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There is a place in Greece that feels like the Bahamas, yet surprisingly few international visitors know about it.
It’s called Lichadonisia (or the Lichades Islands), a tiny archipelago just off the northern coast of Evia.
Thanks to its shallow turquoise water, white sandbars, and tiny uninhabited islands, it’s often nicknamed the “Greek Bahamas” or even the “Seychelles of Greece.”
While Greeks have been coming here for years, Lichadonisia is still largely under the radar for international travellers. It’s close enough to Athens for a long day trip, but it feels like a completely different world.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR LICHADONISIA
- ⛵ Boat Ticket: Book the official boat from Kamena Vourla for around €20 return per person.
- 🚐 Coming from Athens? Book a day trip from Athens (from €99) including return transport, boat tickets, around 5 hours on the islands, and a sunbed.
- 🏨 Best hotel in Kammena Vourla: Mitsis Galiini – well located, and has access to the thermal spas
- 🍕Food: I think the pizzas at A Bona are great, and Mythos Music Cafe is great for cocktails. Great meat at Dionysos Grill Taverna.
- 🤿 Scuba Diving: While you’re here, consider diving the famous shipwreck near Lichadonisia or exploring other dive sites around Kamena Vourla. I went with VDive Club that you can contact directly.
I update articles like this often, so you’re working with the most up to date information.This article was last checked in July 2026.
Where is Lichadonisia?
North from Athens and about 140km away or a few hours by car.
The closest big town is Kamena Vourla, which you can read more about here.
To the east, lies the island of Euboia. It takes up such a large space near the mainland, that most Greeks however think of it as part of the mainland, instead of an island.
How many islands are in Lichadonisia?
There are seven islands and islets, including Manolia (the biggest one and once inhabited) and the rest are:
- Strongyli,
- Mikri Strongyli
- Steno
- Vagia
- Vorias, and Limani.
What is the history?
As you know, I love to dig deeper into places and get to know what makes them different.
Lichadonisia has a bit of everything in that aspect.
According to Greek mythology, the islands are named after Lichas, the servant of Hercules who brought him the poisoned shirt from his cheated wife, Deinaira. The legend goes that Lichas was thrown into the sea by Heracles in a fit of rage, and where he fell, the islands of Lichadonisia emerged.
Α more scientific and thus more likely explanation links the emergence of Lichadonisia to an earthquake.
Thucydides, one of the greatest ancient Greek historians, wrote about the tsunami back in 426 B.C. which could have led to the formation of these small islets.
How to get to Lichadonisia
One of the best things about Lichadonisia is just how easy it is to reach. Despite feeling like a tropical island, it’s less than a 2-hour drive from Athens, making it one of the easiest day trips in Central Greece.
Most visitors take the official ferry from Kamena Vourla, which takes just a few minutes to reach the islands.
- From Athens: Around 2 hours’ drive via the E75 motorway to Kamena Vourla.
- ⛴️ Official Ferry: Boats typically depart at 11:00 and 12:00, with return departures at 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00(times may vary slightly by season).
- Our Recommendation: We took the 12:00 ferry and returned on the 17:00 boat, which gave us around five hours to swim, relax, and explore the islands without feeling rushed.
- Book a day trip from Athens (from €99) including return transport, boat tickets, around 5 hours on the islands, and a sunbed.
If you’re already exploring Evia, there’s another option.
Drive to Kavos, at the northern tip of the island, and catch one of the boats that leave roughly every 30 minutes between 11:00 and 17:30. It’s a much longer drive from Athens (around 4 hours), but it’s a good choice if you’re already road-tripping around Evia or Central Greece.
How is the boat ride to Lichadonisia?
We took the boat from Kamena Vourla (not Kavos) but speaking to most locals who have done this route frequently, there aren’t many major changes.
The updated price from 2024 to 2026 changed from €15 to €20 per person.
The route takes about half an hour to get to the islands, with small stops to discuss the history of the area, spot the shipwreck from the glass bottom, and try to find the seals that have in recent years called Lichadonisia home.
I found the history tour a much-needed and interesting part of the cruise. There are no stops on the way back, meaning you return in under 10 minutes.
Where to swim
The boat company we chose stopped at the main island called Monolia. The name comes from the numerous olive oil trees present on the island. The main beach of Monolia comes equipped with a lively beach bar, and organized amenities, such as sunbeds, cold drinks, and a canteen for food.
Because most boats arrive here, we found this the least exciting option for bathing. However, it suits those who prefer a lively atmosphere. The walk from where the boat drops you off to the beach is less than 2 minutes.
If you are visiting in July and August, expect most sunbeds to be taken by midday, especially during weekends. It is best to come prepared with your umbrella since the beach doesn’t offer a lot of natural shade.
