1. BY BUS: There are daily services (KTEL buses) from Athens to the main cities and towns of Evia.
Informations KTEL buses 260 Liosion str., Athens – Tel. + 30 210 8317153 – Bus Station KTEL Chalkida + 30 22210 22640.
There are regular services from Thessaloniki to Chalkida and the summer with Edipsos.
2. BY TRAIN: There are daily services between Chalkida and Athens.
Informations OSE (Railway Company) tel. + 30 210 5240646 – 8, OSE Railway company Chalkida – Tel. + 30 22210 22386
3. BY FERRY BOAT: There are frequent daily services from Oropos to Eretria. Distance 4 nautical miles (30 min.)
Informations: Port Authority of Eretria – Tel. + 30 22290 62201.
From Oropos there is a frequent bus service to Athens.
Terminus in Athens – tel. + 30 210 8230179.
Agios Konstantinos on Fthiotida is connected with Kymi by ferry boat in the summer months. From Athens, Agios Konstantinos can be reached by buses KTEL (260 Liosion str. – Tel. + 30 210 8317147). Informations about ferry boats: port Authority of Agios Konstantinos + 30 22350 31759.
From Rafina in Attica there are regular daily ferry sevices to Karystos and Marmari.
Informations: Port Authority of Rafina + 30 22940 22300.
The buses from Athens to Rafina leave from Pedion Areos Square.
Informations: Bus Station + 30 210 8210872
From Agia Marina there are frequent daily services to Styra and Almyropotamos. Informations Port Authority Nea Styra + 30 22240 41266, Agia Marina + 30 22940 63491. Buses to Agia Marina leaves from Athens (Mavromateon str. – Tel. + 30 210 8210872).
From Arkitsa on Fthiotida there is a frequent service to Edipsos.
Port Authority of Edipsos + 30 22260 22464
Port Authority of Arkitsa + 30 22330 91290.
Arkitsa can be reached by buses KTEL from Athens – Tel. + 30 210 8317147.
From Glyfa on Fthiotida there are frequent ferries to Agiokampos. Informations Port Authority of Glyfa + 30 22380 61288 – Port Authority of Orei + 30 22260 71288.
Glyfa is reached from Athens by KTEL bus to Lamia and from there by local bus to the harbor.
Informations Bus Station KTEL of Fthiotida + 30 210 8310147.
From the beach of Kymi there are daily services to Skyros island. Informations Port Authority of Kymi + 30 22220 22606, Port Authority of Skyros + 30 22220 91475.
Kymi is reached by Evia KTEL buses. Terminus in Athens: 260 Liosion Str. – tel.: + 30 210 8317163
4. BY HYDROFOIL
From Rafina to Karystos, Marmari, Nea Styra and Chalkida.
From Agios Konstantinos to Edipsos, Limni, Chalkida, Orei.
Passengers are taken to Agios Konstantinos by company bus.
From Volos to Kymi’s Beach. In the summer there are also services to Pefki and Orei. Informations Port Authority of Volos – Tel.: + 30 24210 38888.
From Kymi Beach (only the summer) to Skyros, Alonisos and Skopelos Islands.
From Pefki to Skiathos Island.
Various harbors in Evia are also connected by ferry or hydrofoil with Sporades islands, Thessaloniki, Kamena Vourla and some of the Cyclades islands.
From Chalkida, which is the communications center of the island, there are KTEL buses to most of the towns and villages on the island. Informations Bus Station KTEL Chalkida + 30 22210 22640, 23120 There are also large number of taxis, cars and motorcycles for rent.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS CHALKIDA
Port Authority + 30 22210 28888
Municipal Offices + 30 22210 77620, 85555
General Hospital + 30 22210 21901, 22210 82222
Archaeological Museum + 30 22210 25131
Folklore Museum + 30 22210 21817
A road starting from Aliveri crosses southern Evia and ends at Karystos.
We first come to Lepoura, Krieza and Zarakes. Minor side-roads lead to the west coast and the beautiful seaside settlements of Boufalo, Agios Dimitrios and Panagia.
On the east coast, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is Zarakon Beach.
