Lichadonisia Evia

Today we want to let you discover a real rarity of Greece not yet well known by travelers and of a shocking beauty, we are talking about Lichadonisia.

Let's start by telling you that in reality it is not a single beach but a group of small islands located right in the north-west part of the island of Evia Island, one of the largest in the Aegean and the closest to the mainland.They are located in the stretch of sea that joins the Evoikos Goulf in its northern part with Maliakos, right in front of the areas of Kamena Vourla and Lichada from where the boats leave every day that in a quarter of an hour will literally take you to paradise.

Its name derives from the servant of Heracles (Hercules for the Romans) Lica and here we must say a few words about mythology. Hercules was the husband of Deianira princess of Calidon, during their journey after the exile from the homeland of Deianira they reached the Evinos river and in order to cross it they took the boat of the Centaur Nessus who first brought Heracles on the opposite shore and on the return I looked for 'to abuse Deianira. The girl screamed until she was almost out of breath to warn her husband that he reached her and killed the centaur with an arrow in her heart. On the verge of death Nessus told Deianira that if he wanted to have Heracles forever he had to collect all her blood, mix it with olive oil and anoint her husband's tunic when he sensed that her husband no longer felt love for her. Deianira madly in love with Heracles who did not disdain the attention of other women, but she did so by keeping her secret only for herself. Finally arrived in Thessaly Deianira learned from Lica that Heracles had fallen in love with another woman and that to visit her he wanted to wear the tunic for her celebrations. Deinaira then took the blood of Nessus and sprinkled his clothes without knowing that it was not a love potion but rather a centaur's revenge. Heracles put on his clothes and began to feel his skin burn but managed to take it off in time. When Deinaria realized she was doing her out of her desperation, she hanged herself. Heracles infuriated by the incident held Lica responsible for everything and threw her into the sea as punishment and from the pieces of her blood the islands of Lichadonisia were born.

Closed the mythological parenthesis, we continue to talk about this beautiful place that Mother Nature has been able to give us. As we mentioned before, it is a complex formed by seven islands of volcanic origin and the largest sinking with the earthquake of 426 BC. The largest is Monolia and looks like a little eden. A rich and verdant vegetation of olive trees and Mediterranean scrub that reaches the shore up to the cliffs and with a coastline of soft white sand bathed by a clear and crystalline turquoise sea. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas while to eat something there is a small beach bar. Monolia is the only one among all the islands and islets that in the past had human settlements. To date the only living beings are a nice family of seals that for some years have decided to bring their permanent residence in these waters and some carretta carretta turtles. Monolia also has a small natural harbor where it is possible if you are lucky to be able to rent a boat privately, dock and enjoy so much beauty. To visit the wreck in the southwestern part of Monolia.

The second largest island is Strongyli with its dense olive trees and a lighthouse dating back to 1870 ten meters high that every ten seconds emits white and red flashes that help navigation as the area is quite difficult to cross. Until 2001 it had the ancient Fresnel lens which was later replaced with a more modern lens. The light from Strongyli's lighthouse is visible for twelve nautical miles. It is obviously not open to the public and can only be reached by private boat. Strogyli also has its own legend, its name in Greek means round and the myth tells that the island is the top of the head of King Lissas killed by Heracles.

The other islands are Mikri, Steno, Vagia, Vorias and Limani, small fragments of emerged land, covered with green and where the sea that surrounds them is made of crazy colors. Snorkeling lovers, in this part of the Aegean, can have fun and admire a thriving marine fauna and flora, so don't forget fins, mask and an underwater camera to immortalize its friendly inhabitants.

Lichadonisia is defined as the Seychelles of Greece and only when you have seen it really understand why, nothing to envy to exotic places like the Caribbean with the difference of being only a few hours flight away.

From what you have read you will have understood that the only means is by sea. You can either rent a boat independently, or take part in the daily excursions that are organized in all the agencies present both on the island of Evia and on the mainland around the beautiful gulf that hosts this mini archipelago if we want to call it so.

Do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful places in Greece, put it among the things to see in Evia, it will surely be an experience that you will always remember.