Evia

Strictly speaking, Evia is an island off the eastern coast of mainland Greece, although it is connected to the mainland by an imposing bridge in the city of Chalkida. Not that visitors to this special part of Greece care much about such details because in Evia you can enjoy the very best of the Greek islands and mainland. And at the same time, Evia has a unique identity of its own.

Firs and tamarisks, imposing mountains and endless beaches, fish and game, dragon houses and lighthouses, thermal springs, old monasteries, waterfalls, ravines, stone-built guesthouses, the Cavo Doro Cape … and so much more await on your holidays in Evia. 

Plus the bonus of the budget-friendly town of Chalkida, with its long seaside promenades. Yes, Evia – just a couple of hours from Athens – seems to hold the whole of Greece within its shores.

What to do in Evia, Greece

North, south or central? Whichever route you choose, touring Evia will be a delight. To the north, you’ll find fragrant pine forests, old monasteries (such as Galataki and Osios David), the beautiful settlement of Limni Evias, the Drimonas Waterfalls and the thermal springs of Edipsos.

In central Evia, there is the alpine world of Mt Dirfis. Sumptuous beaches dominate the northeast, along with the medieval towers at Messapia and the Byzantine churches at Avlonas. To the south, discover the land of the winds with the enigmatic drakospita (dragon houses), the Ohi Mountains and the enchanting Dimosaris Gorge, and visit the archaeological treasures of Eretria and the medieval castles at Aliveri, Stira and Karystos.

Discover the best beaches of Evia

There are fantastic beaches seemingly hidden around every bend on Evia – Edipsos, Politikon, Limnionas, Kavos, Gregolimanos and, of course, everyone’s favourite, Agia Anna-Agkali to the north. Further south, you’ll find Hiliadou, with its lush vegetation, sand and pebbles of every shape and size and a sea cave. The beach took its name from the small Byzantine church of Panagia Hiliadou (meaning the thousandth) as, according to tradition, this was the thousandth church built by Empress Theodora. Nearby, you’ll also find Mourteri beach, loved by wind- and kite-surfers, Eretria beach and Agios Merkourios, Kalamos and Korasida. And to the south are the beaches of Nea Stira, Limnionas Stiron, Chrysi Ammos and the popular Figia.

Visit the thermal springs of Edipsos

The Edipsos Springs were renowned in antiquity for their unique properties. To the never-ending line of emperors and Roman generals who visited the baths, you can add 19th and 20th century prime ministers, writers and dignitaries. And as well as immersing yourself in the healing waters, you’ll admire Thermae Sylla – a neoclassical masterpiece built around an impressive tower – and the old baths designed by renowned architect Ernst Ziller.

Watch the shifting tides of Chalkida

The town of Chalkida never fails to draw attention because of the peculiar behaviour of the water passing under its bridge, which changes direction seemingly on a whim every six hours. The reason for this phenomenon? The moon’s gravity, as well as the difference in sea level between the north and south Euboean Gulf. Fresh fish and seafood, long promenades along a waterfront lined with cafes and restaurants, sights such as the Kokkino Spiti (Red House) of 1884, the House with the Statues, the Archaeological Museum and the Mayor’s Hall (whose architecture features baroque and Italian elements), all make up the unique character of Evia’s main town.

Admire the bridge that welcomes you to Evia 

The New Chalkida Bridge, connecting Evia with the mainland since 1992, is a masterpiece. The first cable-stayed suspension bridge in Greece, it is almost 700m long and (at its highest point) 35.5m tall. Its pylons rise to 90m, carrying a road suspended by 144 wire cables. You’ll admire it from all angles, particularly at night when it is lit up.

Strike gold at turbulent Cavo Doro

Awe is the first word that comes to mind when coming upon one of the most difficult passages of the Greek seas. No matter how calm the weather is, at Cape Kafireas (Cavo Doro) the wind is always inclined to put on a bit of a show. It is claimed that gold coins from Byzantine shipwrecks still wash up on nearby shores – hence the name Doro (from gold). You can reach the cape at the southeast tip of Evia by road or renting a boat from Karistos.

Enjoy sports and other outdoor fun

Evia holds a special appeal for adventurers. From kayaking in the turbulent waters of the Evripos Strait to horseback-riding at Malakonta, near Eretria, there are outdoor activities to be found all around the island. Hikers will love exploring the trails around Mt Nikolaos (and then resting in the mountain lodge) or walking between the Drimonas waterfalls on Mt Ksiros. In southern Evia, you can enjoy a four-hour hike along the Dimosaris Gorge or climbing Mt Ohi, overlooking the central Aegean. And Mt Dirfis is perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Finally, why not delve into the mysteries of the famous drakospita, or dragon houses, at Palli Laka – the Cyclopean constructions attributed to the pre-Hellenic Dryopes, a tribe thought to have had supernatural powers?