Continuing along the main road, we come to ALMYROPOTAMOS (77km. from Chalkida), a small village with several traditional stone houses.
The small harbor at Panagia has a connection with the coast of Attica opposite (Agia Marina).
We proceed to Mesochoria, Eleochori and Nea Styra (91 km. south east of Chalkida).
At NEA STYRA, there is ample accommodation, as well as taverns. The settlement is connected by a frequent ferry service with Agia Marina.
The village of STYRA is 4,5 km. away, inland, spreading around a verdant hillside with a superb view of the sea.
Further south there is a side road to MARMARI, a populous village and harbor, from which there are boats connecting Evia with Rafina, in Attica. The village has fine beaches, clear sea, adequate accommodation and taverns. The bay of Marmari has a scattering of verdant islets, called Petali Islands.
To the north of Marmari is the deserted beach of Figia.
KARYSTOS
The road ends at KARYSTOS, a beautiful town with a large harbor, from which there are daily connections with Rafina.
The town has several characteristic old houses, a good urban design, a beautiful quay and a tourist infrastructure, with many restaurants, taverns, bars, discos etc.
The beaches are beautiful and the sea superb. The most important tourist sights are: a restored Venetian tower (Bourtzi), a 13th c. building to the right of the harbor, the Town Hall, a 19th c. neoclassical building, the ruins of the Venetian castle (Castello Rosso) on a wooded hill, with a superb view over the city, the nunnery of Agia Mavra, 2 km north-east of Karystos and the verdant area of Agia Triada, with its abundant spring water and twin churches. An ancient temple, which probably belonged to Apollo or Hephaestus has been found in the center of Karystos.
To the east of the town, excavations have brought to light part of ancient Geraistos, while the Hellenistic acropolis of Karystos has been discovered near the village of Kokkali and the extensive Hellenistic cemetery at Paleochora.
The Archaeological Museum of Karystos contains some important finds from the surrounding area.
There are several cultural events at Karystos, including performances of plays and exhibitions.
Above Karystos, in the foothills of Mount Ochi, is scattering of villages: Grambias, Lala, Myli, Nikasi, Kalyvia and Pothi. These have fine views and abundant water and vegetation.
2 km. south-east of Karystos is Aetos, with beautiful houses standing in fine gardens. A narrower road continues on to the south, ending at the south tip of Evia, Bouros.
A secondary road, which is quite difficult at a number of points, leads to the remote villages of Cavo Doro (Cape Kafireas). It is an enchanting journey through the unique plane wood of Platanisto.
At some points there is a breath-taking view over the ocean and the wild rocks.
A small river flows in the ravine, issuing on the beautiful beach at the settlement of Potami. Other villages in the area include Evangelismos, Amygdalia and Prinia.
Taking Chalkida as our starting point, we may take the road that leads north to Nea Artaki, Psachna, Prokopi and Mantoudi.
NEA ARTAKI is a fishing town located north of Chalkida in a plain surrounded of mountains. It is famous for its tourism, notably its beaches. The fishing port of Nea Artaki has many traditional sea-front snack bars serving local seafood specialities. PROKOPI is built in a fertile valley with plane trees and cultivated crops.
A short distance away from the village is the monastery of Agios Ioannis Rossos, where the saint’s relic is kept. The monastery celebrates its festival on 27 May, attracting large numbers of worshippers. MANTOUDI (8 km. north of Prokopi) is a beautiful village with an abundance of running water and vegetation. On the Kastri hill can be seen the remains of the ancient city of Kerinthos. The church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, built in the 19th c., is also of some interest. On its feast day, 26 September, there is a major festival, with traditional musical instruments and dancing.
Visitors can swim at the beaches of Kymasi and Krya Vrysi.
The road continues to Kirinthos, Strofilia and Agia Anna. AGIA ANNA is a traditional village that spreads around the slopes of a hill covered with pine trees. It is located 25 kilometers from Mantoudi and 75 kilometers from the capital. It has a small Folklore Museum containing local costumes, textiles, a photographic archive, household utensils, framing tools and other objects. ANGALI on the coast (5 km. to the east) is one of the finest and largest beaches on Evia. Its crystal clear waters offer great swimming opportunities during the summer months. In the area you will find hotels, rooms to let and a camping site. In the taverns you can taste fresh fish and seafood.
