| Evia the second largest island - after
Crete - is joined to mainland by a connecting forty-meter bridge.
Mythology has it that a blow from Poseidon’s trident separated Evia
from Attica and Thessaly. Scientists, however, give earthquakes as
a more plausible explanation. Whichever version you accept, Evia,
is an extremely beautiful island and her incredibly charming landscape
will spellbind you. Visiting friends - in Northern Evia - I was captivated
by an awesome scenery. An idyllic landscape: a verdant pine-covered
hill descending down to a sandy shore - surrounded by rocks and just
across lies a rocky inlet awaiting to be explored. Indeed an intriguing
place that gives you the impression of your special Camelot. Evia has a privileged
geographical position. Since access to it is uncomplicated and the
options offered to visitors many, tourist numbers are constantly increasing.
Cities and villages, despite the modern fast pace, retain their traditions
and customs. Throughout the island you will encounter historical monuments
and remnants of an ancient civilization, especially medieval fortresses
and priceless monasteries - most of them built on the grounds of ancient
temples. The capital of Evia, Halkida, a modern city, stands
on both sides of the Euripus channel: the Evian and that of the mainland.
The quay built to the left and the right of the channel is very impressive.
There the visitor can admire the technological creation and the
peculiarity of the natural whirlpool of the strait of Euripus, where
the sea currents change direction from north to south and vice versa
every six hours. A unique tidal phenomenon.
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The shortest point to Evia from Athens
is approximately 31 miles and about 56 miles from Athens to the prefecture
of Halkida. Near Halkida, Avlida - the historical area - where
Agamemnon had gathered all his Greek armies to carry out the Trojan
attack - is situated. Homer refers to Evia in the Iliad
(Rhapsody B-verses 535-542). And the entire island and most particularly
Halkida, is of special archaeological interest. The area flourished
during the classical and Hellenistic periods, and excavations have
confirmed that Halkida had been inhabited much earlier. Besides the
physical beauty and monuments admire the archeological finds: The
Temple of Artemis of Avlida; the ancient theatre, the temple of Isidos;
the ancient baths of Eretria; the site of ancient Eretria is noteworthy
- although much of it is underground. Few remains are speckled around,
most prominently being an agora and the Temple of Apollo. The
monuments of Manika; the Paleolithic findings of Artakes,
the Red Castle - Karistos, etc... Among the physical
monuments admire: The Ravine of Aghali; the fossil forest of Kerasia
in N. Evia, Caves with stalactites; aquatic bird sancuaries and not
only. Museums: Archeological (Tel.: 25131) the Folklore and
the Municipal Gallery of Halkida.
Outskirts: Aghios Menas (2 1/2 miles from Halkida), on the
Evian coast promises you calmness and tranquillity. Bourtzi (5 miles)
for swimming and fresh seafood.
Vasilikos-Phylla-Lefkanti (appr. 6-8 miles). The most fertile
and historical plain of Evia. The Lilantio field is situated in
Vasilikos, where also you can see the old mansions, the flour-mill
and the Church of Panaghia. In Lefkanti, a wonderful beach and nearby
Phylla, admire the view from the Venetian Castle of Lykarios.
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Appreciate the lovely scenery towards the monastery of Aghios Georgios
Armas (13th-14th century). Artake (5 miles), a tourist
resort known for its hotels, clubs and tavernas. Steni (20
miles) at the slopes of Mt Dirfi, enjoy an enchanting landscape. The
village is built in the highest point of Evia, where the road goes
through to the mountaineering and ski shelters; Stropones (29
miles) a majestic mountainous village that does not remind you of
an island at all. From here you can reach the most beautiful beach
of Evia Hiliathou; among others: Psahna; Daphne; Prokopi
on the way to Mantouthi you will see a gigantic plane tree 32m in
perimeter over 2.000 years old. Outside of Prokopi there is the known
monastery of St John the Russian; Limne, amphitheatrically
built; and many more in Northern Evia. Southern Evia: Eretria
- the second largest town - (13 miles) a coastal town Amarythos (19
miles), picturesque town with tourist activity. Lepoura (33
1/2 miles), the crossroad of the route to Kymi and Karystos, two lovely
outskirts offering idyllic shores. Justifiably Kymi is known as the
balcony of the Aegean, since the view of the sea is panoramic. Edipsos
(Loutra) (72 miles), one of the oldest and best spas (therapeutic
hot springs), attracting people suffering from any ache and pain.
Many other settlements offer you wonderful experiences and due to
the proximity of Evia to Sporades, many more possibilities exist.
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General Information for Evia