The island of Evia is one of the closest to Athens and yet it is one of the most unknown. That is because Evia is so large that there is much to know about it. Second in size to Crete, it stretches from the tip of the Pelion Peninsula all the way south to the coast of Attika. It's southern tip is just a short distance from the Cycladic islands of Andros and Kea though unfortunately there is no ferry connection.
Evia, is long and thin. It's about 109 miles (175kms) from one end to the other at the longest point, and varies in width from about 30 miles (48kms) to 4 miles (6kms). Its highest point is Mount Dirfys, which is 5,737ft (1,749m) high. It's also a very fertile island, with lots of orchards and olive groves, and grapes that are said to produce some of the best retsina in Greece
The island is informally divided into three distinct parts (North, Central, South) which are not that easily connected to one another. This isolation however has added to the long island’s charm, as each region maintains its own flair, customs, isolated mountains and natural attractions. You’ll be amazed at the designated Natura 2000 areas such as Mount Telethrio, the Riverine Forest of Agios Nikolaos and the Kandili Mountain. You might also come across officially designated ‘Landscapes of Particular Natural Beauty’ such as the islands of Monoglia, Lichades and Strongili. Historical sites, Venetian towers, old monasteries and superb beaches will astound you across the island, so get ready to enjoy Evia in all its glory. The main archaeological site on the island is Eretria, which was destroyed in 87BC. The modern town grew up on the same site, but there are still plenty of places where you can see the remains of the ancient town.
While the central part is easily accessible by road from Mainland Greece, the North and South are better reached by boat crossings. In keeping with this magical spirit of this relatively undiscovered island with all its rich beauty Ecotourism-Greece has decided to treat each part alone and let you discover the myriad of mysteries per region.
Things to do:
Karystos is a small coastal town on the South of Evia island. Easily accessible from the mainland, either by road bridge or ferry from Athens’ Rafina port and a short car ride.
Every evening, Karystos is alive with activity; it’s delicious tavernas, restaurants and water-front bars and cafes brimming with people. Popular with mainlanders and Athenians, so you’re bound to get an authentic taste of a Greek vacation. Take a walk down the promenade, explore the town’s alleys and soak up the seriously laid back vibes day or night.
Whilst in the town of Karystos, make sure you stop off at a traditional taverna. Tables are set out in street in one of the alleyways perpendicular to the main seafront promenade. Most restaurants oozes Greek character. Here you’ll find home cooked authentic Greek classics such as yemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes) and katsikaki sto fourno (lamb cooked in the oven). The hard part will be choosing from the great variety of traditional cooked dishes.
Trekking this gorge in the Ochi mountain range, the most well known in Evia and one of the most beautiful trails in Greece is a great way to spend a morning. Get there early with a tour group, and you will start at the top of the gorge, pass through the village of Lenoseoi, past impressive megalithic slate dragon houses and a diverse range of flora.
Ending up at Kallianou beach swimming in the cool and deep blue Aegean sea. The trail is 10km in total, with great views and interesting all along the way.
A world-class beach, easily comparable to some of the best beaches in Greece and still relatively unknown by foreign travellers. Popular with free campers and for good reason – this spot is truly a little piece of paradise. Waters so clean and clear, you can easily see down to the sea bed even when wavy.
Large enough to never feel crowded even with sunbeds and umbrellas – and two tavernas set back. Great for swimming and snorkeling with rocks to explore and climb and a variety of marine life. The beach is pebbly, with small and rounded stones.
Chalkida is Evia’s main town and the so-called gateway to the island, being connected to the mainland by two bridges, one old and one new. It’s mainly Greek holiday makers that visit this town, especially being within close proximity and easy driving distance from Athens. That being said, the town is super accommodating to foreign travelers too.
Stroll along the main seafront promenade and try any of the many great meze restaurants serving delicious plates of seafood with your ouzo. Take a few days to explore and enjoy the town if you can.
These hot thermal springs are said to have healing properties. People have been bathing here since the ancient times, going back to the days of Aristotle. Take a dip here, relax and rejuvenate, as did Hercules, as told in Greek mythology.Situated in the North of Evia, the town also has a spa hotel which was built on the turn of the 19th century and visited by a list of famous characters in times gone by, including Aristotle Onassis and Winston Churchill.
After a bit of relaxation in the natural springs, you can rejuvenate your mind by visiting a family winery in the village of Gialtra. You can see a mix of old traditional grape mills next to new modern wine presses, as the tour takes you round the vineyards and winery.
The unique region, near the thermal springs and inactive volcano Lichadas, produces a variety or grape only found in Northern Evia, hence giving the wine its own character.
Dubbed the Seychelles of Greece, this hidden paradise exists at the very Northwest tip of Evia. Landscapes and islets unlike anything else, Lihadonisia was a result of a volcanic eruption 5 millennia ago and is now home to one-day excursions and boat rides.Daily boats leave the port of Agios Georgios and take only 15 minutes to reach this cluster of uninhabited “Carribean” islands. There are organized beaches on both Strogili and Manolia offering food and drink, perfect accompaniment to taking in the stunning landscapes. The surrounding waters and are laden with old shipwrecks, making for some interesting snorkelling
There are a number of archaeological museums in Evia. The most significant being Eretria which is located right next to the archaeological site. Artefacts found at this ancient site are displayed at both the Louvre and National Archaeological museum in Athens. However some pieces have remained at Eretria, notably the terracotta centaur from Lefkandi, dating back to the 10th century BC. One of Greece’s many amphitheaters lies on the site of Eretria. Furthermore, this one is one of the oldest, dating back to 5th century BC.
Both the 13th-century castle of Bourtzi and 11th century Castello Rosso are Venetian fortresses. Both are located on the South of the island. The former is within Karystos town, hugging the sea front. The latter sits imposingly at the start of the Ochi mountain range. If you want to explore further, be sure to visit the small archaeological museum in Karystos opposite the Bourtzi castle.
Make your way to this East coast beach looking out into the Aegean sea. The sand is soft and golden, waters are calm, the steep hills behind offering protection from the characteristic Evian wind.As you climb down the hill, you’ll realise that this beach is a hidden gem, much like most of the beaches in Evia. Bring an umbrella or find a space in the small organised section which plays laid back beach tunes all day. If you feel hungry, walk up to the taverna to enjoy some great panoramas and partake in some fresh seafood.
Though not technically on the island of Evia, it is right opposite the town of Chalkida across the old bridge and hence makes a spot on this list. An Ottoman castle, built in the 17th century, to serve as protection for Chalkis from the Venetians. It sits on top of a hill, once a strategic location, now providing nice views of the straits of Euripos and Chalkis town itself. Though built by the Turks, its architecture is European owing to the designer being a Venetian. Ironic, as it fell to its venetian captors in 1688. Explore the old walls and its various bastions and towers.
© 2024 VILLABEAT. All rights reserved.
