Leipsi is a complex of small islands within the larger chain of islands called the Dodecanese, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Within this complex of  about twenty small islands and islets, the largest and only inhabited island of the Leipsi complex is Leipsos, with a population of around six hundred people.  These islands lie north of Leros and east of Patmos. The name Leipsi may be attributed to its elliptical shape. In antiquity it was referred to as “Leipsia”  and later Leipso. According to legend, this island is the mythical island of Ogygia, home of the nymph Kalypsos. According to Homer’s Odyssey, Kalypsos held Homer hostage on the island for seven years, delaying his return from Troy to Ithaca. Henry and I sought out this small island as it has a reputation for being  “the ideal place for peaceful and relaxing holidays, a perfect for those wishing to unwind and enjoy the splendor of the sea and sun”.  The island itself covers only 21 square kilometers/8 square miles, meaning that the distances are small enough to cover by foot, though many prefer to rent motorbikes or ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles). Henry and I spent five nights on the island. The constant change of visitors arriving by ferry or private yacht kept the island interesting while we were guests on Leipsos, and five nights was long enough for us to begin to recognize the locals and to be in sync with the daily rhythm of the island. Leaving Leipsos, we took the fast catamaran to Patmos, a quick twenty-minute trip westward.

PHOTOS: Top Three: 1. A small bas-relief monument with classically styled angel facing the harbor of Leipsos. 2. The three-dimensional Greek cross on one of many of the Greek Orthodox churches and chapels on the island. 3. View from the upper terrace of Chorio, a square that surrounds the church.   Middle Two: 1. Fishing boat in the harbor at Chorio. 2. Stairway to the upper terrace of Chorio, the main settlement on the island.  Bottom Three: 1. Fishing nets spread out to dry along the harbor. 2. View of the Church of St. John of Theologos as seen from the harbor. 3. View of the small, colorful fishing boats in the harbor of Chorio on Leipsos.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE