Evia

The island of Evia ( Euboea ) is 180 km. long and has an area of 4,167 sq. km. the island is mountainous with small fertile plains.

Evia is a popular destination for mainland Greeks, as it is only 88km. from Athens . A bridge connects the mainland to the island over the Evripous Channel where the current changes direction about every 6 hours!! Along the west coast there are a number of quiet beaches, small resorts.

The east coast is more rugged. On the mainland over the bridge there are the regions of Vathi, Faros, and Aviltha. These regions though on the mainland come under the administration of Evia as does the island of Skyros , (part of the Northern Sporades islands). The region is rich culture, ruins and churches. Good beaches, tavernas serving local seafood and entertainment make the area popular with tourists.

Chalkida City

The capital of the island, the name Chalkida is derived from “halkos” which means copper, or “halki” a seashell used in dying cloth. The city is the crossroads and makes an excellent base from which you can explore the island. The city was once an important city-state during the Byzantine Period. Views over the city are to be had from the Castle of Karababa . The church St. Paraskevi built on the foundations of earlier temples, has had a chequered past, from being a mosque to a store and carriage house, and eventually a church dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The Archaeological Museum and the Folklore museum have many interesting exhibits.

Towns & Villages

Eretria

Twenty two kilometres from Chalkida, this small city is a popular resort, in ancient times was a major maritime power, and major school of philosophy was started here in the 3 rd. century BC. It is not known when the city was first settled, but it developed into prosperous city and took part in the Trojan War. With its many beaches and small islands, one of which is quaintly called “the island of dreams”. Many ruins remain from the past, the ancient theatre with its underground passage, from the stage to the orchestra pit. The Temple of Iseion and the Western Gate are among the sights to see. The museum has many fine exhibits from excavations in the city. At the ancient acropolis, good views are to be had over to the mainland. The Archaeological Museum and the Modern Art gallery have exhibits one must see. Carnivals at Easter and Naval week in August ensure the city is lively.

Vasliko

Lies to the south of the capital, on the edge of the Lilandian Plain, here stands a tower built under the Frankish occupation, more towers are in the vicinity. Among many of the beaches and coves on the road south from Chalkida, Malakonta beach on the way into Vasliko is to be recommended.

Amarinthos

A charming seaside town with the Palichoria hill behind with small byzantine churches situated on the summit. From here you can takes trips to the villages of Ano Vathia, Kalithia and Seta and enjoy the scenery over central Evia. Near the town are many good beaches, a traditional fair is held on the 29 th August.

Kimi

On the eastern coast about 90km from Chalkida, is the town of Kimi with excellent views over the Aegean Sea and the island of Skyros , because of its situation at about 250m over sea level, the town is also called the “balcony of the Aegean Sea ”. The towns harbour and seafront is a short distance from the main towns, from here ferries make the crossing to Skyros . In the hills around Kimi there are many picturesque villages, some with churches and monasteries. Along the coastline seaside villages with good beaches, tempt you to stop to swim and sunbathe. The folklore museum has many exhibits from the area.

Steni

Steni is on the slopes of Mt. Dirfis , the islands highest mountain (altitude 1743m). Steni is an ideal place in summer, for mountain walkers and in the winter for skiers. From her you can go through small villages, each with their own charm, to the coastal village of Chiliathous with its beautiful beach. Public fairs are held in the region from May to September.

Karistos

The main town and port of the region and a modern tourist resort. Along with other towns on the west coast, the Karistos area has good beaches. The Fortress of Karistos, (also known as “Castel Rosa” due to the reddish bricks used when the fortress was built) overlooks the town. On the seafront is the “Bourtzi” a 15 th Ventian castle, in the town centre are the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo. On Mt. Ochi (1400m high), are the so called “Dragon Houses”. The history of these buildings is unknown, but it is thought they were built in the Bronze Age. The method of building is remarkable as the boulders used for the walls are enormous and fit together perfectly and the roof slabs lean together to form a vault. It remains a mystery as to how Bronze Age people, managed to move these enormous boulders and work them, as to which purpose these buildings were used for, one can only speculate.

Marmari

In winter Marmari is a quiet fishing village, come summer and it is transformed into a popular summer resort. Good beaches tempt the tourists from the mainland, which is only 14 km away. The small privately owned islands of Petaloi lie just offshore.

Stira

Lies 90km. from Chalkida and 5km. from Nea Stira the village’s port and resort. Nea Stira is a thriving resort with a good beach. The villages of Kapsala and Niborio are worth a visit.

Almyropotamos

Just to the north of Stira is the village of Almyropotamos , from a small sleepy village it has developed into a charming tourist resort. The area is ideal for water sports, and after playing in the sea, you can relax in one of the many tavernas and enjoy the evening. In the Almyropotamos area, excavations have uncovered fossils and bones of several prehistoric carnivorous animals among them the bones of the sabre toothed tiger. These finds are stored and shown at the University of Athens , Museum of Palaeonthropology .

Prefecture of Northern Evia

Istiaia

Istiaia, the capital of Northern Evia , is located in the heart of a small plain to the north of the island. It is 130 kilometres from Chalkida. The town is a short distance from the sea but there many splendid beaches nearby. The small seaside town of Oreoi is a popular seaside resort. The village of Kanatathika 5 km. from Istiaia, with its white painted houses close to the beach is appealing. To the west of Oreoi, is the resort of Neo Pirgos, one of the most scenic places in Evia. From Istiaia you can visit several pleasant villages surrounded by forests. To the east is the village of Artemisio where a battle between the navies of Greece and Persia was fought.

Limni

The town is 85 km. from Chalkida, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kandili , with the waters of the Aegean Gulf on its shores. Even with the influx of tourists in the summer, the town has retained its natural charm. The monastery of Agios Nikolos is built among beautiful scenery on the site of a more ancient temple. Along the coast north of the town, are the villages of Chronia and Rovies, both with superb beaches. The mountain villages of Daphni, Kourkolous and others offer the tourist an insight into the local way of life.

Aidipos

Hot thermal springs here have made Aidipos famous. People come here today to take the waters, as they have done since ancient times. The town has developed in to a popular resort, the town has remains from bygone eras, and on the hill nearby are the remains of the old city. The monastery of Agios Georgiou at Iila, built on the ruins of a ancient temple is worth the visit. The area around here offers good views and is excellent for trekkers. Along the coastal road to the northwest of the town, lies the pleasing village of Gialtra .

Gregolimano

This a very popular destination situated on the peninsula of Litchatha , the beach here is a very popular destination for both tourists and Greeks. Lying offshore at the western end of the peninsula are the charming islands of Stroggili and Manolia.

The region has many more excellent beaches, attractive villages and beautiful countryside that attract lots of visitors. Ferries sail from the ports of, Aidipos, Agio Georgios and Agiokambos to the mainland.