Lipsi
Lipsi are a cluster 30 islands (24 islets and 6 rocks) belonging to the Dodecanese and is located between Patmos and Leros, the Aegean.
It is said that it was the island where the nymph Calypso lived, paradise island of Ogygia. In mythology Calypso fed on ambrosia and nectar and had the power to make people immortal. Under the pretext that, He kept close to Ulysses 8 years, until the gods sent Hermes to the order to let Odysseus go. Then the mask supplied with the necessary supplies for the journey and let him continue his way.
The largest island of the cluster is Lipso. The other islands are Arefousa, Aspronisia (5 Islands), Quilt, Coil (2 Islands), Islands Manolis, Last (2 Islands), Lyre, crucifix, Pilavi, Psokou, Kaparonisi, Plate, Makronisi, Woodworm and Frank. Lipsi are a separate municipality (from 1948) which includes the homonymous island and the uninhabited islet Frangos (from 2001). The City of Leipzig has a permanent population 790 residents. You will not see the mountains but small hills (maximum height 277 m.) and many valleys filled with olives, lemon etc.. Lipsi because of its virgin natural environment belong to the NATURA Network 2000 under 'Arki, Lipsi, Agathonisi and rocks "and the list CORINE habitat.
The island was approved (2006) by the EU. as "Site of Community Importance" for the Mediterranean biogeographical region to which it belongs and which contributes significantly to the maintenance or restoration of natural habitat. Finally the island participates in the Network Daphne promoting Sustainable Development (namely the rational development and not the unregulated) on the Aegean islands. For this reason the High School of Lipsi Municipality has created a student company, the TechnoLeipsia that promotes local products and the enhancement of cultural heritage. If you like hiking, cycling, fishing, exploration, observation of flora and fauna, calm and swimming in blue waters then you've come to the right place.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The settlement of the island has been developed in response to the port located on the west coast of the island. The port is one that brings together all the tourists here as there are cafes, taverns, shops and more rooms. The port, It is a naturally protected bay and is spectacularly large. It is divided into three zones to individually serve the ferry, separate commercial supply ships of the island, in a separate point fishing vessels. It also has a marina boats which are fully organized.
Also on the island there is a Multipurpose Health Center, helipad, Landfill, Unit municipal waste water treatment, reservoir, Police, Port Authority, Bank, Post office, KEP. and Sailing-Athletic Club.
SIGHTS – monuments
Sightseeing of the island are beautiful Byzantine churches (5th – 6th c.), such as the "Lady of Death", the "Lady in Kouselio" (type basilica) and the two natures church Agios Spyridon - Agios Panteleimon, in place Katsadia.
The "Lady of Death" church was built in 1600 A.D. by monks of the Monastery of. Patmos came to the island and created, near the village, a small monastery. Over the years the small abandoned monastery, by monks, but remained the church which houses the miraculous image of "Our Lady of Death". it is triune, low dome, irregular arcs and small oblong windows.
The image of "Our Lady of Death" is unique as it depicts the Virgin Mary holding the arms of the Crucified Christ instead of the Holy Child. Perhaps it took to its name.
The big church is dedicated to St. John the Theologian. It has made donations immigrant inhabitants of the island. Here you can worship the image of "Our Lady Black". There are two other churches in the country, Under the Dormition and Assumption Over, which is connected by an amazing stone path.
Visit the Ecclesiastical - Folklore Museum, Centrally located, with images (16th -17th), heirlooms, crosses, local costumes, coins etc.. Lipsi church belonging to the Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos.
Other attractions of the island is the Archaeological Collection, with finds from excavations from different periods, hosted a special place in the settlement. Watch a fragment of marble Ionic capital (4th B.C.) and their lamps (3th B.C.).
The Mill Arabia, the highest point of the island, appropriate to take the most beautiful photos of the island. Also on the island there is a building with mosaic floors in Paliomandra position. At the port you will see the memorial and library "Odysseus Elytis" built with care of UNESCO. In the castle, at the top, there are ruins of the ancient Acropolis and some ancient tombs.
FESTIVALS – FESTIVITIES
The Lady of Death celebrated on 23 August but the festival starts from 22 August. Participates the Band of the City Group, the Dance Association, residents and all visitors.
The festival is in Kleidona 24 June also accompanied by the Philharmonic Group.
The Wine Festival is several times in time with the main 10 August. The old vineyards on the island had great prosperity. The site produced the variety 'Fokiako ", a sweet black wine was very famous. Today, some small producers, They continue to cultivate this variety and the variety 'Victoria', which is a white table wine.
