more at: Eretria na Eubea
Eretria is not a place where the houses are styled like those in Santorini. It is authentic, and the locals are very open and friendly.
A curiosity about the city is that the modern town is situated on the ancient Eretria.Here, you literally walk on historical sites.
Evia is the modern Greek name for the island of Eubea. Both names are used interchangeably.
During the Italian period, the island was known as Negroponte. This name still appears in some studies, especially historical ones.
Evia, with an area of 4,164 km2, is considered a large island. It ranks as the second largest island in Greece, right after Crete.
The regional unit of Eubea was established on January 1, 2011. It includes 7 municipalities located on the island of Evia as well as the island of Skiros, which is about 50 km away.
The island is mountainous. The highest peaks reach an altitude of 1,743 m above sea level, which means that when traveling by car, one must expect steep climbs and sharp turns.
Chalkida – the capital, is located in the central part of the island, on its western side.
Evia is separated from mainland Greece by the Euboean Gulf and the Evripos Strait, which at its narrowest point is only 40 m wide.
Eubea is well connected to Athens thanks to two bridges located in Chalkida.
Due to the fact that Evia is still relatively unpopular, one can relax here without the crowds of other tourists and experience the true, uncommercialized Greek atmosphere.
It is worth renting a car in Evia to venture beyond the tourist areas. Located in the north of the island, the famous hot springs of Loutra Edipsou and Chalkida, the capital of the island, are often and gladly visited by Greeks on their days off.
Evia offers not only relaxation on beautiful beaches or ancient monuments. The island has curiosities regarding which the origins still remain a matter of hypothesis. Located in the south of the island, high in the mountains, the so-called dragon houses are built from enormous boulders. They are a rarity not only in Greece.
It is worth knowing that Evia will not appeal to those looking for white houses with blue shutters. There are definitely fewer of them than on other Greek islands. Why? Because the residents live here at their own pace and with their own problems, without seeking acceptance from travelers.
And the residents of Evia have quite a few problems.
One of the biggest issues in Evia is summer wildfires. We, Poles, remember how we supported burning Evia in 2021. Greece greatly appreciated our participation in the fight against the element. They were also very impressed by the equipment we have. However, this does not change the fact that the northern part of the island was burning fiercely at that time. Many residents lost their homes, workshops, animals, and farms. Even today, traveling through the northern part of the island, one can encounter blackened, burned areas.
What is worth seeing in Evia?
more at: Chalcis on Euboea
The name "dragon houses" comes from the fact that at the time of their discovery, it was determined that, built from enormous and therefore extremely heavy boulders, they could not have been constructed by human hands.
more at: Dragon houses
more at: Thermal waters
In the northern part of the island Evia there are natural hot springs. The history of the hot springs dates back to ancient times. Sources indicate that they have been here for at least 20 thousand years!
According to mythology, it is said that Athena herself sought their creation.
more at: Oreoi on Euboea
Name Oreoi comes from the ancient Oreus, an extremely important settlement on the island. It was a pleasant place to live mainly due to the vast and fertile plain at the entrance to the Euboean Gulf.
Today’s Oreoi leads a peaceful life. The town is often visited by tourists as there are several places worth visiting.
The seaside town located on the northern coast of Euboea is recorded in various ways: Artemisio, Artemizion, Artemizjon. Nevertheless, when mentioning an important event: the Battle of Artemisium, the extensive area around the settlement is taken into account, including the adjacent maritime area.
more at: Artemision on Euboea
more at: nature trails
Euboea captivates not only history enthusiasts or city explorers. The strength of its hiking trails allows both seasoned and novice walkers to find their way here. The island is famous for its numerous waterfalls, some accessible right by the road, while others are hidden far from urban paths, requiring a bit of a trek to reach.
A small coastal settlement is located at the very southern tip of the island.
The name of the town is linked to Greek mythology. Carycus was the son of Chiron, the most famous and wisest centaur, who was half horse and half man, and the nymph Chariclo.
more at: Karystos on Euboea
On Evia, there are several castles. Some have been restored, while others remain in ruins. They are always connected to an interesting history.
Interestingly, not all were built for defensive purposes.
more at: Zamki na Eubea
more at: beaches on Euboea
Evia offers beautiful beaches, ranging from rocky to pebbly to those with fine, white sand. There are as many as fit along the coastline stretching 680 km around the island.