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

Lichadonisia is the kind of day you remember. This Athens day trip mixes an air-conditioned coach ride with a small boat outing to tiny volcanic islets where you can swim, look for wildlife, and even spot a WWII shipwreck below the surface.

I love the long beach time on Lichadonisia, and I like that sunbed and umbrella access are included, so you can relax without doing extra legwork. I also like the clear rhythm of the day, especially the stop in Kamena Vourla where you get real free time to walk and reset.

One possible drawback is that the day is long, around 14 hours, and food options on the island are limited, so you may want to plan for snacks in advance.

Key highlights

• Air-conditioned round-trip coach from St. Larissis, Athens, with onboard Wi-Fi
• Boat ride to Lichadonisia plus beach time from 11:00 to either 17:00 or 18:00
• Sunbeds and an umbrella included at the beach, saving time and money
• Wildlife spotting potential, including dolphins and monk seals (keep your eyes open)
• Optional 20-minute thermal spa pool at Galini Mitsis, adult-only for the spa option

Why this Lichadonisia day trip feels special from Athens

This is one of those Athens outings that changes your whole mood. You start in the city, then you’re off by boat to small, volcanic islets with that clear, sunlit water look that makes it hard to do anything but slow down.

What I find especially appealing is the balance. You get real time outdoors on Lichadonisia, plus an organized break in Kamena Vourla so the day does not feel like nonstop transportation.

And there’s an extra layer of interest: you’re not only looking at scenery. You also have a chance to notice wildlife like dolphins and monk seals, plus the underwater remains of a WWII shipwreck while you swim.

Morning logistics: the 8:00 am start from St. Larissis

The tour begins at St. Larissis, which is handy because it is a known, central Athens area. Pickup starts at 8:00 am, and the transfer to the coast is in a modern coach with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi on board.

The drive is about 2 hours to Kamena Vourla, a coastal town that works as your buffer between city and sea day. There is also about 1 hour of time on arrival, so you can grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and settle in before the boat part.

If you do not love early mornings, this is still manageable. Just plan to treat the first part as travel time, not sightseeing. You will appreciate the island more once you are already out of Athens traffic.

Kamena Vourla stop: where you get to breathe and wander

At Kamena Vourla, the vibe is relaxed. This is where I like having a true reset break, not a rushed stop where you are just herded to the next thing.

You get roughly 1 hour to explore on your own at the start of the day, and later you get another chunk of free time after the islands. That means you can pick what you want: a stroll along the waterfront, a casual snack, or simply sitting with the view before you head back.

One practical note: food is not included, so this is a good moment to buy something you can actually count on. If you plan to eat lightly on the island, stock up during these town breaks.

The boat ride to Lichadonisia: why it matters

The best part of this day is the boat transfer to the Lichadonisia islets. It is a small-boat ride across sparkling water, and it sets expectations fast. You go from “day trip” to “destination” quickly, which is exactly what you want when you are spending most of your time away from Athens.

Once you arrive, you get beach time on the islets from late morning through the afternoon. The schedule is listed as 11:00 am to either 17:00 pm or 18:00 pm, which usually means you will have a solid block to swim, sunbathe, and explore at your own pace.

This is also the part where wildlife stories become real in a way that feels fun, not forced. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and monk seals. And while you are in the water, there is the added interest of a WWII shipwreck beneath the surface that you might spot, depending on conditions.

Lichadonisia beach time: your 5 hours of island freedom

You do not get a strict “tour of the island.” You get time, and that is the point. On Lichadonisia, you’re there from 11:00 to later in the afternoon, and you can choose your pace.

Two details make this stop more comfortable than it sounds:

• Sunbed and umbrella are included, so you can claim a spot and relax without paying extra right away.
• The beach bar area gives you a base while you are off exploring.

What you can realistically expect:

• Plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.
• Moments to wander around the shoreline and take photos.
• A decent chance to see marine life, though nature always sets the odds.

The island is remote, so do not assume you will find an easy menu whenever you want it. One review experience flagged that the on-island café can be limited and slow, and that pricing can feel high. In practice, that means your best move is to treat the island food as optional, not guaranteed.

Thermal spa option at Mitsis Galini: the adults-only wrinkle

Here is the extra choice that upgrades the day after beach time: a 20-minute session in the thermal pool at the Galini Mitsis Spa Resort.

If you select the spa rate option, that thermal pool access is included. The pool uses warm mineral-rich thermal water, positioned for relaxation, and it is timed at 20 minutes, so it feels like a reset, not a commitment.

