named after many saints with pre-eminent position of Agios Nektarios built round the 1980’s by a vicar Archimandritis Nikiforos. There is the Font of the island there.

Lientou Beach, which is very near the village just behind the harbor, that's why it is more popular because of its convenient location. Kampos a bay beside Lientou, a ten minute walk from the harbor. Elena Beach next to the lighthouse. Platis Gialos one hour walk (or a ten minute ride by "TAXI"!!!), a magnificent sandy beach like a large green swimming pool with...ducks! At the far end of the beach, a Lipsi-like tavern js waiting for you. It serves chicken roasted on charcoal, souvlaki and perhaps the most delicious Greek salad you have ever eaten, with cold beer, ouzo. Katsadia in the southern side of the island just opposite Leros, it is sandy and almost always with no wind. You can camp there under the trees free of charge. Papantria, another sandy beach beside Katsadia. Hochla-coura, with pebbles, cliffs and wonderful caves. A journey in the time, holidays in a different world and different time. Coasts for people like wild nature, rocks and dreaming. Apart from all these Lipsi has many little bays every second pace and another surprise. Put on your trainers and hat, have bottles of water with you and walk, the island is full of surprises. Small, but a magnificent and picturesque place.

When the nights are full moon lit, are like a dream. But even without full moon, nights in Lipsi island are like a dream! Without bright signs, plainly without show-offs, freely as each one feels, can stay up until the early hours, eating and drinking ouzo in the little taverns of the harbor accompanied by live local music with santuri and violin.

Summer nights on Lipsi are majestic.

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Material from Lipsi Municipality publication.