As we said in our previous post  about camping… It depends on the camper’s preferences, the equipment available, from the legal framework and other personal facts… But the most important thing is that any choice is not a one-way path!

We are camping enthusiasts, so as you can understand love both kinds of camping! What we will try is to do in this post is present to you the pros and cons of each way, so you can place yourselves on the basis of your answers and see what suits you most!

Organized camping – Pros

• Cheap way of vacation (in relation to hotels).
• There are reviews on the Internet about cleanliness, facilities etc.
• You know what to expect.
• You don’t need any special equipment.
• High sense of security.
• You don’t have to worry about food, breakfast, electricity, bathroom, facilities, etc.
• Socializing with other camps.
• It’s legal!
• They are usually located at very beautiful beaches!
• Greece is filled with wonderful campsites and glamping campsites recently, so all you have to do is discover them all!

Organized camping – Cons

• There are rules (this can be also on the positive side…).
• You coexist, sometimes, closely enough with others (several times we had to move our tent at 3 am due to snoring from adjacent scenes!).
• If you do not choose suitable campsites, you may have unpleasant surprises (eg. very family friendly or very student, etc.).
• There is no sense of absolute freedom and you are always watched by someone, the worst is the wristbands that you are forced to wear as a resident of the campsite (for safety of course so we are ok with this one!)!

Free Camping – Pros

• Freedom!!!
• Independence!
• Closeness to nature (respectfully of course!
• There’s no schedule, program etc.
• Zero cost (excluding the equipment that is a one time investment and the eatables you choose to take with you).
• You can discover real nature gems and enjoy them alone, feels like paradise!
• Generally when you are free camper, you feel that you have been away for weeks from ordinary life, forget about time, day, obligations and enjoy only the present!

Free Camping – Cons

• Limitations of legislation.
• Negative attitude of local communities.
• More equipment preparation needed.
• It is not suitable for many days (unless you have suitable equipment).
• Security (it has to do with the feeling of security…we never had a bad experience)
• The recklessness of some free campers about taking care of the camp when leaving a place.

This was our pros and cons of organized and free camping, the conclusions are up to you!

*Photo credit travelstyle.gr

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So let’s meet the exotic Lichadonisia!

Lichadonisia, or Lichades, is a complex of seven or more small islands and islets in the northwest of Evia. They are located in the Sea area where you join the northern Evoikos Gulf with Maliakos and its on the opposite of Kamena Vourla.

Lichadonisia formed after volcanic activity while a large part of the islands sank from an earthquake in 426 B.C. their name came from Lichas, the servant of Hercules, who handed him the tunic of Deianeira, according to mythology and because when Hercules held him responsible for the tunic, hurled him to the sea. From the pieces and his blood were formed the Lichades islands!

Some of the names of the islets are Monolia and the Vagia as well as other smaller called Pontikonisi.

How to get to Lichadonisia.

During the summer season there are daily and weekend itineraries from the port of Kamena Vourla Fthiotida. You can choose a boat with glass bottom and there is usually a mini tour performed by the Captain! Also ask about the beaches where every boat leaves you because the first one is always so full of people that you can hardly enjoy the scenery!

From Kamena Vourla: The start of the routes to and from the Lichadonisia started on June 9, 2018 from the port of Kamena Vourla.

• Timetable: take off 12:00 return 18:00 ticket prices 12.00 Euro adults and 6.00 euro children.
• Itineraries are also operated from the beach of Kavos Lihada of North Evia, upon telephone contact – ticket prices 6.00 Euro adults and free for children.
• The visit to the beach of Lichadonisiwn can be done by Kamena Vourla,  with the boats “Lihadonisia i ” and “Lihadonisia II ” or from Kavos (Evia) with the boats “I saw it all ” and “I saw all II “, the use of umbrellas is free of charge, upon availability for the duration of your stay, if you are visiting the Lihadonisia with the specific boats.

Tip 1: Meet the permanent residents of Lihadonisia who are not other than the wonderful seals of monachus- monachus who live permanently in these waters!

Tip 2: Because for some of you the prices might seem a little bit exaggerated… You can take with you your umbrella and fridge with the necessary respect and discretion always!

Tip 3: Don’t miss the shipwreck…

The paradox of Lichadonisia

These islands turned into a popular tourist destination in recent years, certainly not unjustified. On the other hand, however, the impression that the islets will derive depends on ones initial expectations. Eg. Ok… It is something beautiful and different, ideal for one-day excursions, but come on…its not Seychelles!!!

Consider it as a short getaway and travel experience filled with people who enjoy the crystal clear waters and the incredible beauty of the landscape (when not overcrowded). The area is also available for snorkeling, water sports and scuba diving. Every place has its own beauty and it is good to feel it that way!

After all, the final impressions are only yours!!!

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