Athens: Lichadonisia Islets Day Tour with Boat & Thermal Spa Pool

Lichadonisia gives you a full day by the sea without the fuss of arranging buses, boats, beach chairs, and a spa visit yourself. After a roughly two-hour ride from Athens, you reach Kamena Vourla, board a small boat, and spend much of the day on a group of volcanic islets with clear water and sandy beaches.

I like the long five-hour beach stay, which gives you time to swim, rest, and explore without rushing. I also like the optional thermal pool session, a welcome way to warm up and relax after time in the sea. The main drawback is the long day, about 14 hours, and the limited food service on the islet, so bring snacks or a picnic.

Key points to know before booking

• Lichadonisia is the main event: You get several hours for swimming, sunbathing, exploring, and looking for the WWII shipwreck beneath the water.
• The day starts early: Meet at Larissis Station in Athens at 8:00 a.m. for the coach ride north.
• Kamena Vourla adds a useful pause: You can stop for coffee and brunch by the sea before and after the boat trip.
• The spa is optional: Choose the spa rate for a 20-minute thermal pool session at Galini Mitsis Spa Resort.
• Food is not included: The beach café has limited food, and the supplied advice is to bring your own snacks.
• The group can reach 35 people: This is an organized group outing, not a private island day.

Why this day trip works from Athens

Athens has plenty of ancient sites, museums, and city streets, but a proper beach day usually takes more planning than people expect. You need to reach the coast, find a boat, arrange a place to sit, and know where to return. This excursion handles the moving parts in one long day.

The coach leaves from St. Larissis, Athens 104 37, at 8:00 a.m. The air-conditioned vehicle matters in the Greek summer heat, especially when you are spending the afternoon outdoors. Onboard Wi-Fi and two cold bottles of water per person are included, small touches that make the long ride easier.

The drive to Kamena Vourla takes about two hours. That is not a quick hop from the city, so you should be comfortable with a full day away from Athens. In return, you reach a coast that feels quite different from the capital. The town gives you a chance to stretch your legs, get coffee, and eat brunch before the island portion begins.

The experience is offered in English, and the group size can reach 35 people. That size allows the price to stay below what a private excursion would cost, but it also means the pace and meeting times are set for you. Keep track of the guide and the return instructions, particularly when you are enjoying free time.

Kamena Vourla gives the morning a gentle start

Kamena Vourla is the first real pause after leaving Athens. You have about an hour here, enough time for a coffee, a casual brunch, and a look at the seafront. Brunch is not included, so you pay for what you choose.

I see this stop as practical rather than a major sightseeing visit. The town breaks up the road journey and lets you buy anything you need before the boat. If you prefer to bring food from Athens, this is still a good chance to sit by the water and get ready for a long beach afternoon.

You return to Kamena Vourla after the island outing for another period of free time. The stated schedule allows about two hours, though the exact beach departure can be around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. depending on the day. You can stroll through the small coastal town, have dinner by the sea, or simply sit with a drink before meeting the coach at Restaurant Camino.

Dinner is not included, so budget for it separately. This flexibility is useful if you want a relaxed meal, but it also means you need to watch the time. The bus will not wait for a wandering dinner.

The small boat ride to Lichadonisia

From Kamena Vourla, you board a small boat for the trip to Lichadonisia. The crossing is part of the pleasure of the day. The waters open up around you, and the busy feel of Athens is long gone.

The Lichadonisia islets are volcanic islands with sandy beaches and clear turquoise water. The setting is simple and natural rather than developed like a large resort. Sunbeds and umbrellas are included, so you do not need to pay extra for the basic beach setup.

Keep your eyes open during the boat ride and around the islets. Dolphins and monk seals may be seen, although wildlife sightings can never be promised. There is also a WWII shipwreck below the water, giving you another reason to bring swim shoes and spend time looking around in the sea.

The boat ticket is included in the tour price. That is important because the boat is not an optional add-on once you have made the coach journey. You are buying a coordinated land-and-sea outing, with the return boat included as well.

Five hours on the beach, with very little pressure

The schedule allows beach time from about 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. That is generous by day-trip standards. You can swim, sunbathe, walk along the shore, and return to the water without checking the clock every 20 minutes.

I like the freedom here. You are not pushed through a list of short stops or told to leave the beach just as you settle in. The guide keeps the day organized, but your time on the islet is largely your own.

The water is the star attraction. The islets are known for clear sea and sandy beaches, and the setting has a relaxed local feel. You might spend the whole afternoon on a sunbed, or use the time to explore the shoreline and search for the shipwreck from above the water.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something to protect yourself from the sun. Swim shoes are a smart choice if you want to explore in the water. Two bottles of cold water are supplied, but you should carry extra drinks if you tend to drink often in hot weather.

The beach café is the weak point. Food choices are limited, orders can take time, and the quality may not match the price. I would bring sandwiches, fruit, and snacks from Athens or Kamena Vourla. This is especially important if you are traveling with children or need a regular meal.

