The secret Greek paradise ranks among the World’s Best Exotic Islands. In a recent feature celebrating the globe's most enchanting destinations, the British newspaper Express turned its spotlight on Lipsi. Lipsi Island is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable destination.
Reaching millions of travel enthusiasts, the popular British outlet wrote: “Lipsi, a small, enchanting Greek island in the Aegean Sea, has been named the second most exotic and authentic destination in the world for 2025, surpassed only by Fulhadhoo Island in the Maldives. Far removed from the bustling tourist hubs like Mykonos and Santorini, Lipsi remains a well-kept secret—a serene escape that offers its visitors an authentic slice of Greek island life.”
At the heart of Lipsi is the idyllic village that shares its name. Picture whitewashed houses, winding cobblestone alleys, and a lively port brimming with tavernas, cafés, and charming local shops.
The island’s beaches, with their crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, are a magnet for those seeking peace and beauty. But Lipsi offers more than just natural splendor – it also has a deep cultural heritage. One of its most significant landmarks is the Church of Panagia tou Harou, a 7th-century treasure steeped in history.”
This international recognition stems from the municipality’s dedicated efforts to showcase the island’s natural beauty and sustainable initiatives internationally. “We’ve entered a new era where today’s traveler seeks hidden, authentic destinations – places that offer something beyond the ordinary, both in and out of the high season. It’s no surprise that September closed with a significant 6.5% increase in ferry arrivals,” remarked the Mayor of Lipsi, Fotis Mangos.
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.
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
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