Lichadonisia Islands Near Athens Offer Untouched Mediterranean Paradise Few Israelis Know

While Israeli tourists flock to crowded Greek hotspots like Rhodes and Mykonos, a hidden archipelago called Lichadonisia lies just 200 kilometers from Athens, offering a pristine alternative. Known locally as the "Bahamas of Greece" or the "Seychelles of Europe," this group of seven small, green islands features white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and wild Mediterranean nature without roads or hotels.

Lichadonisia’s origins are steeped in Greek mythology, said to have formed from the scattered body parts of the servant Lichas, thrown into the sea by Hercules. Geologically, the islands likely emerged after a massive earthquake in 426 BCE. Today, the islands are protected and accessible only for day trips, with Monolia being the largest island offering minimal visitor services such as a rustic beach kiosk serving fresh fish and traditional souvlaki.

Once home to about 100 fishermen families, Monolia was abandoned in the 1980s, allowing nature to reclaim the area. The islands now host a permanent colony of endangered Mediterranean monk seals and serve as a vital nesting site for rare loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The crystal-clear waters also reveal a remarkably preserved World War II German shipwreck, Pioneer I, making the area a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Megali Strongyli, the second-largest island, features a historic lighthouse from 1870, Roman aqueduct ruins, and a 12th-century monastery. Visitors can reach Lichadonisia easily by bus from Athens to Kamena Vourla, followed by a 15-minute boat ride costing about 15 euros. Alternatively, travelers can take a ferry from the nearby island of Evia.

The best time to visit is late May or September when the Aegean Sea remains warm but tourist crowds thin out and accommodation prices drop significantly. Despite its natural beauty and accessibility, Lichadonisia remains largely unknown to Israeli travelers seeking less crowded Mediterranean destinations.