Evia Island

Evia (Evia) is the second largest island in Greece after Crete, which will impress even a tourist who has seen the sights with a large number of architectural monuments and mesmerizing nature at any time of the year. People come here not only for a great time at the sea, but also for the healing properties of the numerous thermal springs located near the resort town of Edipsos. There is an endless variety of towns and villages, beaches and mountains, natural mineral springs and man-made architectural sights. For lovers of active or extreme recreation Evia offers hiking along the picturesque ascents of the mountains, from the tops of which open magnificent views, inaccessible to ordinary tourists.

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In favor of rest here is the fact that Greeks from the mainland for vacation most often choose this island. Regardless of the reason for coming to Evia, you will find both opportunities for relaxation and privacy, as well as options for an energetic vacation.

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Video: Evia Island

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Climate

The climate of Evia, a classic Mediterranean climate with hot summers and warm, rainy winters, is best suited for a comfortable vacation for guests. Summer is best suited for beach and active pastime, when the water temperature in the sea reaches +23…+25 degrees. Officially, the tourist season begins in May, but the warm weather and water in the sea allow you to swim from April. In winter, when the thermometer stays at +11…+15 °C, you can enjoy horseback riding, sightseeing, local cuisine or fishing.

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History

The island of Evia has a rich history, a huge number of ancient sites and is second only to Crete in its diversity.

The island of Evia has a rich history, a huge number of ancient sites and is second only to Crete in its diversity.

Settlements have existed here since prehistoric times, the name of the island, which is known today, originated a long time ago and literally means “rich in cattle”. In the times of state prosperity Euboean cities traded with many countries and had a powerful navy. However, it did not help the island to preserve its integrity and independence. At first the territory was occupied by the Romans, after a long time ruled Byzantium, and in 1205 the Crusaders came to Euboea, later – the Venetians and the Ottoman Empire. The local architecture fully reflects the complicated history of the land: buildings of different eras, styles and purposes form a rather diverse portrait of the island.

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One of the most important early settlements is Chalkida: the city was closest to the mainland and had natural deposits of copper, making it a center of trade of historical importance. Chalkida still exists today, attracting tourists with its many antiquities and unique cultural portrait.

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Historically, Evia has been inhabited by people of different nationalities, beliefs and traditions. At different periods it was inhabited by Greeks, Turks and Albanians. Some villages still speak a very specific dialect, which even the Greeks themselves find difficult to understand.

Evia Sights

The island of Evia has much more to offer travelers than many other traditional tourist destinations. Looking for adventure and non-banal vacation options? Here you can hike, ride bicycles or horses, walk through gorges, go mountain climbing, diving or sailing, and kayak. Are you a history buff? The island will surprise you: there are several archaeological museums, ancient churches and monasteries, and the architecture of different epochs is represented both by fully preserved buildings and picturesque ruins. Just want to lie on the golden sand? Evia’s beaches offer both secluded wilderness and modern, well-equipped beaches.

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The main attraction of Evia is the bridge that connects the coast with the Greek mainland. The structure first appeared in 410 BC, and its location since then has not changed, although repeatedly rebuilt and restored. The current in this place changes direction about seven times a day, causing an unusual phenomenon – “standing waves”. Aristotle himself worked on the solution to this phenomenon many centuries ago, but to this day a single version explaining the nature of the anomaly, scientists have not offered a single version, explaining the nature of the anomaly. The second bridge on Evia was built much later. Now it is one of the largest in Europe suspended type structures.

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The cities of the island are a treasure trove of many experiences. In fact, the first place a visitor gets to is Chalkida, the capital of Evia.

Chalkida

The ancient city is located on the narrowest part of the canal, just 80 kilometers from Athens. Among tourists, this place is famous for its variety of fish specialties and active nightlife. But no less rich is the historical and architectural appearance of Chalkida.

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Thus, it is here that the famous Karababa Castle is located – a reminder of the times of the Venetian occupation of the area. Local guides offer the guests of Evia to see the ruins of temples and churches, the remains of the temple of Apollo (pediment), accompanying the excursions with the retelling of mystical legends associated with these places. South of the bridge is Castro, a neighborhood of 15th-century Venetian and Turkish houses. It preserves the Emir Zadeh Mosque, the theater and sanctuary of Dionysus, the 13th-century church of Ayia Papaskevi, and a 19th-century synagogue belonging to the oldest Jewish community in Greece. At the top of Kastro, there is an archaeological museum in an old Venetian fortress.

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The neighborhood is home not only to Jews, but also to Thracian Muslims and Christian Greeks. When visiting religious shrines, do not forget about decency: it is not customary to enter the temple inappropriately dressed – in shorts and miniskirts, with exposed back and chest.

On the main road to Halkida is the seaside village of Amarinthos, with a lively square filled with restaurants where you can sample the local delicacy of sun-dried octopus. After such an exquisite lunch or dinner, don’t forget to leave a tip, it is customary in Greece to reward waiters generously for their service.

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Eretria

The second largest port in central Evia is Eretria. For a long time, the city competed with Chalkida for the right to be called the capital.

The combination of beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, forest, mountains, hot springs with lively taverns, bars and cafes where you can taste fresh seafood, wine of its own production, provides a first-class rest for any traveler.

