Evia is the second largest island of Greece. It lies in the Aegean Sea, a long strip of land stretching along the east coast near Attica. The length from north to south reaches 180 km, and the width of the island varies from 7 to 50 km. Several straits separate the mainland of Greece and Evia: Klimis, Orios, Notios-Evvoikos, Vorios-Evvoikos.
Mysterious Strait
What attracts the island of Evia (Greece)? Attractions are here at every turn. The main one is the Euripus Strait. The fact is that the sea current bifurcates in the north of Evia and unites in the south. Surprisingly, the water stream changes its direction every 6 hours. At this moment, you can observe a unique phenomenon - “standing” waves. Then water begins to circulate from south to north. And so it repeats itself constantly. They say that Aristotle himself was discouraged by this process and could not solve the mystery of this strait.
Chalcis
This city was an ancient antique polis dominating the island. Its history begins in the 13th century BC. During this time, Halkida several times passed from hand to hand, was repeatedly destroyed. Accordingly, there are traces of the rule of the Roman Empire, and Byzantium, and Verona. For example, you should definitely visit the historic quarter of Castro, where the buildings of the Venetian and Ottoman periods have survived. There is a mosque Emir-Zadeh, the Paraskeva church, the Catholic basilica of the 13th century, the synagogue of the 19th century. It is also worthwhile to climb the Karababa fortress and enjoy the wonderful view from the heights of the Aegean Sea. There is also the grave of the Greek writer Yannis Skaribas.
Eretria
This settlement is located 95 km from Chalkida. Previously, these were the two largest policies that constantly fought among themselves. But Eretria was defeated and disappeared in the first century AD. She was reborn a little more than 100 years ago. Thanks to the excavations, there is a whole archaeological complex. From the monuments of antiquity, the ancient acropolis, amphitheater, altar of Dionysus, Roman baths have been preserved. Must visit the Mosaic House and the Archaeological Museum, where the most valuable exhibits are ancient Eretrian vases.
Stone Forests
The history of the surroundings of the small town of Kerasia (Greece, the island of Evia) is similar to what happened with the ancient Pompeii. Then there was an eruption of a volcano, from which the surrounding forests suffered. But it is interesting that the ashes settled on the trees and froze in such a way that it seems as if they were petrified. The remains of animals found, once buried under volcanic magma, are stored in the museum of Kerasia.
Karistos
This is one of the most popular resorts in the south of the island. Firstly, here you can visit Bourtzi - a medieval Venetian fortress. Secondly, on Mount Okha (Greece, the island of Evia) there are 20 amazing buildings made of blocks of limestone, which, due to their impressive size, are called the Dragon Houses. Although in fact they were used, of course, by people, it is not known for what purpose it was necessary to climb so high. An unsolved mystery is also how the blocks connected together without any solution.
Edipsos
Even the ancient Romans knew about the healing properties of the local mineral springs. The large bath complex, built during the dictator of Sulla, has survived to this day and is a local attraction. Even Roman emperors warmed their bones in it.
Now, Edipsos has become a notable balneological resort where endocrine, neurological, and gynecological diseases are treated.
Greece, Evia island: how to get
The capital of Chalkis is at a distance of 88 km from Athens. Good transport links will help to get here without any problems, buses run regularly. If you go by car from Athens, then you need to follow the E75 to Shimatari, and there turn right. If you get from the north of Greece, from Thessaloniki, then on the same highway there is a turn to Halkida after Eleonas.
Tourists from other countries usually land at Eleftherios Venizelos airport, travel to Athens, and there they already use the aforementioned route.
Evia (island, Greece) is so close to the mainland that it and Halkida are connected by a road bridge with a length of only 14 m.
So, crossing it, you may not immediately understand that you are on an island. There is also another bridge on the outskirts of Chalkida, it is the longest suspension bridge in Europe (600 m). In addition, there are 6
ferry crossings (from Oropos, Fthiotida, Edipsos, Almiropotamos, Marmari and Kimi).
