Getting from Athens to Lipsi

If you are heading to Lipsi from Athens you are going to one of the most quietly rewarding islands in the Dodecanese. Lipsi sits between Patmos and Leros, a tiny island of around 700 permanent residents with a pretty harbour village, a church at its centre and a handful of tavernas along the waterfront. The beaches are uncrowded and the water is clear. There are no cars available to rent, no major tourist infrastructure and an atmosphere of complete calm that contrasts sharply with anywhere you might have come from. The island is small enough to walk across in an afternoon and good enough to stay for a week.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Athens to Lipsi. The island is connected to the wider network primarily through Patmos and Leros, with local ferries running between them several times a week in summer. The crossing from Patmos to Lipsi takes around 40 minutes and from Leros takes around 20 minutes. Getting to either island from Athens means flying or taking the long Piraeus to Dodecanese overnight ferry.

Getting there by air

Lipsi has no airport. The nearest airport is Leros, which has daily connections from Athens taking around 50 minutes. From Leros the local ferry to Lipsi takes around 20 minutes. Total travel time via Leros is around 3 to 4 hours and is the fastest overall approach.

Your best option

Fly to Leros and take the ferry across to Lipsi. It is the most time efficient approach and the crossing from Leros takes only 20 minutes. Give yourself at least two nights on Lipsi. The island is small but reveals itself slowly to those who stay.