The road continues north to VASILIKA, a traditional village in the foothills of Mount Xiros, 95 km. to the north of Chalkida. It has much vegetation and abundant water. The beach of PSAROPOULIattracts large number of holiday-makers in the summer and has crystal clear sea and fresh fish.
We proceed northwards to ARTEMISION, famous for the naval battle fought here during the Persian Wars. The famous bronze statue of Poseidon, on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, was founded in the sea of Artemision.
We next come to PEFKI, a popular tourist resort, where the pine trees come down almost to the sea. Here, you will find numerous hotels, apartments and rooms to let.
The village attracts a lot of tourists, mainly because of its beach. There are plenty of taverns, restaurants and bars and the night life is quite intense!
After this, the main road leads to ISTIEA, which is built in a fertile plain. Istiea has a small archaeological and folklore collection. The church of Agios Nikolaos in this town has some notable paintings, and 6 km. to the east, in a region densely planted with plane trees, is the church of the Panagia Dinious, where there is a festival on 23 August.
On the coast nearby at Kanatadika are the wetlands of MIKRO & MEGALO LIVARI, which attract rare species of wild birds.
The picturesque harbor of OREI attracts many visitors in the summer. In the local taverns you will enjoy fresh fish and seafood. On one of two hills here, remains have been found of a Venetian Castle that was built on the foundations of an ancient fortification wall.
We proceed to the villages of NEOS PYRGOS, AGIOKAMPOS, AGIOS, LICHADA, GREGOLIMANO, passing beautiful little bays with lush vegetation and a good tourist infrastructure.
Neos Pyrgos is a popular coastal village built by refuges from Constantinople which attracts a lot of holiday-makers during the summer. You can swim at the village’s beach and at Nisiotissa, a little further to the south.
EDIPSOS
Some 3 km. south of Agios is the spa-town of EDIPSOS, 117 km. away from Chalkida. This is one of the largest and most important spas in Greece and the healing qualities of its springs were already known in ancient times. Today there are hydropathic facilities, a wide range of plentiful accommodation, restaurants, taverns etc.
Edipsos has an archaeological collection with many interesting objects on display.
You can swim at the small beach of the city and at Agios Nikolaos beach.
The road continues southwards towards Rovies and Limni. ROVIES is one of the finest seaside villages on Evia and attracts large numbers of holiday-makers. It has clear sea and fine beaches with lush vegetation. LIMNI spreads around a natural harbor. It has an unequivocally island character, with narrow streets, old traditional houses and picturesque chapels.
The natural setting is also completely enchanting. The town has an Historical and Folklore Museum (tel. + 30 22270 31335). Sights worth seeing near Limni include : the church of the Dormition of Virgin, the ruins of a sunken Early Christian basilica that was built above a Roman bath-house, the skete of St. Christodoulos and the Historical Archive of the Municipality of Limni, which contains some important documents.
The nunnery of Agios Nikolaos (Galataki monastery), which was built in the 7th or 8th c., is 10 km. south-east of the town.
Just outside Limni there is a hydrobiology collection, with fossils from the sea-bed and various species of fish and shell-fish (tel. 32335)
Starting from Chalkida, we follow the coast road south-eastward towards Aliveri, coming first to the villages of Mytikas and Vasiliko.
At VASILIKO, there is a Frankish tower, with two more a short distance away on hills affording fine views of the entire plain and the sea.
At the nearby community of PHYLLA is the Venetian castle of Likario (13th-15th c.)
The sea-side settlements of LEFKANTI and MALAKONDA have a good swimming and a large number of facilities. Archaeological excavations in this area have brought to light some important finds from settlements dating from prehistoric times to the Geometric period.
ERETRIA
We proceed to ERETRIA, the second largest port on Evia after Chalkida, from which there are connections with Attica on the mainland. Eretria spreads along the coast above the ruins of the ancient city.
