Embrace the castaway vibe on a trip to Lipsi, where gin-clear waters and a traditional island culture await. Spend your days exploring the narrow streets of this tiny settlement and discovering secluded coves and beaches.
Top highlights include the church of Panagia tou Harou. Gaze at the miraculous icon and enjoy breathtaking views over the harbour.
1. Hike the Hilltop Churches
Lipsi is a small island with an impressive collection of churches and monasteries. Many are situated on the highest points of the island, allowing you to enjoy stunning views from a unique perspective. You can easily explore these churches on foot or by renting a car from one of the car rental agencies in Lipsi.
For a real treat, visit the Catopanaghia Church, located in the heart of Lipsi town. This stunning church features a distinctive architecture, beautiful hagiographies, and wood-carved iconostasis. The church is also surrounded by beautiful tamarisk trees.
Another must-see church on the island is the Holy Monastery of Agios Theologos. This breathtaking church will make you feel like you are standing next to God with its beautiful hagiographies and wood-carved iconostasis. This church is also surrounded by beautiful tamarisk and palm trees.
In addition to its many churches, the island also boasts a number of spectacular beaches. Platis Gialos Beach is the most popular of these beaches. This stunning beach has crystal clear waters and is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The sandy beach is also a great spot for sunbathing.
Tourkomnima Beach is another gorgeous beach on the island. This beach is surrounded by tamarisk trees and is the perfect place to relax. This beach is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Lipsi is a truly unique island that offers visitors an authentic Greek experience. Guests can enjoy swimming and diving in the crystal-clear waters, wander around its alleys, and take part in the local celebrations that continue to cherish the island’s culture. Visiting this charming island is an excellent way to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and unwind in peace and tranquility.
2. Relax on the Beaches
The best things to do in Lipsi revolve around the island’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. With its simple and authentic Greek atmosphere, the island is a great place to relax. A visit to Lipsi feels like a journey back in time, where every day begins down at the port with locals and tourists meeting up for coffee and then spending the rest of the afternoon on one of the wonderful beaches or coves with their sparkling blue sea.
There are a number of beautiful beaches on the island, but Platis Gialos Beach is definitely the most popular. This gorgeous beach is located on the northwest side of the island and gets lots of sun throughout the day. It is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Another great beach to check out is Lientou, which is a beautiful beach with soft sand and sparkling water. This beach is located close to the port and is perfect for families with young children since it has shallow water.
The village on Lipsi is charming and tranquil, with a number of traditional Greek houses. It’s also a great place to sample some of the local cuisine, including its famous wine. Dimitris Farm and Vineyard is a popular destination for WWOOFers, who volunteer to work on the organic farm. However, even if you’re not a WWOOFer, it is still worth visiting to sample some of their delicious natural wine and try their olives and other produce.
Besides swimming on the beautiful beaches, you can take a boat trip to the surrounding islands. There are many different tours and excursions that leave from the Lipsi port. A good option is to book an excursion with Rena 5 Islands Cruise. This tour will take you to the five small islands that surround Lipsi, including Makronissi, Aspronisi, Tiganakia, and Arki.
3. Take a Boat Trip
The secluded beaches of Lipsi are an ideal spot for a day of sun and sea. You can also find a number of restaurants and taverns on the island that serve up some tasty Greek cuisine.
The main town on Lipsi is called Chora and has many beautiful whitewashed houses and picturesque paved pathways to explore. It’s a great place to go for a stroll and enjoy the scenery while taking in the old world feel of the village.
For those looking for some extra adventure, there are several pre-designed hiking trails on the island that can lead you to many of the island’s beautiful churches and other natural attractions. There are also several secluded coves and bays that can be explored by boat, as well.
Visiting the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is another popular activity on Lipsi. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and learn more about the history of the area.
While you’re on the island, don’t forget to sample some of the delicious local wine! The island produces its own wine, and you can find it at most of the restaurants on the island. You can also visit the Lipsi Winery to tour the vineyards and learn more about the island’s renowned winemaking traditions.
Food is one of the most important parts of any vacation, and Lipsi certainly delivers on this front! The island’s chefs use the freshest ingredients to create some of the best dishes in all of Greece. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as grilled octopus and squid. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with an ice cold glass of ouzo!
4. Visit the Monasteries
A great way to see the sights of Lipsi is on a hiking tour. There are a number of pre-designed paths that allow you to take in the natural beauty of the island as well as its many churches and other attractions. Hiking is also a good way to exercise and get some fresh air while you’re exploring the island.
A popular destination for hikers is the Church of Panagia Harou. This beautiful church is a cultural hotspot that is home to a miraculous image of Virgin Mary holding the crucified Christ. During the spring, worshippers bring lilies to the church and place them on its table in honor of the Virgin.
Another must-see church is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos. This impressive monastery is located on a hill above the main town and offers visitors an amazing view of the entire island. The monastery is also known for its hagiographies and wood-carved iconostasis.
The beaches of Lipsi are also a big draw for tourists. Platis Gialos, Kampos, and Hoxlakoura are some of the most popular beaches on the island and offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the sun. Platis Gialos is especially family-friendly with shallow waters and plenty of natural shade.
Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the beach or visiting the monasteries, there are a number of things to do in Lipsi that will make your trip unforgettable. The best time to visit is from mid-May to mid-October, when the weather is warm and sunny and the crowds are a bit thinner.
Although Lipsi is a safe and welcoming place for travelers, it is important to follow all local laws and regulations when traveling abroad. This includes wearing a mask in public areas and following social distancing guidelines when necessary to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
5. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Lipsi is a great place to enjoy the local Greek cuisine. The island is home to a number of restaurants and cafes that serve up a variety of traditional dishes. You can find everything from pitaroudia to giaprakia and many other delicious dishes that are sure to please your palate.
There are also a number of great shops on Lipsi where you can buy some unique gifts and souvenirs. The shops are located in the port and village area, so you can easily stop by them while you’re exploring the island.
If you’re looking for a little adventure during your vacation, then you might want to take a horseback riding tour. Leipsian Horse Riding offers tours that will take you to some amazing view points on the island. You can even learn about the history of Lipsi as you ride along.
You can also find some amazing beaches on Lipsi. One of the most popular is Plati Gialos beach, which is known for its crystal clear water and white sand. This beach is a photographer’s paradise and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Another wonderful beach on the island is Tourkomnima. This beach is surrounded by tamarisk trees and has a beautiful church that overlooks it. The waters here are incredibly clear and make for a fantastic snorkeling location.
There are also a few monasteries on the island, which adds to its historic and cultural charm. The monastery of Agios Theologos is particularly impressive and features some stunning hagiographies. It’s also worth visiting the church of Tourkomnima, which has a beautiful wood-carved iconostasis and is surrounded by a large courtyard. Another highlight of this church is the nativity scene that’s displayed in its entrance.