Exotic beaches, blue waters and golden sand can be found in Greece and you certainly don’t have to travel abroad to find such places. Even within walking distance from Athens, there are places you probably can’t even imagine. Like Lychadonisia, in Euboea the so-called Seychelles of Euboea.
Legend has it that Hercules’ wife, Deianira, thought that he was cheating her. So she sent him a poisoned tunic via Lychas. The moment Hercules put on the tunic and began to suffer from, he grabbed the servant and hurled him towards the sea. He was dismembered and his members fell around Cape Kinaion. There, Poseidon transformed them into small islands, known today as Lychadonisia.
Lychadonisia, the Seychelles of Euboea
In fact, this cluster of seven islands is a creation of volcanic action, located in 426 BC and constitutes a single volcanic formation. They consist of Monolia, the Megali Stroggyli, the Mikri Stroggyli, Steno, Baya, Boria, Limani, as well as other small reefs, called Pontikonisia. The largest island in the complex is called Manolia. It is verdant and there there is our beach with its turquoise waters and the well-organized beach bar. Lychadonisia are located between the settlement of Lychada on the side of Euboea and Kamena Vourla on the side of Fthiotida county.
It is a true paradise and it is of no coincidence that they are called the Seychelles of Euboea. The beach and the waters in Lychadonisia and specifically in Manolia are probably the most beautiful in the area. Golden sand and turquoise coloured shades make up the landscape. The waters are relatively warm and shallow extending several meters from the coast. Despite the fact that it is a small beach, it has faithful fans who visit it every summer.
Photo Source: lichadonisia.com
How to get to Lychadonisia
In this paradise of Greece, you can go either from Agios Georgios in Euboea or from Kammena VourlaAgios Georgios is a seaside village that in recent years has developed into one of the most popular tourist resorts in Euboea. At a distance of 4 km. from Lychadonisia and with the easily accessible areas and attractions of Euboea, it is an ideal basis of accommodation as it offers many options for relaxing and guaranteed good vacations. In the picturesque and beautiful Agios Georgios there are rooms for rent that act as “a base of operations” to Lychadonisia.
Lychadonisia is one of the places in Greece that definitely rivets you if you get to know them in up-close. An exotic paradise, Seychelles in front of your feet.
External photography source: evia365.gr
The Greek beach that looks like an African oasis
Frequently Asked Questions
Lychadonisia is a cluster of seven volcanic islands located off the coast of Euboea, Greece. They are called the Seychelles of Euboea because of their exotic appearance, featuring golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical-like scenery that resembles the famous Seychelles islands in Africa. The largest island, Manolia, has a well-organized beach with some of the most beautiful waters in the area.
You can reach Lychadonisia from two main departure points: Agios Georgios in Euboea or Kamena Vourla in Fthiotida county. Agios Georgios is located just 4 km away from Lychadonisia and is a developed tourist resort with many accommodation options including rooms for rent. From Athens, you would travel to Euboea and then to Agios Georgios, which serves as an ideal base for visiting the islands.
According to Greek legend, Lychadonisia was created when Hercules threw his servant Lychas into the sea in anger. Lychas had delivered a poisoned tunic to Hercules, sent by Hercules' wife Deianira who believed he was unfaithful. When Lychas was dismembered by the fall, Poseidon transformed his body parts into the small islands that are known today as Lychadonisia.
The Lychadonisia complex consists of seven main islands: Manolia (also called Monolia), Megali Stroggyli, Mikri Stroggyli, Steno, Baya, Boria, and Limani, along with other small reefs called Pontikonisia. Manolia is the largest island in the complex and is verdant with a beautiful beach featuring turquoise waters and a well-organized beach bar.
Lychadonisia's beach on Manolia island features golden sand, turquoise-colored waters, and relatively warm, shallow waters that extend several meters from the coast. The beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the area, offering an exotic paradise-like setting despite its small size. It has a well-organized beach bar and attracts faithful visitors who return every summer to experience its natural beauty.
