Evvia

Evvia (Greek: Εύβοια), also called Euboea, is a large, windy island in Central Greece. It's so large and so close to the mainland that it has more of a mainland atmosphere than an island one.

Its main attractions for the visitor are the landscape, thermal springs in the north and traditional villages across the island and wind power farms at most mountain ranges.

Cities

• 1 Chalcis — the capital of the island, a lively city of more than 50,000 residents with a mainly urban look, not very touristic except for its coastline area
• Nea Artaki (Νέα Αρτάκι) – seaside resort 9 km north of Halkida, in fact, a suburb of the capital
• Politika (Πολιτικά) (& Nerotriva, Kamaritsa, Stavros, Psachna, Triada, Makrikapa) (Νεροτριβιά, Καμαρίτσα, Σταυρός, Ψαχνά, Τριάδα, Μακρύκαπα) a fishing village
• 2 Eretria — an important Greek polis in the 6th/5th century BC, the modern town is now a popular beachside resort opposite the coast of Attica.

North Evvia

• Limni (Λίμνη) and Rovies (Ροβιές) – villages on the west coast
• 3 Edipsos — seaside resort, famous for its natural spas and hot springs
• 4 Agia Anna (& Agkali) — famous for one of the best campings in Greece
• Vassilika (Βασσιλικά) (& Ellinika, Psaropouli) (Ελληνικά, Ψαροπούλι)
• Orei (Ορεοί) (& Agiokampos, Neos Pyrgos) (Αγιόκαμπος, Νέος Πύργος)
• Pefki (Πευκί) (& Artemisio, Gouves, Asminio) (Αρτεμίσιο, Γούβες, Ασμήνιο) Located in an environment with a lot of greenery, Pefki is a seaside resort in the north opposite Mount Pelion
• Lichada (Λιχάδα) (& Agios Georgios, Gialtra, Gregolimano) (Άγιος Γεώργιος, Γιάλτρα, Γρεγολίμανο) At Gregolimano there is a Club Med resort
• Istiea (Ιστιαία) (and nearby villages)

South Evvia

• Panagia (Παναγιά) (& Argyro, Zarakes, Mpoufalo, Agios Dimitrios, Almyropotamos) (Αργυρό, Ζάρακες, Μπούφαλο, Άγιος Δημήτριος, Αλμυροπόταμος)
• Nea Styra (Νέα Στύρα) (& Styra, Zoodochos Pigi, Plypotamos) (Στύρα, Ζωοδόχος Πηγή, Πλυπόταμος)
• Marmari (Μαρμάρι) (& Paradisi, Katsaroni) (Παραδείσι, Κατσαρώνι)
• Karystos (Κάρυστος) (& Kalyvia, Myli, Aetos, Erodios) (Καλύβια, Μύλοι, Αετός, Ερωδιός) more tourist-oriented city in the south

East Evvia

• 5 Kymi — small port with ferry connections to the island of Skyros
• Chiliadou (Χιλιαδού) (& Stopones, Metochi) (Στρόπωνες, Μετόχι)

Understand

Evvia is Greece's second biggest island along with Skyros, it has an area of 3,684 km2 and in 2011 had a population of 191,000. After it was connected to the mainland by bridge, it lost its island feeling, especially around the area of Chalkis, the capital. Do not expect to see the most picturesque places of the island before reaching the northern and southern tips, where you will definitely see much more of what it has to offer. International tourist and offerings specifically for them are not much developed (you will notice lower presence of English language).

Avvia island's rural south and its wind farms

Geography and nature divide the island into three distinct parts: the fertile and forested north (which suffered major damage in the August 2021 forest fires); the forested mountainous centre, with agriculture limited to the coastal valleys; and the barren south with strong continious winds and wind farms.

Get in

By plane

The closest airport is Athens airport.

By car

Evvia is linked to the mainland by one suspension bridge and one old lifting bridge. This connection is next to the main Evvia town of Chalkis. You can also get there by a number of ferry connections between the mainland and the island.

From Thessaloniki–Athens highway, past Volos, exit near Glifa. Every 30 min ferry to Agiokambos (last about 20:00), 30 min ride. If you are getting there from Athens, ferries from Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou.

By regional coach

Generally, intercity coaches ("KTEL" buses) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. This is doubly true for travelling to Chalcis from Athens

There is frequent bus service from Athens to Chalcis

By train

Trains (OSE) connect Chalcis to other cities in Greece. Line 3 of Proastatikos Athens (the suburban rail system) connects the city to Athens and other destinations in Attica.

By ferry

Evvia island's south Nea Styra port docks with 3 ferries to AG Marina in peak season summer schedule

Ferries connecting North Evvia with Sterea Ellada:

• From Glyfa to Agiokampos
• From Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou

Ferries connecting Southern Evvia with Attica if you want to get there from Athens:

• From Rafina to Marmari
• From Agia Marina to Nea Styra (fairly frequent but only very few connect well with public transport)

Ferries connecting Evia with islands

• From Skyros to Kymi
• From Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos to Mantoudi.

Get around

Though local public transport is very limited (usually one a day), the taxi services are fairly cheap and if booked in advance available across the island.

See

Mt Dirfi

Aside from antique ruins, historic churches and other sights that are common in Greek landscapes, there is an abundance of dynamic local rural eco projects that are worth visiting.

Eat

Fish and other seafood, sheep and goat cheese and yogurt are traditional in this region.

Pork sausage with orange seasoning is a local specialty.

Drink

Most local restaurants/tavernas will offer as basis regional beer and house rose wine for lunch/dinner and other options will vary.

Sleep

Hotel accommodation on the west cost was strongly developed in 70s and 80s, but less so after and in higher class.

The number of private accommodations has been increasing in the early 2020s. They are available most of the year, unlike seasonal hotels (which close on east side), more developed on north and west (due to hot springs also) and less so on west and south which it is less developed then the rest.

Wild camping and trailer vans are tolerated across the island and tourists who come to camp with motorbikes are present in relatively high numbers even beyond summer season.

Stay safe

Evvia is a generally safe island, with the problem of dangerous driving. Beware in case you have rented a car, because its streets are narrow with sudden twists that need driving experience and extra care, as just like in much of rural Greece lanes might not exist and non-locals are less confident driving versus locals who are overly so.

Medical assistance in the area leaves a lot to be desired compared to standards elsewhere in EU. Emergency police presence is sparse, likely slow to react and disconnected from the medical system. Police officers rarely speak foreign languages and are not very sensitive or supportive of foreigners and minorities. Police statements are given only in Greek, and you may be requested to pay €100 for any but minimal service.

Free expression of non-heterosexual affection or nudity in public beaches can cause offence here.

Go next

Get the ferry to Skyros from Kymi, one of the Sporades islands and the closest one to the island of Evvia.