Getting from Crete to Lipsi

If you are heading to Lipsi from Crete you are going to one of the most quietly rewarding islands in the Dodecanese, a tiny island between Patmos and Leros with a pretty harbour village, uncrowded beaches and an atmosphere of complete calm.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Lipsi. The island is connected primarily through Patmos and Leros, with local ferries running between them several times a week in summer. Getting to either island from Crete means flying via Athens first.

Getting there by air

Lipsi has no airport. The nearest airport is Leros, which has connections from Athens. Flying from Crete to Athens takes around 50 minutes and then Athens to Leros takes around 50 minutes, followed by the local ferry to Lipsi taking around 20 minutes. Total travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Leros via Athens and take the ferry across to Lipsi. It is the most time efficient approach and the trip 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.