Evia Island in Greece is truly a blessed place; characterized by the diversity of the islands of the Aegean Sea, it hosts high mountains, gorges, rivers, lakes, lagoons, monuments, archaeological sites and numerous attractions. What is also impressive is the number of beaches on Evia: 110!
Being part of the Aegean Sea in Greece, but also connected with the mainland by road, Evia Island combines the organization and amenities found in large cities with the natural beauty and spectacular beaches of heavenly islands. The best places to visit are situated literally everywhere, with sightseeing proposals varying from Byzantine monasteries and museums, to dazzling beaches and traditional villages.
Villages
There are hundreds of villages in Evia and each one has something different to offer. In the northern part, villages are built on mountains or along the coast. Some of them are larger and provide contemporary amenities and others remind visitors of past decades. Among the places worth a visit in northern Evia are of course Edipsos with its thermal spa, Rovies, Hronia, Agios Georgios and Lihada for their gorgeous beaches, Istiea that offers all amenities and great food, the picturesque coastal village of Orei, the traditional village of Kyrinthos, and Drymonas with the river Sipias and its fantastic waterfalls.
In southern Evia, apart from the main big villages of Karystos, Marmari and Styra, there is a plethora of small traditional villages. Around Karystos, there are the “villages of Gourna” (Aetos, Chora, Grambia, Kalyvia, Lala, Mekounida, Metochi, and Myloi) that are built in the foot of mount Ochi and they are surrounded by olive groves and planes. Around Marmari, there are several villages that have the atmosphere of a past era. Among them: Melissonas, Paradeisi, Figias, Hania, and Stoupaioi.
In the central-eastern part of the island, the biggest village is Kimi, but there are several villages worth a visit: Limnionas with is dazzling beach, Oxilithos with an amazing view both to the hills around and to the sea, Avlonari with its fabulous panoramic architecture, Konistra with the Kolethra Source and its turquoise waters, and the picturesque village of Oktonia with its uniform low white houses with red roofs!
In the central-western coast, Eretria is the biggest village hosting museums, archaeological sites, many amenities and a lovely beach. Nearby there are the beautiful coastal village of Amarynthos, the village of Vasilikos with picturesque chapels and imposing old neoclassical houses, and the village of Fylla hosting the house of the Greek hero Andreas Miaoulis and an impressive tower.
Close to Chalkida, the places worth a visit are the coastal village of Nea Artaki, Psachna that offers a breathtaking view of mountain Dirfys, Politika with their traditional square and the traditional village of Pissonas.
Chalkida, the island’s capital, is an unsurpassable destination; apart from hosting several museums and monuments, a Castle (“Castle of Karampampas”), and the many choices of accommodation, dining and leisure, this blessed place offers the opportunity of observing the unique phenomenon of the Euripos tide. Here, the sea water current changes direction from 6 up to 14 times per day, depending on how many days have passed from the last full moon! And what better place for observing the waters than the Chalkida Old Bridge?
Museums and Galleries
The fact that Evia has been inhabited since the Prehistoric Era explains why there are three archaeological museums on the island.
The Archaeological Museum of Chalkida houses findings from 11.000 B.C. till the 3rd century A.D., which have been brought from throughout the island. Its collection includes house objects, jewels, tools, weapons, statues, and objects from ancient temples.
The Archaeological Museum of Eretria hosts objects, parts of temples, jewels, etc., from different eras, but is mainly famous for its sculptures and especially for the sculptures of the Ancient Temple of Apollo. Among them, the sculpture of Thiseas and the Amazon stands out for its details.
The Archaeological Museum of Karystos is the smallest of the three museums; nevertheless, it houses interesting objects, tombstones, inscriptions with the ancient alphabet of Chalkida, and sculptures.
There are also two more archaeological collections, in Edipsos (in the spa building of the Hellenic Tourism Organization) and in Ano Potamia (next to the church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary) close to Kimi.
Another interesting museum is the Historic National Museum of Anastasios Liaskos in Kontodespoti, which was established in 1995 and presents the recent history of the island, starting from the 1821 Revolution till today.
