Patmos and Lipsi an enchanting experience for tourists
The British magazine “Conde Nast Traveller” has highlighted the Greek islands of Lipsi and Patmos as must-do destinations that should be at the top of every international traveller’s list, stressing their spiritual aspects that promote well-being.
Patmos, with its unspoiled landscapes and its cultural heart is a real pleasure for the body and soul, the article said, pointing to the additional glamour provided by Unesco world heritage monuments such as the Cave of the Apocalypse and St John’s Monastery, or the pretty central village of Chora, while providing everything that the modern tourist needs.
A few miles away, the island Lipsi offers a ‘castaway’ experience and seclusion, with Conde Nast describing it as the “ultimate switch-off destination” for enjoying the simple pleasures, such as swimming in its blue-green waters, hiking and dining in traditional restaurants
Island-hopping in Greece is a classic holiday experience we never tire of. There’s something soul-stirring about crossing azure waters on a small ferry, listening to the chatter of locals visiting family and day trippers in search of a new beach, and disembarking somewhere beautiful with only a few small shops and a handful of tavernas.
The Dodecanese islands in the south-eastern Aegean, near the Turkish coast, include some of Greece’s most famous and frequented destinations – Rhodes and Kos among them – as well as some of its lesser-known spots, where you can experience island life at its most authentic. For a holiday that combines some of the best elements of Greece – its beaches and its history – a twin-centre trip to Patmos and Lipsi should be on your radar. Here’s why.
Patmos: for spirituality under the sun
With its unspoilt landscapes and beating cultural heart, Patmos is a treat for both body and soul. Two hours by ferry from Kos, it retains its old-world charm while still catering to the needs of today’s travellers, so you can expect luxury hotels and apartments with all the trimmings but also heritage sites that take you back to an ancient world.
Patmos is steeped in spirituality, an officially designated “holy island” and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the legend that this is where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation in 95 AD after hearing the voice of God in the Cave of the Apocalypse. Today, the cave is a popular site of pilgrimage for the deeply devout and mildly intrigued alike: the markings on the wall are alleged to be the fingerprints of Saint John himself.
Dating back to the 11th century, the Monastery of Saint John is an imposing Byzantine structure towering over Chora, one of the two towns on the island. Even if you’re not religiously inclined, it’s well worth a visit for its peaceful, flower-filled courtyards and impressive artwork and artefacts – not to mention the panoramic views from its lofty position.
Dating back to the 11th century, the Monastery of Saint John is an imposing Byzantine structure towering over Chora, one of the two towns on the island. Even if you’re not religiously inclined, it’s well worth a visit for its peaceful, flower-filled courtyards and impressive artwork and artefacts – not to mention the panoramic views from its lofty position.
Chora, the island’s pretty capital, is as quintessentially Greek as it’s possible to get, with its narrow cobbled alleys, whitewashed buildings and traditional tavernas from which the smell of grilled meats and fried fish wafts invitingly. The main square is a convivial hub, lined with restaurants and bars, which everyone drifts towards once the heat of the day has mellowed into a balmy evening.
Lipsi: for sun, sand and seclusion
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If it’s a castaway vibe you’re seeking, then Lipsi is for you. Only accessible by boat, charming Lipsi is relatively unknown and entirely untouched by mass tourism. Life here is pared back to simple pleasures: swimming in gin-clear waters, hiking to hilltop chapels or private coves and dining in traditional tavernas. Days run to the rhythm of the tides and the ferry timetable; it’s the ultimate switch-off destination.
The ferry from Patmos drops you off at Lipsi Town, a lovely natural harbour encircled by pretty white-and-blue houses, shops and restaurants. Brightly painted fishing boats bob next to sleek yachts in the small marina, which comes to life at night as tourists and locals gather for delicious seafood suppers at the waterside tavernas, followed by a nightcap at one of the pop-up ouzeriouzerias.
There are several beautiful beaches within easy reach of Lipsi Town that are ideal for day trippers. On the edge of the town itself is Lientou, a sheltered cove with plenty of facilities that’s well suited for families. A 20-minute walk away is Kambos, a long, uninterrupted stretch of coast with clear, calm waters, while a little further along the west coast lies Platis Gialos beach, a stunning curve of sand hugged by a postcard-worthy turquoise sea.
Should you want to explore inland, a network of thyme-scented paths meanders across the island, through olive groves and vineyards, leading to points of interest. Panagia tou Harou is perhaps the most important of the many historic churches to visit. Built by monks in 1600 BC, it’s allegedly home to a miraculous icon that attracts the devout from far and wide each August for a celebratory feast that carries on long into the warm, starlit night. Lipsi also has a small but thriving wine scene and many wineries offer tastings to passers-by – the perfect way to toast this remarkable island.
Source: cntraveller.com