If you have booked a room in one of the hotels, then, as a rule, you can ask for a transfer. And it’s most convenient to rent a car directly on Evia and travel the entire island far and wide, to see not only resort towns, but also tiny, but no less interesting villages.
Not only visiting tourists, but also the Athenians themselves like to relax from the bustle of metropolitan life and soak up the beaches of the island. And where can I stay for the night, having arrived on the island of Evia (Greece)? Hotels here can be found for every taste and budget.
Three Star Hotels
There are more of them on the island than any others. Here are the most popular: Anastasia, Castello Rosso, Panorama, Olympic Star, Miramare Eretria, Holiday in Evia, Club Grand Blue.
Anastasia is located in a picturesque bay on the western edge of the town of Karistos, a 10-minute walk from the port. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a beauty salon, spa, and rooms for the disabled are provided. "Castello Rosso" was built in the town of Nea Styra, on the west coast of Evia, on the banks of the Pentallion Strait. A feature of this hotel is the ability to accommodate animals with which guests arrived. There is also a restaurant and shops in the hotel building. In addition to standard services, at Castello Rossa you can enjoy a heated bathtub.
Panorama is a unique hotel in the suburbs of Kimi with six studio rooms. There are jogging paths, a restaurant with traditional Greek cuisine.
On the banks of the Notios Evoikois Strait, the Olympic Star Hotel is located. The rooms have a safe. Tennis courts are also on site, and water skiing is also possible. People come here with children, because there are so many attractions prepared specifically for young visitors.
Tourists leave excellent reviews about the Miramare Eretria Hotel (Greece, Evia Island). The name itself indicates which city it is in. The beach can be accessed through an underground tunnel. Here, without leaving the hotel, you can dance at a disco, go to the sauna, work out in the gym, visit the shopping center, and if necessary, hold the conference in a hall specially designed for this. You can hire a nanny to look after the child.
The hotel "Holiday in Evia" relied on water sports. Here you can rent any equipment. There are also playgrounds for volleyball, basketball, table tennis. Those who do not have enough natural tanning can visit the solarium.
Another hotel in Eretria (Greece, Evia Island) is the Grand Blue Hotel. There are as many as 175 rooms, well-developed infrastructure (bar, restaurant, pool, playground, conference room).
Four Star Hotels
There are only five of them, three of them are in Eretria, one in Edipsos, and the last in Karistos.
The latter is Apollo Suites Hotel. Here they provide all standard services: from laundry to parking. The rooms have a safe, refrigerator, self-catering, air conditioning, television.
"Coralia Club Palmavira" is located in Eretria. The hotel with 268 rooms consists of a central building and bungalows. Lovers of outdoor activities can play mini-golf, volleyball, tennis, ping pong. For children, animators work.
An entire hotel complex "Eretria Village" has been built next to this hotel. As for the range of services, they are similar. True, here you can also hire a nanny, visit a shopping center and go to the sauna.
To the north of the island is the Terma Silla Spa Wellness with standard amenities.
But the Eretrian "Palmavira Beach Bomo Club" (Evia Island, Greece), the photo of which is shown below, is already something.
It’s easier to say what is not here than to list what is. The rooms are fully equipped (air conditioning, safe, TV, etc.). The restaurant and bar has an All Inclusive program. The cuisine is European, sometimes they organize themed gastronomic evenings. As a compliment from the administration, they bring a basket with fruits and champagne to the newlyweds, birthday parties, and anniversaries. It will also be possible to spend leisure time with meaning: several animated shows and evenings of live music are held several times a week. You can also go canoeing or pedalos. Moreover, many additional services are also included in the room price, so there is no need to pay extra for them.
Greece, Evia island: five-star hotel
It is only one so far and is called the Negroponte Resort Eretria. The only difference from Palmavir Beach Bomo Club is the presence of a jacuzzi, 2 banquet rooms, 4 conference rooms and dry cleaning. The Greeks themselves mainly rest with their large families.
What are the general impressions left by the island of Evia (Greece)? Reviews are full of memories of a wonderful and moderately budget holiday. Many want to repeat this trip.