Full Day Private Hiking Tour at the Dragon Houses of South Evia (Styra)

A very challenging archaeological wonder lies in the area of Southern Evia: it’s the 25 famous huge constructions called Drakóspita (=Dragon houses).

Always located on steep and dominating locations, they are built with huge slabs of limestone which form a pyramid-shaped roof: opposite walls converge towards each other as the slabs are put on top one another with each of them protruding as regards its inferior one. Other architectural features include monolithic jambs and lintels, as well as stone shelves protruding from the wall.

Many theories have been proposed in order to explain when, how and for which use the dragonhouses were built. Some have claimed that they were ancient sanctuaries of either Zeus or Hera or Heracles. Others believe that they might have been guard posts or defensive structures, or even shelters for lumberjacks. Whichever the truth is, their imposing size and construction technique is an intriguing enigma!

Hiking up to see the Dragon Houses in Styra is a lifetime experience. The area is a Natura 2000, for its natural beauty, its very rare –isolated for thousands of years – flora, and its wild fauna. Walk up this very old ecosystem, while breathing in thyme and wild tea is majestic.

The Dragon-houses of Styra, which we will visit, are the best preserved and consist of three farmhouse type buildings, dating from Classical to Hellenistic times.

Leaving the Dragon-houses, we follow the ridge towards the Acropolis of Styra. Breathaking views of Styra and the Evian gulf will leave you speechless! Ancient quarries indicate former mining activity, while colossal ancient walls and the huge monolith Gate “the emblem of the municipality of Styra” are the highlights of our tour!