Things to do in Evia include a variety of activities that vary by season. Explore the beaches, gorges, and mountaintops for an exciting getaway in nature.
The island also boasts many ancient ruins worth visiting, as well as Venetian castles in the towns of Kimi and Karystos. The Archaeological Museum in Chalkida is a must-see.
1. Visit Chalkida Museum
One of the most interesting things to do in Chalkida is visiting its Archaeological Museum. Housed in a building from the early 20th century, it brings together finds from all over Evia. The exhibition is divided into four main themes – urban organization, worship, economy and cultural identities. The pieces on display are arranged chronologically from the Palaeolithic to the Late Roman period.
You can also check out the courtyard of the Museum, where funerary monuments are located. There are also stoa resolutions and votive inscriptions on display. From here, you can go to the three halls that house the exhibits of the Museum.
Among the highlights is the terracotta statue of the Goddess of the Sea, a piece that dates back to the 1st century BC. The museum is also home to a remarkable coin collection.
Another must-see attraction on your visit to Evia is the Dragon Houses, a series of mysterious stone structures. They are thought to have been used for religious or agricultural purposes in the past.
Other must-see attractions include the Central Public Library, which was built in 1870 and features a beautiful Greek revival design. The Siren Tower of Chalkida, a Venetian tower built in the 2nd AD, is also worth checking out.
Whether you’re interested in history or are looking for a place to relax, Evia has something to offer everyone. You can explore ancient ruins and learn about the island’s rich heritage at its museums or enjoy the crystal clear waters on its beaches. There are also several festivals throughout the year that showcase the island’s culture and traditions, including the Karystia Festival and Kimi Festival. You can even enjoy some water sports and sample the local cuisine!
2. Visit Edipsos
The famous Aedipsos (Edipsos) thermal springs give the town its name, but they’re only one reason to visit this little paradise in northern Evia. The baths have been soothing illustrious visitors for millennia; Roman emperors like Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and Constantine the Great were frequent guests, and more recent celebrities such as Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Greta Garbo, Winston Churchill, Omar Sharif and countless Greek shipping magnates and industrialists have also enjoyed long soaks in the restorative waters.
The modern hydrotherapy facilities and the gorgeous Mediterranean forests surrounding the resort make Edipsos a destination with lots of appeal. You can also indulge in the local seafood and try out the local delicacy, loukoumades – honey puffs filled with ice cream.
There are dozens of hotels in and around Edipsos, many of them tapped into the hot spring water. You can also stay in scenic mountain villages or on beautiful beaches and visit the monasteries and archaeological sites dotted across the island.
Another great thing about Edipsos is that the area is free of the kind of unruly crowds found in some other Greek vacation spots. This makes it a great option for families with children who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday in the countryside.
The best time to visit Edipsos is in the summer, when temperatures are warm but not stiflingly hot. However, the shoulder season in autumn offers a chance to explore some of the area’s cultural and historical attractions without the crowds, while winter is a wonderful time to sample local wine and figs, and take in the stunning natural beauty of the region as it comes into its own during this season.
3. Visit Agia Kyriaki Church
Located in a stunning natural setting, Agia Kyriaki Church (Agia Kuriake) is the best place to re-connect with nature and enjoy the peace of the area. The church is perched on a rocky hill above a deciduous forest that is home to numerous birds and animals. The surrounding area is ideal for walking with scenic paths that will lead you to waterfalls and crystal clear cold mountain streams. The church offers a unique view over the sea and the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill.
The Archaeological Museum of Chalkida is a must-see sight for anyone who loves history. It features a great collection of artifacts found at different excavation sites on Evia. It includes tools, weapons, pottery and a variety of other items that help to tell the story of this beautiful Greek island.
Steni Forest is a beautiful and secluded forest in the heart of Evia with a variety of different trails for hikers and bikers. The forest is home to a number of different wild animals including birds, deer and foxes. It is also known for its many beautiful springs that flow through the forest and provide a refreshing drink of water.
The beaches of Evia are truly marvelous and a welcome break from the noisy beach bars and sun loungers packed like sardines at other Greece islands. The southern part of the island is particularly impressive, as its beaches are covered in fine white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. The largest of these beaches is Chiliadou, which used to be exclusively for naturists but is now visited by all. It offers a broad sweep of white sand and pebbles that are lashed by the waves, but offer crystal clear water on calmer days.
4. Visit Steni Forest
Steni Forest covers the southern slopes of Mount Dirfis in central Evia. It’s crossed by wonderful eco-paths. You can spend the whole day walking in the coniferous and broad leaved forests and breathing the fresh mountain air. You can also discover streams, gorges and paeony flowers.
The quaint little village of Steni Dirfyos lies in the heart of this amazing natural setting. It offers a few lovely beaches and a couple of taverns that offer summer comforts. Kissos Tavern in particular stands out for its high-quality local meat delicacies such as ‘Kontosouvli’ and ‘Kokoretsi’, both made from large chunks of meat skewered on a spit and slowly roasted over an open flame.
Another great attraction of the area is the imposing waterfall located south of the village of Kerasia. This beautiful waterfall is especially impressive in late spring when its torrent is augmented by melting snow.
Visiting Evia wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the island’s marvelous beaches. The most famous beach in the region is Klimaki Beach that overlooks the Aegean Sea and has soft golden sand and crystal clear water. Its unique setting makes it a place where you will be able to find peace and solitude even during peak summer season.
Another great beach in the region is Karystos Beach that is surrounded by picturesque headlands. It’s also a good choice for families with kids and is sheltered from the wind and rough waters. It’s also worth checking out the town beach which is opposite the opulent Thermae Sylla spa hotel at the north end of town.
5. Visit Dimosari Gorge
For those who want to experience Evia in its wildest form, it is worth taking a trip to Dimosari Gorge. This is one of the most scenic natural sites on the island, where a waterfall plunges down into an emerald pool surrounded by fresh oak and fir forests. It is a sight to behold, and the fact that it is quite far away from tourist destinations makes this site even more special.
Located in the south of the island, this site is also home to a monastery. It was established in 1540 by St David of Evia, who is said to have hit a rock with his staff and triggered a stream of holy water. The monastery is couched beneath the Xiron Oros and Kavalaris peaks, and it’s worth visiting even during the summer to see its impressive architecture.
Its secluded beaches are another highlight of the region, and are perfect for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. In fact, many of them double as campgrounds where visitors pitch their tents right next to the beach.
The area is also well known for its wines, and you can take a tour of some of the island’s vineyards to sample some of the local produce. The Lykos family’s vineyards are particularly popular, and they produce award-winning Malagousia white wine that combines traditional and cutting-edge techniques.
Evia is a great destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike, and it offers something for everyone. The beaches here are secluded and tranquil, and the mountains offer a variety of hiking and climbing routes. You can also visit some of the island’s renowned museums and historical landmarks.