Ancient Eretria was built in the 8th c. BC and became a prosperous city. In 490 BC it was destroyed by the Persians, but quickly recovered and took part in the naval battle of Salamis, on the side of the Athenians (480 BC). It was destroyed by the Romans in 198 and 97 BC, and fell into obscurity.
In the archaeological site at Eretria can be seen: a covered house with mosaic floors (4th c. BC), ruins of the east fortification wall of the ancient acropolis, ruins of the ancient theater and palaestra on the lower slopes of the acropolis, the temples of Dionysos and Demeter and the sanctuary of a female deity on the south side of the acropolis, next to the theater. There are also the ruins of the large temple of Apollo Daphnephoros, roughly in the center of the archaeological site, remains of the temple of Isis, the palaestra, the gymnasium, houses and tombs at Livadia, by the sea.
The Archaeological Museum (tel. 22210 62206) contains important finds from the excavations at Eretria, Amarynthos and Lefkanti.
The Municipality of Eretria organizes a cultural and athletic festival at the end of July – beginning of August.
The area of Eretria has many hotel units, restaurants, bars, entertainment centers, and facilities for a variety of water sports. There is a bungalow complex on the pine-clad islet of Pezonisi to right of the harbor. The island is connected to the town by a bridge.
AMARYNTHOS
After Eretria, we come to AMARYNTHOS, a beautiful seaside town with fine beaches and restaurants and fish taverns. Here you find abundant freshly-caught fish and seafood delicacies displayed in the local fish shops all along the waterfront. The natural beauty of its landscape with its dreamy waters and golden sandy beaches and also its excellent infrastructure are some of the advantages of this town. The town stretches along the coast and has been developed as a tourist tourist over the past few years.
There are numerous hotels, apartments and rooms to let providing all comforts, as well as fish taverns, snack bars, coffee shops and night clubs for the young.
Amarynthos is also ideal for walks and excursions as well as visits to small churches that are monuments for the history of the place. It is worth visiting the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary which is situated in the city of Amarynthos and constructed of chiseled stone. The icon is mainly made of marble.
Amarynthos has also a Folklore Museum with an interesting collection.
The first permanent settlement of Amarinthos is dated during the Neolithic Period (6000-3000 B.C). One of the most important settlements, however, was the one developed on the coast of Evia during the Bronze Age (3000 – 2100 B.C).
A small side-road leads to Ano Vathia, a traditional village built on a ravine and surrounded by verdant hills.
A short distance away is the nunnery of Agios Nikolaos, in a superb natural setting. The nunnery church has some 16th c. wall-paintings.
To the east lies ALIVERI, a town in which there is a considerable commercial activity, to the south-east of which is a thermo-electric station. In the area, there is also marble mining industry. Aliveri also boast the picturesque harbor of Karavos.
After this we come to RIZOKASTRO, one of the earliest castles of the Frankish period. A Mycenaean “tholos” tomb was discovered in the area of Katakalos, 7 km. to the north-east. The important wetland of Dystos is just a short distance away.
Beyond Aliveri the road leaves the sea and continues inland towards Lepoura, after which it turns north to Avlonari, pass through a fertile plain with many crops. AVLONARI is a beautiful traditional village that spreads around a hill with a superb view over the plain. There is a Venetian tower and church at the top of the hill.
At Chania Avlonariou is the Byzantine church of Agios Dimitrios, which has some 13th c. wall-paintings.
Other beautiful villages in the area, surrounded by lush greenery include Agios Georgios, Agios Vlassis, Orologio, Monodry, Konistres, Oxylithos, Taxiarches and Pyrgos. Most of these are built on heights, enjoy wonderful views over the plane and the sea and have attractive houses and carefully kept gardens.
The road forks at Chania Avlonariou, with one branch going down to the coast and Stomio and Platana, traditional settlements that extend along an endless shore, with ample accommodation, taverns and entertainment centers of all kinds.
It ends at the beach of Kymi, an important harbor connecting Evia with Sporades islands and Volos, with numerous hotels, apartments and studios to let, taverns and coffee shops. KYMI
The other branch of the road continues inland and leads to the beautiful town of KYMI, the “balcony over the Aegean”, as it is known, because of its superb view over the boundless sea (44km. from Eretria and 91 km. from Chalkida).
