In a recent travel feature, the UK newspaper The Sun described Lipsi as a “hidden gem” of the Aegean, a laid-back destination where luxury yachts quietly share the harbor with local fishing boats and where the pace of life still follows the rhythms of the sea.

Travel writer Malcolm Tattersall, who spent a week exploring the island, joked that the ancient poet Homer might have got things wrong when he described the mythical island of Ogygia in “The Odyssey.” According to legend, it was here that the nymph Calypso kept the wandering hero Odysseus captive for seven years.

“But after my week-long stay in Lipsi,” Tattersall writes, “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to leave this lovely, laid-back island.”

A Tiny Archipelago With Big Charm

Lipsi, sometimes spelled “Leipsoi,” is not just a single island but a small archipelago. More than 20 tiny islets scatter the surrounding waters, though only three are inhabited. Most of the island’s roughly 800 residents live in the main harbor village, where whitewashed houses, fishing boats, and traditional tavernas create a picture-perfect Aegean scene.

Despite its modest size – the main island covers just about 16 square kilometers – there’s plenty to explore, including at least 50 churches and chapels, and several monasteries. The most famous is Panagia tou Harou, built between the 7th and 8th centuries AD and home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. “Every year on August 23, it seems that a bunch of withered lilies left there by a schoolgirl in 1943 miraculously bloom back to life,” writes Tattersall.

Quiet beaches lie tucked into rocky coves, many accessible only by boat. The surrounding waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the islets provide refuge for wildlife including the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), as well as sea turtles, and dolphins.

One of the island’s biggest draws is its sense of simplicity. As Tattersall notes, visitors won’t find the booming nightlife or organized beach scenes common on larger Greek islands. “There are no discos or nightclubs,” he writes, and most beaches remain blissfully undeveloped.

That’s precisely the appeal.

Slow Travel, Local Flavors

Life in Lipsi revolves around simple pleasures: walking through thyme-scented hills, swimming in crystal-clear water, and lingering over long meals by the harbor. Tavernas serve fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes, while local producers make everything from goat cheese and thyme honey to sweet regional wines.

The island’s small winery has even earned international attention. According to the Sun article, one of its sweet red wines, “Aposperitis,” was reportedly served during a state banquet in Athens attended by Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Easy to Reach, Hard to Leave

Despite its off-the-radar reputation, Lipsi is surprisingly accessible. Ferries connect the island regularly with larger neighbors such as Kos and Samos, while longer routes link it to Athens twice weekly.

For travelers seeking a quieter corner of Greece – somewhere far removed from the crowds of Santorini or the resort bustle of Kos – Lipsi offers a refreshing alternative.

As the island’s mayor, Fotis Mangos, tells the Sun, he would happily welcome more visitors – just not too many. After all, part of Lipsi’s magic lies in remaining exactly what it is: a peaceful island escape that still feels like a secret.