A key detail you need to know before you decide: the spa rate option is available only to adults. Children can access the hotel’s regular pool if an adult is supervising while you take your thermal session.

Also, the spa entrance is not right at the dock. It is described as about a 10-minute walk through the marina from where you leave the boat. That is not a big hike, but it matters if you are wearing wet shoes or you want to move efficiently.

Is it worth it? For me, it makes most sense if:

• you plan to swim and bake in the sun first, then want a warm-down later, and
• you do not mind paying for the spa add-on rather than hoping to find relaxation nearby.

Return to Kamena Vourla: ending with a coast-town chance

After your island time, you head back by boat to Kamena Vourla. Then you have about 2 hours to yourself again.

This is not just a waiting period. It is time you can use to stroll, take photos, or even plan a casual meal if you feel like staying local. The day ends when you meet your bus again at Restaurant Camino for the drive back toward Athens.

This return stop matters because it prevents the day from feeling like a straight line from boat to bus. You get a breather, which helps if you are the type who needs a calm landing after sea time.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $118.82 per person, this is not the cheapest day trip out of Athens. But value is less about the headline number and more about what is bundled.

From the included items, your main “big ticket” components are:

• Round-trip transportation by coach (with air-conditioning)
• The boat ride to Lichadonisia
• Your beach time on the islets, including sunbed and umbrella
• Bottled water on board, listed as two cold bottles per person

Then there is the spa option, which adds another meaningful component if you choose it. If you like the idea of thermal water after the beach, that option makes the price feel more justified because you are getting a real add-on service, not just a basic transfer.

Where the value can slip is if you are trying to do everything with no extra spending at all. Because food is not included and the on-island café may be limited, you will likely want to cover snacks yourself. That does not ruin the deal, but it changes the “what will I spend today” equation.

What to pack and how to plan your day

Because you are on a beach for hours, plus there is a spa walking segment, plan like this:

• Bring swimwear you can actually manage for several hours.
• Pack sun protection, since you are out in the open through the afternoon.
• Bring a light snack option for the island portion, since meals are not included and island food can be limited.

If you choose the thermal pool option, also consider comfort for the marina walk back and forth. Wet feet and long sandals can be fine, but it is worth thinking about quick drying and easy slipping on and off.

And if you are a photo person, treat your best shots as a scheduling issue. Early island arrival tends to be clearer for pictures, while later afternoon can get more golden but also more crowded in your own swim zone.

Who this Athens tour is best for

This day trip suits you best if you want:

• an easy, organized way to reach Lichadonisia without juggling boats and schedules yourself,
• meaningful beach time (not a quick stop),
• a chance to spot marine life like dolphins and monk seals from the water area,
• the option to add a thermal pool session for recovery time.

It is also a good fit if you like small-crew structure, since the group size is capped at 35 people.

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate long days, because the itinerary runs about 14 hours from morning to evening,
• you rely on full meals being provided, since brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks are listed as not included.

Should you book this Athens Lichadonisia islets day tour?

Book it if you want a one-day escape that feels like a real island day, not a rushed sightseeing loop. The included boat ride, long beach block, and sunbed and umbrella support make this one of the more “low-friction” ways to enjoy Lichadonisia.

Skip or think twice if your main priority is food convenience. Since no meals or snacks are included, you will need to plan snacks so the island portion does not feel stressful, especially if the café has long waits or limited choices on your day.

If you want a full reset after sun and sea, the optional Galini Mitsis thermal pool is the twist that can turn a great day into a memorable one, as long as you match the adult-only rule.

FAQ

How long is the Athens Lichadonisia islets day tour?

The tour runs about 14 hours.

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts at St. Larissis, Athens (104 37, Greece) at 8:00 am.

How long is the boat and beach time at Lichadonisia?

You spend about 5 hours at Lichadonisia Beach Bar, with beach time listed from 11:00 am to either 17:00 pm or 18:00 pm.

Is the boat ride included in the price?

Yes. The boat ride to Lichadonisia is included.

What is included for the beach on Lichadonisia?

Sunbed and umbrella are included, along with the scheduled beach time. Bottled water is also included on board, listed as two cold bottles per person.

If I choose the spa option, what do I get?

With the spa rate option, you get free access to a 20-minute session in the Galini Mitsis Spa Resort thermal pool.

Are children allowed in the thermal spa?

The spa rate option is available only to adults. Children can use the hotel’s regular pool if accompanied and supervised by an adult while you have your thermal session.

Does the tour include meals?

No. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.