SETTLEMENTS
Apart from the settlement of Hora are smaller settlements Kouselio, Katsadia, Platis Gialos, Virgin of Charos.
moorage
The bay Fontana, bay Muscat, lying in the street after Platis Gialos beach and the bay shipyard.
beaches
The road network is 20 km and connects the town with many beaches. During the summer months there is a local bus and a taxi, to facilitate your transfers. Also organized daily excursions-cruises to the islands, where you can swim and admire the natural environment.
- Lientou, is the most famous beach on the island as it is very close to the village (10 minute walk). it is sandy, with small pebbles, shallow, family, with trees for shade. Access is by paved road, by local bus or with your own vehicle. It features accommodation, restaurants and cafes. Here is the Cave Lientou.
- Plain, D. Hora accessible by paved road. it is sandy, with few trees, no restaurants or cafes.
PLAIN
- Elena, located after Cabo and is sandy.
- Christ, It is 1,5 km from the town and is accessible by paved road. You can go only with your own vehicle or on foot. it is sandy, with few trees and not have anything to eat or drink.
- Platis Gialos, NW Country where you can go by local bus, by private car. If you want to walk from the town get off at the port and follow the concrete road (about 1 hour hiking). The beach is sandy and dining there is only one tavern, Costas. If you continue walking until the end of the concrete road to reach the cove Muscat.
- Katsadia, N, It is 3 km from the town and is accessible by car, bike or on foot. The beach has pebbles, lots of trees for shade and is ideal when the Meltemi blows. Here you can sit for coffee, food or drink, the art of decorating terms, Dilal (22470-41041). It is a family business, fresh dishes and overlooks the bay of Katsadia. As you reach the beach you will see the Byzantine church of Saint Spyridon – St. Panteleimon.
scolded
- Lake, nice sandy bay, very close to the beach Katsadia.
- Tourkomnima, N, secluded beach with pebbles and a few trees. Is the Country, by foot, about 1 time. At the edge of the beach, on the rocks, There is a small chapel.
Tourkomnima
- Papandria, N, It is 3 km from the village. Access is by bus, by private car. or walk (half an hour) through the asphalt road. It has sand and pebbles protected from the Meltemi. You must bring with you water and food as here you will not find to eat or drink something.
- Chochlakoura, B, It is 3 km from the village and 40 minute walk. Accessible by local bus or by your own means. The road is asphalt initially and then dirt road. It's a great beach, pebble, quiet, no restaurants or coffee. The caves and rocks that are here make it an ideal fishing grounds.
- Xirokampos, Located just beyond the beach Chochlakoura. From the town is about 1 hour walk. It is pebbly and is quiet and secluded.
KSIROKAMPOS
- Beach of "Our Lady of the Assumption", here you can only get here by bike or on foot (about 1,5-2 hours). It is pebbly, it is peaceful, isolated and there is nothing to eat or drink.
- Monodendri, 3,5 km from Chora. Access is by your own means of transport, originally a dirt road and then a path. Walk is the village 1 hour 40 minutes. It is pebbly and because it is very isolated you meet nudists. Here you will not find to buy water, coffee or food so you will need to take care of before you bring with you.
FOOD
Taste fresh fish, meat in the oven, Fava meatballs, pies, cheeses, olives etc..
MARKETS
Before you go to buy wine, honey, sweets, local cheeses (xinomyzithra, cream cheese, slice, touloumotyri), olives, oil.
ACCOMMODATION- FUN
For example, Villa Vassiliki (22470 41339), Studio Filoxenia (22470-41339), Kalypso Apartments (22470-41420), Nefeli Hotels (22470-41120), Galini Studios Lipsi ( 22470-41212), Mira Mare Studio (22470 41238), Lipsi Agnanti Studios (6944590765), Niriedes Villas (6974468265), Katerina Studios (22470-41237), Studio Poseidon (22470-41130) etc..
EXCURSIONS- ACCESS
There is a connection from Piraeus with Blue Star (10-15 hours) with Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Kos, Rhodes or by Dodekanisos Seaways to Arki, Agathonisi, ovens, Agios Kirikos, Simi etc.. There is also a catamaran that connects the island of Kos, Leros, Patmos and Samos.
Because the island has no airport, you can fly to Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes or Samos and then by ferry to reach Lipsi.
ADDRESSES
town hall : 22470-41209, – 41206, – 41333, – 41411
Community Clinic : 22470- 41204
Police : 22470-41222
Port Authority : 22470- 41133
Municipal Gas Station : 22470- 41101
