The Best Travel Guide to the Island of Lipsi, Greece

Disclosure: I was gifted parts of this trip as part of a collaboration with Lipsi, Greece.

Staring out at the golden sands I could hear the gentle rise and fall of the waves, with the background noice of my children’s happy laughing and splashing. Old enough to be able to swim alone in the water now, I had time to read my book in the warm shade of the trees. Don’t get me wrong, I snuck furtive glances making sure that the kids were definitely ok! However, this was the quiet reality of September on the tiny island of Lipsi, Greece.

Peace and Tranquility

You may never have heard of Lipsi island, however it’s well know to the hundreds of Italians and Greeks who spend weeks on the island every August. I am well informed that August is certainly not the best time for peace and tranquility on Lipsi. However, in June, early July and September you will find plenty of space and enjoy the quiet nature of the island.

How To Get To Lipsi, Greece

Lipsi may seem difficult to get to at first glance. There are no airports (aside the helipad for emergencies), so most people travel in by ferry. In the summer, early June until end of September, the island is connected to Piraeus twice a week by Bluestar Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. There is also a commonly used daily service from Rhodes, passing through Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and Samos with the Dodekanisos Seaways and Patmos Star catamarans. Alternatively you can sail to the island in your own (or hired) boat, there is space at the dock for boats or many anchor offshore in the beautiful bays.

We chose to fly from Glasgow direct to Kos with EasyJet and then take the ferry the following morning. There are plenty of direct UK flights out to Kos and Rhodes, so these are the most obvious destinations to fly to and then take the ferry. Do make sure you book the ferry in advance in the busy months, you can’t always guarantee there will be tickets available at the dock.

Catamaran Ferries

The catamaran ferries aren’t huge, but have plenty of seating with airplane style chairs. If you get on at one of the first stops there will be plenty of seats available. We had no problem finding three together for the kids and I at either Kos on the way there or Lipsi on the way back. Queueing doesn’t seem to be a thing, it’s just a ‘who gets on the ferry first’ deal for seats! Hand your suitcase over to whoever is calling the island you are going to and tell them which island you are heading to. This is so your suitcase is ready to collect at the correct island. Then show your tickets to get them scanned before taking a seat. If it’s windy take a travel sickness tablet!

Also, a side note, if you have kids they are often given a deer from the logo on the Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran. They handed them out to all the kids on the ferry (for free) when we were close to Lipsi! You can see my youngest’s in the photo above.

Things To Do On The Island of Lipsi, Greece

Lipsi is definitely a small island and it’s possible to walk around much of the road network. However, when it’s too hot this might not feel like the best option. You can hire motorbikes or cars from near the docks. There are also electric bikes to hire and a taxi service if required. The best way to get around for the kids and I was by car, we can easily fit us all in and go wherever we liked on the island together. It takes around 8 minutes at the most to get from Lipsi Town to the furthest away parts of the island by car!

There isn’t a long list of things to do on Lipsi, as I mentioned it’s very small. The island is mostly about relaxing and food, so be prepared with a good book and swim costume!

Katsadia Beach

A narrow strip of golden sand stretching below a stone wall. There is a bench made out of the stone wall along the Katsadia beach, with shade below the trees. The kids enjoyed this one for the number of fish they could watch in the clear water and plenty of shells and sea glass to find along the beach.

A restaurant is just beside the beach and perfect for lunches. Leave your towels on your seat to come back to after lunch.

Platis Giaolis

This is one of the main beaches that most people like to visit on Lipsi. For this reason it does get quite busy! However, there is plenty of shade below the trees and shallow turquoise water in a calm bay. Perfect for younger children, don’t forget to bring the bucket and spade as it has a beautiful golden sand.

Just above the beach is a restaurant with typical Greek dishes. Many people leave their towels on the beach and go for lunch at the restaurant.

Lientou Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches on Lipsi. Mainly because it’s only a few minutes walk from the town centre. It’s not our favourite beach, but it’s calm and shallow, so great for kids. Shade is available under the trees, but get there early if you want to find space in the shade.

This beach also has an accessible beach lift for those with disabilities using a wheelchair. I’m not sure how it works, but it looked in good condition when we visited.

