Lipsi is a collection of islands in the northern Dodecanese. Small, quiet, traditional, it has much to offer the tourist looking to escape the crowds.
The island grows grapes that make the rather strong Lipsi Black wine, a local item celebrated in the annual Wine Festival in August. It also has some wonderful beaches on the southern and eastern coasts, which are the main tourist attractions on the island.
Access to the island is by ferry, and the natural harbour gives boats shelter in the severest of storms. The traditional fishing village lights up at night, the town a relaxing and laidback place to spend a summer’s evening.
It’s said that there is a church for every family that lives on Lipsi, and for the culturally minded, there are some fascinating chapels and monasteries to explore. The Church of Our Lady is a venerated site, and a place where monks hid in the local caves during the Turkish Invasion. The monks preferred to die from starvation than be captured. The icon in the church is said to have miraculous powers. The monastery of St John the Evangelist (Agias Ioannis Theologis) is and enchanting building of more recent architecture.
Lipsi gives a wonderfully quiet, friendly alternative to the modern traveller.