The island of Evia (Greece) is one of the largest in the Aegean Sea. It stretches along the coast of Attica for 160 km. The width of the island reaches 40 km, and the area is about 3,684 square kilometers or 368 thousand hectares.
Evia is almost a separate state with its own capital and inhabitants. The territory of the island is divided into 7 municipalities, where more than 200 thousand people live. At the same time, tourists are welcome in each district. There are hotels, private cottages, apartments, individual houses for every taste and at different prices.
The territory of the island is covered with mountains that divide it into three parts. There are three regions here – northern, central, and southern. As well as three mountain ranges-Ohi, Dirfi, Kandili. Large cities are located on the coast, small towns nestle on the shores of bays, mountain slopes and river valleys.
The combination of mountains and sea creates beautiful landscapes, gives you the opportunity to walk and travel to mountain passes. From the spurs and slopes of the peaks, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Here you can take a photo of the island of Evia and continental Greece on the background of the sea surface.
On vacation in Euboea: why come here?
Evia or Euboea is a beach holiday destination for residents of Greece and visiting tourists. The popularity of the island provides a variety of landscapes, landscapes and pastimes. There are mountains and sea, bays and caves, forest slopes and river valleys, modern entertainment and historical attractions. Here are picturesque ancient ruins, fortresses, castles and modern small villages, comfortably located in fishing harbors, fertile valleys.
In addition to tourism, agriculture thrives on the island. Therefore, the products on Evia are really eco – friendly, with their own natural taste. Here are real honey, figs, vegetables, seafood and meat, the taste of which guarantees the love of national Greek cuisine at first sight.
The island of Euboea gives visitors a lot of positive emotions. Mountains create amazing landscapes, and a good location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes — a rich historical heritage. What else attracts tourists?
- Unique diving — there are many cracks and underwater caves in the sea floor, which were formed as a result of frequent earthquakes and underwater eruptions.
- Surfing is also developed here. The wind blows almost always on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Therefore, it attracts amateurs and professional surfers from different countries.
- Despite the wind, Evia doesn’t have a big storm. This allows the water to remain clear and clean, and vacationers-to swim throughout the beach season.
In addition, green tourism, educational and walking activities are developed in the northern part of Euboea. Here is a real Greece, without crowded crowds and loud night clubs.
Features of an island holiday:
- In order to travel around Euboea, you need a car. The size of the island is impressive, so for free movement of vehicles is indispensable.
- The service on Evia is unobtrusive and very loyal.
- You can easily find a secluded vacation.
- You can find cheap apartments or an affordable 3-or 4-star hotel.
- You can find out that there is a church nearby by following the characteristic stone path that is painted white at the edges.
- Many vacationers swim here in rubber slippers. You can step on a sea urchin in the sea. However, the probability of finding a spiny sea animal is low.
Bridges and Straits
The island of Euboea, according to legend, has a divine origin. It was formed when the god Poseidon struck the land with his trident. Part of the coastline broke off and formed a beautiful island. Evia is separated from mainland Greece by several straits. They differ in width, length, and legends. The most unusual of them is the Eurypus Strait.
Homer wrote about this mysterious strait. Aristotle walked along its banks, trying to unravel the mystery of changing currents and abnormal water movement. For thousands of years, sea currents have skirted the island from both sides and met at the narrowest point. Three times a day, every 6 hours, a rare natural phenomenon occurs in the strait – a change of currents. Water that moves at a speed of 12 km per hour freezes for a few minutes and then goes in the opposite direction. The mysterious current was named Eurypos, after the island around which the sea waves so unusually walk.
In some places, the mainland is so close that you can cross the strait on foot on the old bridge. One of the bridge crossings that connects the island and the mainland spans the Eurypus Strait near the settlement of Chalcis. Its length is only 38 m.
Weather and beach holidays
Evia’s climate makes it possible to enjoy a six-month beach holiday, from May to October. Note: the island’s climate is mild, with comfortable mild summers and wet winters. In summer, it keeps about +30, in winter-about +10. At the same time, the temperature column usually does not fall below +5°C.
Even in the summer months, the island’s beaches are not crowded with people. There is always a place for a secluded pastime, a quiet family holiday. On weekends, the number of vacationers increases. Residents of Greece come to the coast from neighboring mainland cities.
The Aegean Sea is different from the Mediterranean and, as usual for us, Black, purity and transparency. It is free of jellyfish and algae, and even with strong winds, the sea remains calm.
The island of Euboea (Greece) is 680 km of beaches. They include popular crowded spots and secluded coves. Near the beaches – various hotels, inns, private apartments.
Hotels
Most of the hotels on Euboea are mid – level. Many are located on the mountain slopes, where almost every room has a sea view. Here you can enjoy spectacular sea sunrises and sunsets, which you can admire every evening right from your balcony. And also make a keepsake photo of the island of Evia.
Swimming pools in many hotels are filled with sea water. They have night illumination, so you can swim in them at any time of the day.
Many hotels offer authentic Greek cuisine. Hotel food prices are higher than in neighboring villages. Therefore, if you have free time, you can go to a neighboring town or village, buy water, fruit, and juices there.
Cities and resorts
There are two ancient cities on the island – Chalcis and Eretria. Chalkida-located on the site of an ancient settlement, in the place where the island is separated from the mainland by only a few meters of the strait.
Halkida
Chalcis has ancient neighborhoods and a 17th-century fortress called Karababa. The fortress wall offers a stunning view of the strait between the island and the mainland.
Fans of any religion will find shelter here. Chalcis has a Christian church, a mosque and a synagogue, as well as the pediment of the ancient temple of Apollo, the ruins of ancient temples. By the way, there are 16 monasteries on the island of Euboea. Quite a lot for such a separate piece of land.