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Among the architectural monuments in the city are preserved Frankish and Byzantine fortresses, the ruins of the temple of Apollo, as well as the Roman amphitheater. Interesting expositions are ready to surprise guests with local museums: the house of mosaics, ceramic and archaeological. The latter houses a unique image of Medusa Gorgon from the 6th century BC

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Caristos

About a two-hour drive from Eretria is Karystos, a harbor town famous for its stunning panoramic views. The area is also known for its beaches, fish restaurants, and, again, historical finds: the Venetian fortress of Castel Rosso, the 13th-century Burji Tower, and an archaeological museum. Around the city are small colorful villages, whose inhabitants are ready to feed any guest to the brim and entertain him with legends and gossip for a long time.

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Most of the swimming spots on the southeast side of town below Mount Ohi are in inaccessible small bays. But there are also well-equipped sandy beaches with umbrellas, lounge chairs, cafes and changing rooms. They are great for family vacations and snorkeling.

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The town has a modern sewage system, so the sea around Karystos is very clean.

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Kimi Resort

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On the other side of Evia, 60 km from Eretria and 90 km from Karystos, lies the resort town of Kimi. It began to develop later than others, during the silk trade on Evia, so the architectural portrait here is “younger”: tourists will see here many houses and mansions in neoclassical style.

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Key excursion sites are the museum, which houses a collection of silk embroidery, and the 17th-century convent.

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Near Kimi there are several therapeutic mineral springs on which health resorts have been built.

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The village of Avlonari, adjacent to the town, attracts visitors with a street fair for the grape harvest festival. It takes place annually for eight days, from October 6 to 14.

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Beaches of Evia

A significant number of tourists come here looking specifically for a beach vacation. On Evia you can find both ennobled and organized beaches, where you can rent chairs and mattresses, there is an opportunity to buy food and drinks, and completely wild, where rarely sets foot. To some bays will have to go down the mountain trails, but the clear water and the absence of other vacationers are worth the effort if you prefer the comfort of privacy and peace.

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Evia’s most popular beaches are:

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  • Kalamos;
  • Hiliadou;
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  • Pefki;
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  • Nisiotissa;
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  • Limnionas;
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  • Kanatadika;
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  • Kalamis;
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Kalamos is one of the best sandy beaches of the island, located on a stretch of land near the village of Avlonari. Its territory is separated by a cliff, one half is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable vacation: from umbrellas and sun beds to apartments, cafes and bars near the beach line. The second part is more deserted, here at the disposal of vacationers will be only sand and picturesque nature.

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The most popular tourist beach on the island is Kanatadika, a huge sand and pebble stretch of coastline, offering guests a decent selection of hotel and entertainment facilities.

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In the center of Evia is another popular beach, Limnionas. Travelers love it for its picturesque cliffs and caves surrounding the cleanest coastline. It is not as well-adapted as Kanatadika and there are not as many places to stay, but the beach is crowded during the tourist season.

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Kalami is located on the east coast of Evia, near the village of Avlonari. Getting to this hidden corner is not easy, but the result is worth it. After overcoming a hundred meter descent from the mountainside, you will enjoy the nature and the secluded atmosphere of one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.

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Nisiotissa is another picturesque place, known not only for the beautiful nature around it, but also for the small island that can be reached directly from the beach by swimming.

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North Evia boasts Pefki, a five-kilometer long beach with excellent infrastructure. It offers a wide variety of services for a comfortable and active vacation. Good transport links make the beach a popular destination for many tourists.

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An hour’s drive from the town of Halkis is the beach of Hiliadou. Surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation, the small cove is a beach for nudists.

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What to bring

In addition to traditional souvenirs with symbols of Greece and the island, in Evia you can buy locally produced natural cosmetics, records with traditional music or leather goods – wallets, belts, bags. Local wine would also be a great gift.

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What to try

The main national dishes in this region consist of seafood. But that’s not all that the locals eat. On Evia you will find many meat and cheese dishes, the most famous of which is kuneli stifado, a rabbit stew. Greek salad is also worth trying, which is made from a variety of vegetables, lettuce leaves and a special kind of feta cheese. Gourmets will like boiled octopus or shrimp in tomato (ochtapodi ladolemono and garides saganaki).

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Accommodation

On the island of Evia you can find a lot of offers from hotels, apartments, guesthouses with different types of food and facilities. The minimum cost of accommodation is about 20 euros per night. Of course, housing near the first line of the sea will cost a little more expensive. But often hotels that are close to the water have their own beach, which is very convenient. You can book your favorite room directly through the service Booking.com.

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How to get there

The island of Evia is connected to mainland Greece by two bridges. The distance from Chalkida to Athens and Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is about 80 kilometers. There are also regular buses, ferries and trains. Some hotels offer free transfers if you book a stay of 7 days or more.

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There are six crossings from which the island of Evia can be reached by water:

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  • Kimi town – from Skyros (1 hour 40 minutes, €9), Skopelos (2 hours 15 minutes, €18) and Alonisos (3 hours, €20).
    • Panagia and Nea Stira – from Agia Marina (30 minutes, 3.5 €)..
  • Eretri – from Oropose (25 minutes, 2 €).
  • Marmari and Karystos – from Rafina (45 minutes, 7 €).
  • Edipsos – from Arkitsa (45 minutes, 3,4 €).
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