There is also a second organized beach on the island opposite Monolia called Mikro Lihadonisi. The canteen and beach bar there is often referred to as “New Beach” vs the “Old Beach” on the main island.
Did people live in Lichadonisia?
Yes, the island of Monolia had a small permanent population until the 1960s, and 5 remained in early 1980.
The lack of running water and electricity seems to have challenged the last final occupants of the island, mostly fishermen.
Actually, if you want to visually figure out which island is which, you can do so by spotting the small chapel of Agios Georgios. The church is usually locked but is used during the summer for weddings and baptisms.
The small white and blue building is located in the southern part of Monolia, near the abandoned fishermen’s settlements. From the main beach bar, there is a small footpath marked with white stones that will lead you straight there in under 2 minutes.
The shipwreck of Pioneer I
When you do a cruise to Lichadonisia, the boat will stop at the shipwreck of Pioneer I. The general outline of the ship is visible since it now lives at a depth of about 10m. It was the first concrete ship to be built and launched in occupied Greece, for use by the German army during 1941-1944.
According to the records, the ship was attacked while carrying 200 tons of coal, resulting first in its occupation by Greek rebels and then its sinking.
It is also possible to dive in the area, to explore the shipwreck up close, and would recommend scheduling your dive for a weekday since there are fewer vessels and boats in the water.
We went with VdiveClub that is located in the town of Kammena Vourla.
Update 2026: Prices for the 2026 season are very affordable. A try scuba if you have no license is €70 whereas a dive to the Shipwreck is €80. Most other packages per day are €70-€90.
Seals in Lichadonisia
One of the most exciting reasons to visit Lichadonisia is to see the seals. The islands are home to a small but growing population of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), who happen to be one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.
We spotted some during our cruise, but locals have also seen them up close at the beach while swimming.
Where to stay
Lichadonisia does not offer accommodations but there are plenty of options nearby. The coastal town of Kamena Vourla is a popular choice, offering a range of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. Kamena Vourla is known for its therapeutic hot springs, so consider staying in a hotel that offers spa facilities to unwind after a day of island exploration. One of the best in the area is the 5* resort of Mitsis Galini, with a spa, 5 swimming pools, and various fitness and entertainment activities.
If you are looking for something more simple, the family-run and budget-friendly Ourania’s Apartments is a great option.
Another option is to stay in Kavos or Agios Konstantinos, both of which provide easy access to the ferry services to Lichadonisia and offer a quieter, more local experience.
Other things to do in the area
A trip to Lichadonisia can easily be combined with exploring the surrounding areas of Central Greece and Northern Evoia, offering a richer travel experience. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the local culture, there are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy before or after your island adventure.
While checking out activities, browse Get Your Guide. There are numerous experiences and activities on offer that might introduce you to something new you didn’t even know about.
- Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae: A visit to Lichadonisia can be easily paired with a trip to the historic site of Thermopylae, located about 30 minutes from Kamena Vourla. Thermopylae is known for the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. This is where King Leonidas of Sparta and his 300 warriors made their legendary stand against the Persian army.
- Delphi Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of the sacred temple of Apollo, learn about the Oracle and walk around the ancient theatre and stadium.
- Mount Parnassus: Drive around the villages of Mt Parnassus, hike in the autumn or spring, and ski in the winter.
- Edipsos in Evia: Famous for its thermal springs, Edipsos is a popular spa town that has attracted visitors since antiquity. The town offers several luxurious spas as well as public thermal baths.
- Visit the Monastery of Osios Loukas: For those interested in Byzantine history and religious sites, a visit to the Monastery of Hosios Loukas is highly recommended. Located about an hour and a half from Kamena Vourla, near the town of Distomo, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece.
Sustainable Tourism in Lichadonisia
Lichadonisia is a true paradise. Of course, as it gains popularity there are threats to the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands and its inhabitants.
- Leave No Trace: Take all your trash with you and dispose of it properly. Avoid leaving any waste on the islands or in the sea.
- Respect Wildlife: Do not disturb the seals or other wildlife. Apart from dangerous, these are wild animals, and feeding or approaching them is not allowed.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products: If possible, consider bringing biodegradable sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR LICHADONISIA
- ⛵ Boat Ticket: Book the official boat from Kamena Vourla for around €20 return per person.
- 🚐 Coming from Athens? Book a day trip from Athens (from €99) including return transport, boat tickets, around 5 hours on the islands, and a sunbed.
- 🏨 Best hotel in Kammena Vourla: Mitsis Galiini – well located, and has access to the thermal spas
- 🍕Food: I think the pizzas at A Bona are great, and Mythos Music Cafe is great for cocktails. Great meat at Dionysos Grill Taverna.
- 🤿 Scuba Diving: While you’re here, consider diving the famous shipwreck near Lichadonisia or exploring other dive sites around Kamena Vourla.