Eretria
The resort combines beaches and attractions. Here are the ruins of an ancient city with the remains of a temple, an amphitheater and ancient thermal baths. As well as a well-known archaeological museum and excavations accessible to tourists. Eretria is one of the best resorts on the island.
Karistos
The second resort town of Evia is called Karistos. It is located in the bay, next to Mount Ohi. There is also a fortress and ruins of ancient buildings, which were dubbed “Dragon Houses”. Near the resort there are unique natural territories-a forest petrified as a result of a volcanic eruption, a picturesque sea cape, river gorges.
Edeps
Edeps (Edipsos) is a mineral spa on the northern coast of Evia. It is known for its hot rhodon springs. Here, according to legends, the hero of the Greek epics Hercules recovered his strength. It was visited by Roman emperors and generals, as evidenced by three ancient arches. Near Edeps, on the city beach, there are places where thermal waters pour out like waterfalls directly into the sea.
Kimi
Kimi is located on the northern coast. The old part of it is built in the neoclassical style. During the period of active silk trade, city squares were shopping centers. Rich merchants built their homes around them. It is to them that the city owes its beautiful, stylish architecture, which strives for the sky with neo-Gothic architecture.
Not far from Kimi there is a convent and the main Christian church of the island – its name reminds of the unity of religions and peoples — the Church of St. John of Russia. Vnuktri attractions – unique icons and relics of the saint.
In addition to the famous temple, Kimi has a mineral spring, and, of course, beautiful beaches.
Likhadonisya
This is not an ordinary resort, but a whole resort area, which consists of 7 small islands. They are called the Lihads and the Greek Seychelles. In the past, the islands were inhabited, but today they still have buildings left by people. Likhadonisya is a completely eco-friendly area where vacationers will find a quality beach holiday.
The Lihadonisya Islands are a popular destination for day trips. Traveling to the islands by boat or ship will allow you to appreciate the beauty of their coastline, the splendor of crystal clear emerald sea water.
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Evia Island: how to get there
It is better to fly to Greece by plane anyway. But upon arrival in Athens, you need to change transport several times to get to the green island. Travel stages:
- Flight by plane to Athens.
- Taxi from the airport to the ferry. The nearest ferry to the airport is named after St. Marina. It can be reached in 20 minutes by car from the international airport.
- Ferry to the island. There are 6 ferry crossings in different parts of the island. You can take a ferry to Kimi (from Skyros, Skopepos, Alonesosis – these are the longest crossings, which take 2-3 hours). To Panagea and Nea Styra (40 minutes from the port of Agia Marina). There is a ferry to Eretri (25 minutes from Orops), to Karistos and Marmari – from the port of Rafina. And also to Edipsos – from the port of Arquitsa.
- Then you can move around the island, by rented car or by public bus.
For those who have not been on ferries before, the crossing will leave a lasting impression. Gulls flying close, passing by mysterious and uninhabited islands.
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Evia Island Attractions in Greece
Greek culture is unique, like the Greek language, which has no linguistic analogues. All the sights of Euboea are connected with ancient and medieval history – the life of aristocrats, the defense and defense of the Venetians, Turks, and Romans. In addition to the fortresses, temples and museums of Evia Island, you can visit mainland historical and cultural attractions. For example, to the capital of Greece – Athens. You can even get here by public transport. First – by bus to the nearest port, then-by ferry across the strait and by bus or car to Athens.
Halkidiki: old and new bridge
The old bridge, built in 1962 and 38 m long, is used for driving and walking. It allows you to walk from the mainland to the island and go back. If desired, you can observe unusual movement of water and change of its directions from the bridge. Nearby – the beach, island and mainland embankment, many cafes.
In addition to the old pedestrian bridge, a new road bridge leads to the island. Its length is 600 m. It is the largest suspension bridge in Europe.
Eretria Museum of Archaeology
Eretria is an ancient sea settlement, one of the main places of Ancient Greece. Its rich history has ensured the uniqueness of archaeological finds. Most of the items found during the excavations are collected in the archaeological museum. Here you can find ancient coins, vases, statues, dishes, jewelry. Famous exhibits include the terracotta head of Medusa Gorgon.
Thermal baths in Edipsos
Mineral springs in the northern part of the island rise from depths of about 3 thousand m. Their temperature reaches +75°C. These are the most ancient thermal baths in the southern part of Greece. They were visited not only by generals and emperors, but also by the legendary hero of the epic-Hercules. Today, Edipsos is a balneological resort. You can take a dip in the hot rhodon bath right on the beach or in the SPA, thermal pool.
Medieval Castle of Karababa in Chalkida
Karababa, a 17th-century Turkish fortress built on a high hill, provides an overview of the surrounding area and beautiful views of the Strait, the bridge, Halkidiki and the surrounding mainland.Church of St. John of Russia in Prokopi
Not far from Chalcis and Edipsos, there is a unique church that houses the relics of St. John of Russia. The temple building is distinguished by its beauty and grace, and the attraction itself is popular among Christians. People come here to touch the relics of a Russian saint who was captured by the Turks, spent several years in prayer, and after his death was canonized (elevated to the rank of saint).
Interesting facts
- Euboea is the second largest island in the country, larger only than the popular Crete.
- In the distant past, Evia was part of the mainland. As a result of the tectonic fault of the earth’s crust, straits and, accordingly, an island were formed.
- The shortest distance from the island to the mainland is only 38 m.
- In the Eurypus Strait, you can observe a unique phenomenon called “standing waves”. The water in this place freezes several times a day for a few minutes, and then changes its direction. There is no clear explanation for this action.
Evia Island (Greece) is a holiday in the real Greece. Without a crowded crowd, in the bosom of beautiful nature, close to unique cultural values.