It is built around the slopes of a hill with lush vegetation. A twisting road 4 km. long connects the town with the beach of Kymi, which has several traditional houses, picturesque streets, fine gardens, an abundance of running water and some rich traditions.
In ancient times this was one of the most important cities on Evia and founded colonies in South Italy and Asia Minor (8th c. BC).
Kymi has a very interesting Folklore Museum, with exhibits covering the period 1800-1930. A special room contains relics of Georgios Papanikolaou, a doctor and researcher of worldwide renown.
In the town you will find many hotels and rooms to let, taverns, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
Choneftiko, 2 km north-west of Kymi, has a mineral spring of drinking water and lush greenery.
To the west of Kymi is the superb beach of Chiliadou and the traditional village of Lamari.
The mountain village of STROPONES, in the foothills of Mount Dirphi, is in the interior of Evia, south-west of Kymi. The village has abundant running waters, fruit trees, garden produces and chestnut and plane trees.
Just to the south is STENI DIRPHIS, a picturesque village built in a ravine full of plane trees in the foothills of Mount Dirphi. This entire area at the heart of the island is enchanting.
Chalkida, the capital of Evia is an administrative, commercial and industrial center. It is situated at the point of the island that has the narrowest sea-crossing to the coast of Central Greece opposite the straits of Evripos. Until recently, traffic between the island and the mainland passed over the old draw-bridge, which opened to allow ships to pass. From the bridge can be observed the periodic tides through the straits.The island is now linked with the mainland by a high-level bridge that shortens the journey considerably.
The following are the main sites worth seeing at Chalkida :
The Kanithos Fortress on the Boeothian coast, on the summit of a hill covered with pine trees, the Roman aqueduct, the Historical Archive, the Municipal Library, a number of mansions and the churches of Agia Paraskevi (St. Paraskevi is the patron saint of the city), Agios Nikolaos, etc.
The Archaeological Museum (tel. + 30 22210 25131) contains a variety of finds from the excavations in the area.
The Folklore Museum (tel. : + 30 2221021817) which is housed in part of the medieval fortifications of the city, includes traditional costumes from all over Evia, traditional furniture, tools, vessels, etc.
In Chalkida you will find numerous hotel units, apartments to let, restaurants, fish taverns, coffee shops, bars, clubs, cinemas and various shops.
Evia is the second largest of the Greek islands after Crete and is usually not thought of as an island at all, but as an extension of the main land. Indeed its terrain and countryside are very similar to those of central Greece.
Opposite, while the gulf of Evia that separates them might be compared with a wide river, its two banks connected by the large bridge of Chalkida.
The island is linked with the mainland by many sea-crossings: Glyfa, Agios Konstantinos, Arkitsa, Oropos, Agia Marina and Rafina.
Evia has an area of 3.658 square kilometers, 15.180 long and from 7 to 45 kilometers wide, and has 677 kilometers of coastline.
It is divided into three parts: North, Central and South Evia.
North Evia has low mountains and hills and a large plain reaching down to the sea.
Central Evia is mountainous, the highest peak being mount Dirphi (1.743 meters).
South Evia is generally flat, the highest being mount Ochi.
The island has a number of small rivers and mineral springs.
HISTORY
In ancient times it was called Makrys, Doliche and Ellopia and was inhabited from the late Neolithic period. The ancient Euboeans sent a contingent of 40 ships to the Trojan War.
In the 8th century BC Euboea was at the height of its prosperity and influence, and its major cities, Chalkis and Eretria founded colonies in Western Greece, South Italy and Sicily.
In the 5th century BC, it was subjected to the power of the Athenians and was later conquered by the Macedonians.
In 146 BC it was incorporated into the Roman State.
Under the Byzantine Empire, the island belonged to the theme of Greece with its capital at Chalkis.
In 1205 it was captured by the Franks and from 1470 to 1833 was subjected to the Turks.
At the end of the 17th century, the Venetians unsuccessfully laid siege to Chalkis.
The island took part in the Greek War of Independence against the Turks in 1821, and Evia was annexed to the newly created Greek State in 1833.
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