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Lipsi island actually has only one main town, where all activities are concentrated.
Greece » Dodecanese

Why Visit
Lipsi Town is also the main port of the island, that receives ferries from Piraeus and the other islands of Dodecanese. Most facilities, including accommodation, taverns, cafeterias, bank, shops, medical centre, are found in Town. This is also where the public bus departs to beaches around the island and where a couple of rental agencies are found.

The main town of the island is only a short walking distance from the popular beaches of Lientou and Kambos, where you can also find tourist accommodation. The beaches distinguish for their crystal water, the serene atmosphere and the natural beauty. Pebbled or sandy, most of these beaches are not organized, except for the beaches close to the main town, which have few rooms to rent and seaside taverns. The other beaches are totally secluded and can be reached on foot or with the small public bus that departs from the town Town.

History
The history of Lipsi is closely related to the history of the neighboring islands of Dodecanese, and particularly Patmos. According to excavations, Lipsi was first inhabited in the prehistoric times by the tribe of Cares. Various inscriptions and vessels from the ancient times have been found as well as a fortified town dating from the 4th century B.C. Such findings are hosted today in the small museum of Lipsi, in the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Apparently the most flourishing period of Lipsi was in the Hellenistic times. During the Byzantine period, in the 11th century, the islands of Lipsi and Patmos were vested to Osios Christodoulos, after the decision of the Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. That time, many monks from Patmos came to live on Lipsi and many new monasteries were established, among them the Monastery of Panagia Harou that is considered the protector of the island today.

The main town of Lipsi was founded in 1669 by a Cretan man named Elias. That time many Cretans left Crete, after the Ottoman occupation, and resided in Dodecanese islands. Over time, Lipsi followed the historical course of the rest of Dodecanese and were eventually united to Greece in 1948.

In the early 20th century, a large immigration wave started and many locals left Lipsi and migrated to Australia and the USA. These immigrants have always supported their homeland and financed many public works on the island, including the road network and the reconstruction of the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos. Today about 700 people live permanently in Lipsi and their main financial sources come from fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Museums - Archeological
The island of Lipsi hosts a small Ecclesiastical museum. This museum is located inside the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, the Cathedral of Lipsi. The ecclesiastical exhibition hosts rare icons from the 16th and the 17th century, golden crosses, holy veils embroidered with gold and many other church utensils. There is a folklore exhibition as well that showcases local costumes, items of daily use, coins from various periods, few photographs and other interesting exhibits.

The museum occupies a small archaeological collection with vessels, vases, figurines, coins and other findings from excavations that have taken place all over the island. Many findings from these excavations have been transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.This museum is usually open in morning hours, even in high season. The same building also hosts a library, created by UNESCO.

Beaches
Elena, Hohlakoura, Kambos, Katsadia, Lientou, Papandria, Platis Gialos, Tourkomnima

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Lipsi has several churches and monasteries scattered around the island. Most of them honor the majesty of Virgin Mary following local festivities and celebrations. Around the area, you will find many small picturesque churches. One of the largest churches in Lipsi is the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, located on a hill above the main town. From the yard of this church, you get fabulous view to the island and the Aegean Sea.

This church was constructed in 1931 and its architecture distinguishes with the brown stone and the blue and white colours. The is the Cathedral of Lipsi and its construction was financed by the Lipsian Association of America, as says that sign next to the entrance. Inside this church, visitors can see the Byzantine icon of Virgin Mary Mavri, created in 1500.

The church of Panagia Charou (Virgin Mary of Death) is set in a lovely surrounding, on the way to the beach of Hohlakoura. This is one of the oldest churches, built in 1600 by monks from the monasteries of Patmos island.The church was named after an icon of Virgin Mary who doesn't hold baby Jesus on her arms as normally, but she holds a wooden cross with crucified Jesus on it. This icon is said to be miracle working and its celebration on August 23rd is a large festival for the island. Many pilgrims from close islands also come in Lipsi for this festival.

Another church in Lipsi is the chapel of Agios Stathis, a small chapel built just opposite the beach of Hohlakoura, on the south eastern side of the island. All over Lipsi, there are many small chapels dedicated to various saints. Many of these chapels are built in high spots offering gorgeous view to the sea.