The Beatles’ cruise around the Greek islands began with a visit to the islands of Evia, where they were reportedly greeted warmly by the locals. From there, they continued their journey to the Sporades islands, including Skopelos and Skiathos, where they were said to have enjoyed the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Throughout their cruise, the Beatles were accompanied by a small entourage of friends and associates, including the Greek businessman Alexis Mardas, who had helped facilitate the group’s trip to Greece. The group’s presence on the islands caused quite a stir among the local population, with many fans and curious onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the famous musicians.

Despite their initial enthusiasm for the idea of buying an island in Greece, the Beatles ultimately decided to abandon their plans. Various reasons have been suggested for this, including bureaucratic hurdles, financial concerns, and perhaps a growing realization that the idyllic fantasy of living on a secluded Greek island was not as practical as they had initially imagined.

The Beatles’ brief sojourn in Greece may have ultimately been fleeting, but it left a lasting impact on the country and its people. The group’s visit helped to put Greece on the map as a desirable destination for celebrities and tourists alike, showcasing the beauty and charm of the Greek islands to a global audience.

In the years since their visit, the Beatles’ connection to Greece has been commemorated in various ways, from tribute concerts and exhibitions to dedications in museums and cultural events. The group’s dream of owning an island in Greece may have never come to fruition, but their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of music fans and travelers around the world.

As we look back on this fascinating chapter in the Beatles’ history, we are reminded of the band’s enduring influence and the timeless allure of the Greek islands. The story of the Beatles’ Greek adventure serves as a reminder of the power of music, travel, and dreams to inspire us to explore new horizons and embrace the magic of the unknown.

The Beatles’ interest in purchasing an island in Greece in 1967 was not just a passing fancy. The group was serious about finding a retreat where they could escape the pressures of their fame and the constant attention of the media. The Lichadonisia islands seemed to fit the bill perfectly – a secluded paradise surrounded by sparkling blue waters and lush greenery.

The Beatles’ journey through the Greek islands in July 1967 was not just a vacation, but also a scouting mission. They were on the lookout for the perfect island that would become their private sanctuary. The group’s interest in Agia Triada and Tsougria may have been genuine, but it was the Lichadonisia islands that captured their hearts.

Monolia, the largest island in the Lichadonisia archipelago, seemed to tick all the boxes for the Beatles. With its arable land, olive groves, and picturesque bay, it offered the perfect setting for their dream retreat. The proximity to thermal mineral springs at Kamena Vourla and Edipsos added to the allure of the location.

The Beatles’ application to the British government for permission to buy the island hinted at their grand plans for the property. The mention of several smaller offshore islands and the total land area of seventy-four acres matched the description of the Lichadonisia islands. The group was willing to invest in creating their own paradise away from the prying eyes of the world.

However, as fate would have it, the Beatles’ plans to purchase the Lichadonisia islands fell through. The intervention of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture put an end to their dream of owning a private retreat in Greece. The sudden turn of events must have been disappointing for the group, especially after they had set their sights on Monolia and its surrounding islands.

Despite the setback, the Beatles’ brief sojourn in Greece left a lasting impression on the group. The beauty and tranquility of the Greek islands resonated with them, and it is no wonder that John Lennon and Cynthia planned to return to Skiathos the following year. The allure of the Aegean Sea and its hidden gems was not lost on the legendary band.

In the end, the Beatles’ quest for a private island in Greece may have been unsuccessful, but the story of their brief flirtation with the Lichadonisia islands remains a fascinating chapter in their history. The dream of owning a secluded paradise in the Mediterranean lives on, a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the fab four beyond the music and the fame. Η αρχειακή αλληλογραφία δείχνει ότι η αρχική αίτηση των Beatles για άδεια δεν υποβλήθηκε μέχρι τις 25 Ιουλίου, όταν οι Beatles ήταν ήδη στην Ελλάδα, και οι αξιωματούχοι δεν ενημερώθηκαν ότι τα σχέδια είχαν αποτύχει μέχρι το τέλος του Οκτώβρη του 1967. Ένα σημείωμα στις 30 Οκτωβρίου από έναν αξιωματούχο της Τράπεζας της Αγγλίας λέει ότι ενώ οι διαπραγματεύσεις προχώρησαν, η ομάδα “ενημερώθηκε για ορισμένες νομικές δυσκολίες και για πρόσθετα χρηματικά ποσά που απαιτούνταν” και γι’ αυτό αποφάσισε “να μην προχωρήσει στην αγορά”.

Είναι σίγουρα πιθανό ότι οι Beatles ενδιαφέρονταν σε κάποια φάση είτε για την Αγία Τριάδα είτε για την Τσουγκριά, ή και για τα δύο. Αλλά αν έτσι ήταν, αυτές οι προοπτικές φαίνεται να είχαν απορριφθεί ενώ η ομάδα ήταν ακόμα στην Ελλάδα. Ποιο λοιπόν ήταν το σημείο που φαίνεται ότι αποτελούσε αντικείμενο σημαντικών μετέπειτα διαπραγματεύσεων; Κατά τη γνώμη μου, τα στοιχεία δείχνουν προς τις Λιχαδονήσια.

Ο Τζόναθαν Κνοτ είναι δημοσιογράφος και συγγραφέας ταξιδιωτικών αφηγήσεων με έδρα το Λονδίνο. Γράφει το ενημερωτικό δελτίο Substack Follow the Sun, σχετικά με τα σχέδια των Beatles για ελληνικά νησιά και το ιστορικό τους πλαίσιο.