Chochlakoura Beach

This is a pebble beach, although there are sandy patches to stand in the water. However, this was a favourite beach for both myself and the kids. The flat pebbles are great for stacking and making little sculptures with, plus they warm up nicely in the sun, so great to warm up on after swimming! There is shade under the trees along the wall, just don’t leave any food out as the ants will get into it!

The transparent waters are perfect to swim and watch the fish below. Many people bring snorkels with them, but the kids could see easily with just goggles.

Lipsi Winery

Set up above the main Lipsi Town is Lipsi Winery. A local enterprise that now sells wine throughout Greece. You can book a private tour or join one of their sunset evening tastings. The owners Manolis and Nikos opened the winery in 2013 and it’s grown from strength to strength since then, with the wines being available to purchase throughout Greece and it was even chosen as the wine of choice for a presidential dinner.

Lipsi Winery‘s vision is to revive the traditional Fokiano grape. It‘s one of the oldest indigenous varieties grown in the Aegean, originating in Asia Minor. Although legend says that Dionysus himself gifted the islands with Fokiano grapes. It’s traditionally used to make a sweet wine, which you can taste at one of the wine tastings in Lipsi. Their sweet wine is named Aposperitis, after the planet Venus, which can be seen above the bay as the sun sets. The same variety of grape is used in the other wines, along with blends of other grape varieties to create the Blanc de Noir, dry rosé and classic red wine.

Lipsi Horse Riding

You may notice some very healthy horses trekking along the roads of Lipsi. They most likely belong to Lipsi horse riding, a friendly, family-run business. You can book a horse riding trip at any time of the year. Although the horses do move from their normal pastures during the winter months.

Riders have several routes to choose from, these all depend on your experience and time that you have. We had a lovely walk down to a local beach with some other visitors. If you have young children or aren’t confident on a horse then your horse can be led. The horses are all well cared for and are clearly happy where they are. Some of the horses include ex-racehorses, who can now have a relaxing retirement!

More experienced rider can go for a gallop, however I enjoyed the gentle stroll with beautiful views all around.

5 Islands Boat Trip

There is only one tourist boat cruise around the islands. The RENA 5 islands cruise. You can hire boats privately for boat tours too, however most visitors prefer to book this pre-organised tour.

The cruise is an all-day cruise visiting the islands of Makronissi, Aspronissi and Tiganakia in the morning. Before docking at Akri island for lunch and a look around onshore. The final stop is Agrelousa before the boat slowly heads back to Lipsi town.

Each island is different, however the water is beautifully clear wherever you go! Some of the islands it’s only a short half hour stop and others it’s for an hour (or 2 hours for lunch!). We swam at every island and the most beautiful places to swim were either Tignakia or Aspronissi, which had the stunning turquoise waters as you can see in my photos!

Three of the stops are swimming in the water only, there is nowhere to go ashore. But at Aspronissi you can swim to the pebble beach. Take care on the rocks as they are slippy! And at Arkoi you can go ashore to eat lunch at one of the tavernas on the island.

On Akri there are two separate tavernas for lunch. We visited Taverna Nikolas on the right of the square. It is a lovely taverna with plenty of tables and a wide range of typical Greek food. The youngest had burgers and the eldest and I shared some Greek starters, including a beetroot salad, cheese pastries and something similar to a quiche. You will find a few shops on the island that sell souvenirs and clothing too. Definitely check out the beautiful items in the little shop beside Trypas Taverna.

You can also find tiny boats floating in the corner of the harbour near Tavernas Nikolas and lots of fish too!

Shopping

Despite Lipsi being a small island you will still find plenty of boutiques to browse in Lipsi Village. There is plenty to choose from, with beautiful clothing, bags, jewellery and souvenirs. You won’t be disappointed!

If you need to buy food, there are a few mini markets that have all the usual foods, including plenty of meat and vegetable options.

Chapels of Lipsi

Like many of the islands of Greece you will notice little blue and white chapels sprouting up in all corners of the island. I didn’t count how many they were, but there are certainly a large number of chapels. Very picturesque and worth visiting a fe to understand the religious and cultural significance of these chapels.

For The Kids

Children will also enjoy the small playpark in the square, with plenty to keep younger kids occupied. Older children may enjoy playing chess with the giant chess pieces in the square. We didn’t see anyone else using them during our stay but us, however I’m sure they do get used!

