The island of Evia (Evia in Greek) is relatively untouristy (except for some vacation clubs around Eretria). However, it is an island easily accessible from Athens and offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes with nice viewpoints. It will seduce nature lovers because it remains wild on the mountain side as well as on the sea side. However, do not expect to find the charm of the white villages of the Cyclades. Here, the architecture is more disparate, less polished, but can also be more authentic.
The north of Evia
The north of the island of Evia is wooded and rural. These landscapes are very green, we are far from the image of the Greek islands with arid landscapes. It is more like continental Greece.
About 90km north of Halkida is the village of Limni. Small, quiet and serene, it has kept an “old-fashioned” cachet and is a pleasant break. The road of the cornice leads then, 30 kilometers more in the north, to the thermal station of Loutra Edipsou, famous for its therapeutic waters in the vapors of sulfur (whose benefits were praised by Aristotle). In front of the Thermae Sylla Spa hotel, there is a beach where hot water from natural springs flows into small “jacuzzis” in the rock. Twenty kilometers away, in a sublime natural setting, between sandy beaches and pine forests, is located the Club Med of Gregolimano.
About ½ hour from Limni, is the charming village of Prokopi known for the relics of St. John the Russian brought back by religious. Ideal place for a break before continuing your stay to the north of the island.
The center of Euboea
The center of the island of Evia is perhaps the part of the island which presents the least interest. Halkida concentrates a large part of the commercial activity of the island. There are few things to linger on.
If you go to the east side, you will find mountain landscapes and forests. Nothing spectacular but the atmosphere is calm and relaxing, with, in some places, an impression of the end of the world. The village of Steni is the starting point for hikes, especially on Mount Dirfis. The efforts to reach the summit (2h30 walk) are rewarded by a nice panorama at the end.
On the east coast, don’t miss the beautiful beach of Chiliadou. Between lush vegetation, pebbles and turquoise waters, this beach is splendid. But be careful, the descent into the sea is brutal and there can be strong waves. You will find several restaurants on the seafront.
South of Evia
The south of Evia is wild and mountainous. The Mount Ochi which culminates at almost 1400m occupies almost the entire end of this island. To the east, the mountain literally plunges into the Aegean Sea, and only an acrobatic road runs along this coastline with its grandiose landscape. In the west, on the other hand, the coast is more protected and hosts the ports of Karystos and Marmari. These remote villages are ideal starting points for hikes to Mount Ochi or to the unspoiled beaches of Karystos Bay.
Euboea in practice
How to get to Euboea or Evia?
The island of Evia can be reached either by boat or by car via a bridge.
- There is a connection from the port of Rafina that leads to Marmari. The port of Rafina is very convenient, as it is not very busy compared to Piraeus. The crossing lasts less than an hour, on a sea generally not very agitated. In Marmari you can easily find a place to eat or stay at a lower cost.
- Another way to get to Evia is to take the ferry to Agia Marina. This crossing allows to reach the port of Nea Styra in 45 minutes. However, it is not possible to book your ticket online. You can buy your ticket directly at the kiosk.
- You can also reach the island by road, using the Halkida bridge which connects Evia to the mainland.
- Another way to reach North Evia is to rent a sailboat or catamaran with
Athenian Yachts
based in the port of Volos. Thus you can discover at your convenience, with or without skipper, for a week or a few days, the coasts of Pelion and part of the island of Evia.
How to get around the island of Evia?
We strongly recommend that you have a vehicle for your stay in Evia. Indeed, the island is vast, the distances are important and the public transport network is only slightly developed. The roads are in good condition but narrow and winding. You will easily find gas stations all over the island. If you want to rent a car, we advise you to use the site RentalCars which allows you to compare the prices rental companies.
Where to stay in Evia?
On our side, we prefer the South of the island. We still live in Karistos in an old vineyard.
Here are some nice accommodations:
- Enjoying an elevated location, only a few meters from the beach of Pili, Xenia Residence offers spacious studios and apartments with modern decor and breathtaking panoramic views. Excellent breakfast.
- Surrounded by gardens, olive trees, vineyards and orchards, the Vateri offers a view of the Gulf of Evia. This facility offers the opportunity to participate in agricultural activities on site. This stone residence has an outdoor pool and a tennis court. An incredible setting that will delight slow-tourism lovers.
- Nestled on top of a hill and surrounded by century old trees, the Eleonas hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the sea, on a 35 hectare plot of land.
- Another hotel in the center, in the heart of the mountain, the hotel Basiliki in the quiet village of Steni. Spacious, clean rooms. The staff is friendly and the homemade breakfast is excellent!
To find other accommodations, we recommend that you visit Booking where you will find many accommodations (hotels, apartments, houses…). You will also find several accommodations on AirBnB.
Sophie B.
