Lipsi Nisyros Ferry

Lipsi Guide

The Greek island of Lipsi, also sometimes called Leipsoi, is part of the Dodecanese group of islands. It is located close to the island of Patmos and the island of Leros, and lies to the south of the island of Samos and to the north of the island of Leros. The island can trace its history back to prehistoric times, however, the more modern settlements of the island were founded by a Cretan called Ilias in 1669. The island has a large area that extends to around 16 sq. km, with a coastline of 35 km and around 700 inhabitants, and was officially united with Greece in 1948.

There are a number of things to see and do on the island including the lovely church of Aghios Ioannis, Theologos which is located next to the square of the Town Hall and the Museum. Located within the church there is an icon of Panaghia the Mavri (the Black Madonna) which dates back to 1500. Also on the island is the Ecclesiastical Folklore Museum which contains some ecclesiastical relics and a small archaeological collection. Situated around 1.5 km from Lipsi Town is the Panaghia of Horos which is the only icon in Greece where the Virgin Mary is depicted holding a crucified Jesus in her arms, instead of the infant Jesus which is usually depicted. Both the monastery and the icon date back to around 1600.

Lipsi is well serviced with ferries passing between Patmos and Leros and on the main route for ferries from Piraeus.

Nisyros Guide

The Greek island of Nisyros is one of the Dodecanese group of islands and lies in the Aegean Sea, between the island of Kos and the island of Tilos. Nisyros is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the region and is largely untouched by tourism. The island, which has a coastline of around 28 km, was created, according to mythology, during the war between Gods and Giants where Poseidon chased the Giant Polyvotis down to Kos, cut a part of it and threw it to his enemy, sinking him forever in to the bottom of the Aegean Sea. This rock is Nisyros and the volcano's eruptions are said to be the angry breathing of the defeated Giant.

The island's capital, and home to the island's port, is Mandraki and is one of the largest villages on Nisyros. Mandraki is characterised by charming cobblestoned streets and squares and typical Greek whitewashed two storeyed houses complete with wooden balconies. The nightlife is not very intense but you will surely have a good time in the village where there are little tavernas and some bars to enjoy.

It can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Kos and Rhodes.