The islet is remote, and that remoteness is part of its appeal. It also means you should not expect a full range of shops, restaurants, or services. Pack what you need before boarding the boat.

The optional Galini Mitsis thermal pool

The spa option adds a 20-minute session at the Galini Mitsis Spa Resort’s hydrotherapy thermal water pool. The pool uses warm mineral-rich water, and the session can feel especially good after several hours in cooler sea water and strong sun.

The spa is about a 10-minute walk through the marina from the boat dock. That walk is short, but plan for it when deciding how much time you need after returning from the islet. The thermal pool session is available to adults.

Children are not included in the thermal pool session, but the hotel’s regular pool remains available to children when they are accompanied and supervised by an adult. This makes the spa option possible for some families, although one adult must handle supervision while another uses the thermal pool.

I consider the spa a useful add-on rather than the reason to book the trip. The island and boat ride are the core experience. The thermal pool gives the afternoon a more comfortable finish, especially if you like warm water and want something calmer than another swim in the sea.

The spa rate costs more than the basic transport and boat package. To judge the value, ask yourself what you would pay to arrange the coach, boat, beach setup, and thermal pool separately. If you want only a beach day, the basic option may be enough. If you enjoy spa time and prefer an organized return to Athens, the higher price may feel justified.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed price is $118.82 per person. It covers round-trip coach transportation from Athens, the boat to and from Lichadonisia, two bottles of cold water, Wi-Fi on the coach, and a sunbed and umbrella at the beach.

The optional spa rate includes the 20-minute thermal pool session. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included. Those exclusions matter more here than they would on a city tour because the beach café has limited service.

I would compare this price with the cost of a self-planned day before deciding. You would still need to arrange transport from Athens, reach Kamena Vourla, find the correct boat, pay for beach seating, and organize your return. The tour removes that uncertainty and gives you a guide watching the timing.

The trade-off is flexibility. You cannot decide to stay late on the island or return to Athens whenever you wish. You follow the group schedule, and the full day can feel tiring after the early start. For many people, the convenience is worth paying for. For independent planners who enjoy handling transport themselves, it may feel expensive.

Who will enjoy this day most

This outing suits you if you want a sea day from Athens but do not want to rent a car or plan several connections. It also works well if you like a mix of independent beach time and basic group support.

Couples can use the free time for swimming and a seaside dinner in Kamena Vourla. Adults who enjoy thermal baths should consider the spa rate. Families can participate, but parents need to manage the heat, the long day, and the fact that children cannot use the thermal pool session.

The tour is also a good fit for people who prefer a calm beach schedule over constant sightseeing. There is no crowded program of monuments or guided walks. The main activity is simply being by the water.

I would hesitate if you dislike long coach rides, need a full restaurant meal at the beach, or want complete control over departure times. The 14-hour schedule is a serious commitment. You leave early, spend several hours in the sun, and return to Athens late.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes the early start easier to manage. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity can be canceled for poor weather with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Small details that make the day better

Bring your own food. This is the single most useful tip. Buy a proper lunch in Athens or Kamena Vourla, since the remote beach café may be slow, costly, and limited.

Pack more water than the two supplied bottles if you know you will be swimming and sitting in full sun. Sunscreen, a hat, a towel, swim shoes, and a dry bag will also make the day more comfortable.

Keep your return time in mind when you leave your sunbed. The island gives you freedom, but the boat departure is fixed. The same goes for the evening in Kamena Vourla. You can enjoy dinner or a walk, but meet the coach at Restaurant Camino on time.

If you select the spa option, bring a change of clothes and allow for the 10-minute walk from the boat dock through the marina. The thermal pool lasts only 20 minutes, so do not expect a full spa afternoon. Think of it as a short recovery session after the beach.

The host Giorgio receives specific praise for being a good organizer, and the crew is described as friendly and attentive. That human support is useful on a day with a coach, boat, beach, spa, and evening return all linked together.

Should you book the Lichadonisia day tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized escape from Athens with clear water, a small-boat ride, and a full beach afternoon. The long stay on Lichadonisia is the strongest part, and the optional thermal pool gives the day an appealing finish.

Think twice if you want excellent food at the beach, a short excursion, or complete independence. Bring your own lunch, prepare for the 14-hour schedule, and treat the spa as an optional comfort rather than a must-have.

For a simple way to reach an unusual coastal setting without arranging every detail yourself, I think the tour offers fair value. Choose the basic rate for the island and transport. Add the spa if warm mineral water sounds like the right reward after a long day outside.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour starts at St. Larissis, Athens 104 37, Greece.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 14 hours and ends back at the Athens meeting point.

Is transportation from Athens included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation by modern, air-conditioned coach is included.

Is the boat to Lichadonisia included?

Yes. The boat ride to and from Lichadonisia is included in the tour price.

Is food included?

No. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included. You should plan to buy food in Kamena Vourla or bring snacks and a picnic for the beach.

Is the thermal spa included?

The 20-minute thermal pool session is optional and available through the spa rate option. The session is for adults.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.