Lipsi Kalymnos 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.

Kalymnos Guide

The Greek island of Kalymnos lies in the south east Aegean Sea and is located between the islands of Kos and Leros, and is one of the Dodecanese group of islands. The island is quite small with a land area of just over 100 sq. km but despite this it is the fourth largest of all the Dodecanese islands. The island's name has changed over its history. It was first named Kalynda, then Kalymna and then finally, Kalymnos. The island's capital is Pothis, although the most of the island's residents live in Chora, and is the island's second largest town.

Kalymnos is known for its sponge divers and sponge fisheries and it's inland terrain is steep and rocky and is popular with climbers. There are over 1,300 different climbing routes on the island that range in difficulty and terrain. Some routes are on slabs, some on big walls or on overhangs. The landscape used to be a curse for the island's residents but as it attracts visitors to the island it is now a blessing, certainly in terms of tourism.

There is a frequent ferry service to Piraeus, Rhodes and to the other Dodecanese islands. There are also ferry routes operating to the Cyclades islands, Samos and, during the summer season, to Chios, Mytilini, and Thessaloniki.