Cats of Lipsi

I cannot write about Lipsi, Greece without mentioning the cats! You will find cats all over the island, on the beaches, at the harbour, walking through the restaurants. Our children obviously decided to count how many different cats we saw. I think they were at around 120 cats after 5 days!

The Greeks love their cats and are happy to stroke them and often leave out food. If you head to Chochlakoura beach you might see the little cat food and water station. A lovely example of people caring for animals.

Where To Stay On Lipsi, Greece

There are plenty of places to stay throughout Lipsi island. From hotels to guest houses and self catering properties. You will need to book well in advance for August, and possibly parts of July. However, at other times of the year it should be easier to find rooms.

We stayed at Michalis Studios, which are relatively budget friendly and a great option with kids. The owner, Michalis, is wonderfully helpful and friendly, always ready to help if anything goes wrong. We had a short power cut and he had someone come round to fix it within 5 minutes. Twice he left us some fresh figs from his garden – absolutely delicious! And another time we were gifted a tin of Lipsi honey, which I highly recommend tasting.

Our room had two beds, balcony, toilet and shower. Plus a basic but practical kitchen area if you would like to prepare your own food. Michalis Studios are right beside Kairis Bakery, so ideally located for breakfast or grabbing some bread or croissants for lunch.

Other Places You May Consider Staying on Lipsi Island

Lipsi Blue Hotel – A new property built just outside the town, spacious rooms, amazing views and delicious breakfasts on the terrace.
Kallisti Studios – Short walk from the ferry pier with beautiful rooms and views.
Dodecase “Le Vilette” – Around 1km from Lipsi town is a group of 6 houses self catering houses.

Where To Eat on Lipsi, Greece

They are more than enough cafes and restaurants throughout the island, so you will have no problem finding something to eat. Here are a few of our favourites.

Breakfast

Lipsi Blue – Non hotel guests are welcome to visit Lipsi Blue for breakfast, just book in advance! Delicious breakfast options and an amazing view!

Avli Botanica – Located in Lipsi Village is a beautifully traditional building, where Avli Botanica is located. There are gourds growing up vines around the cafe and over onto the path below. An excellent place for a couple of pastries and fresh orange juice to start off your day.

Angela – A pretty little terrace and indoor tables, breakfast here includes a beautiful view over the bay. They offer a range of breakfasts, although we couldn’t have anything cooked due to an island wide pier cut the day we visited!

Coffee Time – A busy eatery covered in greenery just a short walk from the harbour. You can enjoy a typical cooked breakfast of omelette, cheese and salad, or a simple chocolate croissant. Obviously they have coffee on the menu or tasty fresh orange juice.

Calypso Cafe – Just beside calypso hotel is the cafe of the same name. A range of different breakfast dishes can be found here, including yoghurt, cooked breakfasts and croissants.

Dinner

Yiannis – Whilst walking along the harbour toward the ferry port you’ll most likely notice the colourful gourds hanging along the front of a restaurant. A very pretty restaurant with plenty of greenery, it also serves excellent food. We had a delicious range of food from swordfish and tuna steak to delicious Greek salads and crispy fried shrimps.

Manolis Tastes – A rather popular restaurant hidden away, up the steps in Lipsi village, you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee a table. They have fantastic ranges of seafood and meat dishes. My favourite were definitely the ceviche and sea bass, plus they had the best seafood risotto! Of course we managed to squeeze in some pana cotta with honey too. Delicious!

Kalypso Restaurant – Right at the front of the harbour is restaurant Kalypso. A large restaurant with plenty of seating, they have a range of dishes suitable for all tastes. We tried fried courgette flowers and typical Greek salad, along with meatballs for the children and another risotto for me. Everything was delicious and the kids are keen to try more appetisers now. Dessert was a typical Greek chocolate and biscuit dish.

To Pefko – With lots of pasta and fish dishes, the kids were happy with some simple pasta dishes, whilst I went for more seafood. Although great surprise here was the dessert, it looks like a cake, but is actually more cheesecake like! Delicious! And the staff are incredibly friendly here too.

The Best Travel Guide to the Island of Lipsi, Greece

Peace and Tranquility