Lichadonisia: The Greek Bahamas

Lichadonisia or Lichades (Λιχαδονήσια) is a utopian complex of small, serene, deserted islands in Northeast Evia.

The unspoiled nature and pristine beaches of Lichadonia make it an exotic paradise waiting to be discovered, beckoning those travellers with a desire to escape and explore.

Located just off Evia, this relatively lesser-known archipelago is a picturesque treasure with emerald waters and lush green landscapes.

History and Mythology

Sometimes known as the Greek Bahamas or the Greek Seychelles, the cluster consists of seven islands, islets, and some small reefs known as Pondikonisia. It was formed by an earthquake in 426 BC when the land between them sank into the Euboean Sea.

According to Greek mythology, the name of the island cluster comes from Lichas, the servant of Hercules. When Hercules’ wife Deianira became jealous of his lover Iole, Lichas brought the poisoned Shirt of Nessus to Hercules on her behalf to the mythical hero, ultimately causing his death. Upon realising what Lichas had done, Hercules hurled him into the ocean, whereby Poseidon, god of the sea, turned his scattered parts into the small islands of Lichadonisia.

The islands are one of the suggested locations for the Battle of the Echinades (322 BC), one of the naval battles of the Lamian War (323–322 BC), fought between the Macedonian and the Athenian naval forces, which ended the reign of the Athenian thalassocratic empire.

The Lichades Islands

The largest of the Lichades islands is called Manolia, and the remaining six islands are Strongyli, Mikri Strongyli, Steno, Vagia, Vorias and Limani.

Although the largest in the complex, the island is tiny, so it can quickly become quite busy in peak season.  It boasts a beautiful, organised beach and a busy beach bar.

Manolia is the only one of the islands that was inhabited in the past, however the tiny settlement has since been forsaken. Traces of houses and walls remain, along with the remnants of an ancient Christian basilica that lie on the island’s seabed, as well as the church of Agios Georgios on the northeast of Monolia isle and the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Grigorios on the northeast side of Megali Strongyli island.

Strongyli is the second-largest island, and a large lighthouse has operated since 1910.

Sailing and Glass Bottomed Boat Tours

Many tourists chose to take the 20-minute tour around the island in a glass-bottomed boat to observe and admire the marine wildlife and the occasional Monk seal.

Shipwreck and Diving Tours

The rich marine life of the waters of Lichadonisia makes it a sought-after destination for diving and spearfishing. Scuba divers can explore the shipwreck of Lichadonisia, which lies at a depth of 6 metres from the surface.  Various diving excursions can be organised through the Lichadonisia Lichadonisia Diving Centre in Agios Georgios, Euboea.

Mediterranean Monk Seals

Visitors to Lichadonisia are often fortunate enough to see the beloved family of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus Monachus) who have chosen Lichadonisia as their permanent residence for the past few years. The appearances of the graceful seals are frequent during the day, and their poses for skilled photographers are particularly impressive. The Monachus Monachus are among the most endangered mammals in the world.

Getting There

Lichadonisia is easily accessible by boat from Kamena Vourla on the Greek mainland or Kavos on the nearby island of Evia.

Available routes are as follows:

Kavos (Lihada Beach):

First Departure is at 11:00 am, and the itinerary every 30 minutes until 17:30

Kamena Vourla:

Check out 11:00 am and return at 17:00

From Kavos:

From Kavos (Evia) to the Lichadonisia II (Glass Bottom), Lichadonisia IV (Glass Bottom)

Providing  FREE Secure Parking
Bathrooms
Floating platforms
Showers

From Kamena Vourla:
The visit to the beach at Lichadonisia can be reached by car to Kamena Vourla and from there with the ships “Lichadonisia I” & “Lichadonisia III”.

The port of Kamena Vourla is the beginning of the ferry routes to and from Limanonisia.

Price list:

Kamena Vourla: 13 € / person with return – 6 € / minors
Kavos (Evia): 7 € / person with return – children under ten years free of charge

Kefalonia’s Kimilia and Dafnoudi Both Make Europe’s Top Ten Secluded Beaches List