Lipsi, swimming in pristine beaches to the sound of calming waves

The ideal vacation mix is ​​one that allows you to have fun and then retreat somewhere to experience the ultimate relaxation, empty yourself of everything unnecessary, and fill your soul with sun and sea.

In the middle of the Aegean, in the Dodecanese, east of Patmos and north of Leros, Lipsi is becoming a more and more popular destination.

Another advantage of the island is that you don't have to worry about what clothes you should take with you. Pack the essentials and head to Piraeus.

The boat leaves twice a week for the island, but you can also go via Leros, Rhodes, Patmos, Kos, Kalymnos and Samos, where the connection to the island is daily.

Arriving in Lipsi, you are welcomed by the one and only settlement, the one at the port, where white two-story houses fill your gaze with beautiful scenery.

Inside the Chora, you will find small little churches that each belong to a different family, Lilliputian courtyards with vines or bougainvillea, jasmines and evening primroses that smell fragrant at night, and terraces and porticos full of colourful flowers.

Don't expect crowds of tourists, things are different here. You will enjoy more peace as if the island belongs to you.

The big attraction here is its beaches. Unpretentious and unorganised, they have stunning, crystal-clear waters that you will fall in love with at first sight.

You will spread your towel in Katsadia, with its narrow sandy beach and abundant tamarisk trees, in Papandria, a bit further west, and in Platis Gialos, with its shallow transparent waters.

Kamares, with its wildest scenery and rocky bottom, the hard-to-reach Monodendri, with its pebbles, the Turkomnima, with the Lilliputian church of Agios Nikolaos next to it, but also Xirokambos nearby, Hohlakoura, with its crystal clear waters, and Liedou, next to the port.

After swimming, a row of the island's tavernas serves local delicacies such as pitaroudi and the local red wine of the Fokiano variety.

You can also learn about the countryside of Lipsi by following its paths, which are full of olives, wild oregano, shrubs, thyme, cedar, and white chapels.

A short and even paved path with a beautiful view of the sea leads to the Chapel of the Dormition of the Virgin on the west of the island. The trip is estimated to take about 20 minutes.

Avoid midday hours; it is better to walk very early in the morning before the sun rises or in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset.

Note that tourist boats make routes to the surrounding islands for even more perfect swims in unique waters.

Food

Manolis Tastes: A neat restaurant that stands out from traditional tavernas. You will find fish and meat options (Tel: 2247041065).

Pefko: On the beach road of Chora, serves Greek cuisine on green terraces overlooking the sea (Tel: 6980569641).

Giannis: On the beach, and this one, with a beautiful view, serves stews, fish and meat (Tel: 2247041395)

Platis Gialos: Traditional taverna on the beach with a seafood menu (Tel: 6947282395).

Voula Akrivaki is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

READ MORE: Telendos: The hidden treasure of the Aegean.