Moreover, there are six Folklore Museums: in Chalkida, Kimi, Karystos, Agia Anna, Limni and Amarhynthos. All host objects of the everyday life through the centuries, embroideries, art objects, tools and local costumes.
The Museum of Paleontology in Kerasia will thrill young visitors and will astonish older ones, since it hosts fossils from 10 million years ago! So far, 24 different species of animals have been proved to have lived on the island based on the discovered fossils. This museum is not to be missed!
Another venue that will delight young visitors is the Nautilus Museum of Marine Life located in Agiokampos (close to Edipsos). Apart from hosting beautiful sea-related objects, the museum presents the relationships between sea objects and aspects of everyday life, like architecture, communication, etc.
Moreover, the Museum of National History of Istiea, created by hunters of the area, presents the nature of Evia through embalmed animals, fish birds, minerals, rocks, shells, plants and insects.
Last but not least, the Museum of Friends of Giannis Skarimbas, the renowned Greek writer from Evia, is located in Chalkida and houses his objects and books, giving visitors some more information on his life.
Evia Beach Guide
The stunning island of Evia in Greece has 370 km. of coastline and about 110 beaches. So, someone could spend all three summer months in Evia Island and choose a different beach every day! However, they would need a beaches’ map to guide them around the lovely coasts of the Aegean Sea with crystal clear blue waters and the amazing turquoise bays of the Evian Gulf.
The new online beaches guide of Evia Island is now available and has it all: organized beaches, isolated coves, beaches offering waters sports and nudism friendly shores. Now, Evia’s coastal heavens are only a click away…
Best Beaches in Evia
When on holidays, many visitors seek golden sand and transparent waters; others, dream of wild, rocky beaches; and others prefer organized beaches, suitable for children. Evia, in the Aegean Sea, has all the above and even more: Aidipsos has thermal healing waters; Hiliadou is ideal for nature lovers and nudists; Mourteri is 8 km. long; and Alikes is the beach of youngsters!
The fresh online Evia beaches’ map makes discovering the best beaches in Evia, Greece easy! And proves that island’s beaches are among the most impressive beaches in Greece.
Local products
Evia has a very fertile land and produces several different types of products, the variety of which will amaze visitors.
Apricot liqueur
All the aroma of apricot is captured in this unique liqueur. Taking a bottle home is certainly not a bad idea!
Honey
Produced in the forests of Evia, local honey is delicious and with high nutritional value!
Tsipouro
Evia has its own “raki” and it is quite strong. It is drunk with appetizers and sometimes used in local recipes. In some cases, distilleries are open to the public for a visit!
Wine
Wine production in Evia goes back to the Ancient Times and it is mentioned in the texts of Homer. Four wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) are produced on the island: Local Evia wine, Local Ritsona Avlidas wine, Local Lilandio Pedio wine and Local Karystos wine. Several wineries are open to the public.
Dried figs
Dried figs are a delicious sweet snack and they are easy to carry, as they are light and don’t occupy much space. What better gift for the loved ones back home?
Hamofasoula
Hamofasoula are a specific type of beans produced only in the area of Mantoudi. They have high nutritional value, thanks to the high levels of potassium and magnesium of the soil in this area.
Olives
Throughout Evia olives are very tasteful; however, in Rovies they are produced in an organic olive grove and they have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Plus, they have recently won quality awards!
Spa cosmetics
Spa cosmetics, including thermal water from Edipsos, are available on the island. Female visitors will certainly find something very useful among them.
Cultural events
Cultural events (”Cultural Summer”) are held from June to September in the capital and the big villages of the island (Chalkida, Eretria, Oropos, Karystos, Lefkanti, Mantoudi, Vasiliko, Limni). The events include music concerts, theatre plays, treasure hunts, movies, art exhibitions, sports games, traditional dances, etc. Information is provided via the local municipalities.
Where to stay
The best places to stay in Evia are totally subjective, depending on visitors’ desires: some wish to relax and “slowdown” in picturesque villages that host traditional rooms and apartments; others desire to be close to nature by staying in one of the island’s organized camping facilities; and some prefer to relish the amenities and services of luxury hotel accommodation, available in Chalkida, Eretria, Agia Anna, Edipsos and Limni
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