On the island of Lipsi you will disembark in Lipsi town the capital of the island, the only port where ferries and hydrofoils dock. Just beyond there is the smallest marina where beautiful and colorful fishing boats are moored and private yachts. Harbor area and the waterfront are the liveliest areas of the city where by day the locals “hurry up” for their own affairs, while the evening is full of tourists looking for a seaside tavern.
There are two main roads on Lipsi; the first leads to Plati Yialos beach passing Lindou beach where you will find, within walking distance the ruins of the ancient city. This site is not been fully brought to light yet, but it worth a visit also for the beautiful promenade leading down to the small church of Agios Nicolas. The second road passes through the small town of Lipsi and continues towards Katsadia bay.
Following the sea-side toward the village you get to Platia Nikiforias, the central square of Lipsi with a small park and monuments dedicated to the liberation and independence of Greece. During the summer, the waterfront area is the more lively and popular because full of tavernas and ouzeri that set up their tables right next to the sea. Typical vendors selling souvenirs and local products of the island of Lipsi.
Taking any alley from Kramvousanou you “climb up” to the square where most of the population live in the winter time. Several streets are characterized by small white and blue houses, tavernas, cafes and hidden shops. The Old Town Lipsi also called Horio is a place where you can enjoy a typically Greek athmosphere.
The Cathedral and its legend
In the upper part of the town you can visit the imposing Cathedral of the island dedicated to St. John. Built over the ruins of an early Christian church, thanks to donations from citizens working abroad contains miraculous icon that represents the religious symbol of the island of Lipsi. This icon is considered miraculous by the inhabitants of Lipsi because, during the German occupation in 1943, a girl brought the lilies to the Virgin praying for the liberation of Greece.
Local family, very religious, although not wealthy could always decorate the icon of the Virgin with flowers and candles. The lilies brought by the girl with the long dried up in August but, inexplicably, began to flourish. The miracle of Lipsi was repeated every year, with the exception of the year when the girl died. For the occasion, every year come many faithful from neighboring islands.
Lipsi old town
Following the road, close to St. John church some other important buildings are located like the Ecclesiastical Museum which hosts a collection of icons, crucifixes and votive offerings brought by the faithful around the world. At the center of the square is the colorful town hall Lipsi, the library and a small carpet factory. The island is animated every religious holiday or not. The most anticipated of the year are; at the end of June, “Kleidonas”, the feast of the wine in August and 15.august dedicated to the miracle of the Virgin.
Moreover, the island is well known for local products which can be a very nice idea of souvenir to bring home. Lipsi island is very proud of its thyme honey (produced the traditional way) and wine. Not to forget cheese, dairy products (touloumotyri cheese, the local version of cottage cheese called mizithra) and grapes. Also to be found on the market: loom-woven fabrics, carpets and “fookadia” (cloth pouches used to strain cheese).
