Museums

• The Ecclesiastic and Folklore Museum, right in the centre of the settlement of Lipsi, featuring religious icons fron the 16th and 17th century, crosses and gold-embroidered religious vestments from the 17th century , local costumes, traditional utensils and coins from various periods. Also on show at this museum is a minor collection of so-called random findings.  Noteworthy is the fragment of a marble Ionian style capital from the 4th Century BC and certain oil lamps from the 3d Century BC.
• There is a lending library operated on the island of Lipsi, hosted and sponsored by UNESCO.
  
  

What to see

• On the island, monuments belonging to the early Christian period are of importance. These are a large three-chambered basilica with mosaic flooring and a baptisery, possibly of the 5th century, situated at Kouselio, remnants of walls, and architectural remains and mosaic floors at Katsadia, where the churches of St. Spyridon and St. Pandeleimon are located today.
• ‘Panagia tou Charou’ – The church takes its name - the Virgin of Death - from a remarkable icon it contains, in which the Virgin is depicted holding the dead body of the crucified Christ in her arms. Since 1943 the church has been renowned for what is known as the miracle of the lilies. It all began in April 1943, when the local people had placed in front of the icon some white lilies. A few weeks later the flowers, which had withered and died, suddelny began to revive and put forth buds. By the time of the festival of the Virgin on August 23 the buds had blossomed into full-grown lilies, just as if it were April again. The miracle has occurred regularly each year since then, and on August 23rd each year the faithful come to the church in droves to honour the majesty of the Virgin and to marvel at the miracle.
• Aghios Ioannis Theologos (the island's cathedral)
• Kimisi tis Theotokou (located in a little harbour named after the church)
• Virgin Mary of Kouselio church (built on the foundations of a pre-christian temple)
• The two churches of St. Nicholas located on either side of the harbour
• The church of St. Theologos of Moschato
• The church of Profitis Ilias
• The church of ST. NEKTARIOS
  
  

DO NOT MISS

• Dive into the natural pool formed in Makronisi, a geological wonder that brings out the splendor of nature.
• A ‘must’ is to take a stroll around the peripheral road of the island especially when the sun goes down.  Ask locals to indicate you where the “Dexameni” is; from there you will have a panoramic view of the port and settlement.
• The island is full of churches and chapels, all whitewashed with blue domes.  A stop worth making is at ‘Panagia tou Charou’ (Our Lady of Death), who is the beloved Virgin of the island celebrated with great festivities every August 23. Its name derives from the fact that it is the only icon of the Virgin where she does not hold the Christ as a baby but keeps on her lap the Crucified Christ.
• The most beautiful excursion you will take is to the nearby islands.  Board on one of the daily excursion boats that you will find at the port, to go to Arki, Tiganakia, Marathi, Aspronissi and Makronissi.

Telephone Numbers

• Area code: +30 22470
• Post Office: 41249
• Harbourmaster: 41133
• Police: 41222
• Tourist Information: 41105 (all year ) & 41185 (summer)
• Municipality: 41209 - 41206 - 41333
• First Aid: 41204

Festivals & Events

• The Wine Festival in August is undoubtedly the most important of festivities organized on Lipsi.  Lispi has a long tradition in the production and export of wine; at the beginning of the century its excellent wine was supplied to the Pope during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese.  You will buy your glass and drink wine for free.
• Yet another important feast on Lipsi is the "Kleidonas", honouring St. John Thermastis - Amongst the many interesting customs practiced on such days, there is the ceremony of the "speechless water" (Amilito Nero) brought by the girls in jars positioned in the centre of the square by the girls before merry dancing and singing starts.
• A major celebration is organized each year on the 23d August (Eniamera tis Panaghias - dedicated to Virgin Mary) at the church known as Panaghia tou Charou, where many people converge on the afternoon of the 22d from Patmos, Leros and the surrounding islands. Pilgrims are handed out grapes and delicacies.

Weddings are celebrated in the traditional way, with festivities lasting for two days.

Excursions & Sports

• Lipsi has no organized water sports but windsurfers will love it for its mild winds!
• The 5 island cruise is a very nice excursion to the nearby islets of Makronissi, Aspronissia, Tiganakia, Arki and Marathi where you will have the chance to swim in beautiful sandy croves or in small caves with crystalline waters.  In Marathi you get the chance to taste the local cuisine.
• During summer months there is daily connection with the neighboring islands of Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and Samos.

Ecotourism

Trekking : The island is ideal for trekking.  One of the most popular routes is a 960 meter paved path carved into the hill connects the upper quarters of Koimisi with the lower ones. Here, on top of the hill is the house of the ancient herimite of Lipsi. Other ones are 1. From Osiomartyres to Pano Koimisi 2.  From Osiomartyres to Moschato 3.  From Chorio (the main settlement) to Stavros 5. To Kastro

Springs : Fountani, alias Pikri Nero, in the area near Koimissi along with other minor springs also flowing in this region

Caves: The Cave of Ontas dominates the settlement. Other interesting geological formations of the kind may be found along the coasts as well as on the islands beyond the bay of the port.