Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Evia, Greece

Greece’s second-largest island is separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Euripus.

With its rugged, mountainous landscape and often unpaved coastal roads, Evia has yet to be fully adapted to tourism.

However, there is much to explore, as these mountains host waterfalls and gorges that can be appreciated in their full grandeur along winding roads.

The beaches of Evia can be described as “remote,” reflecting their significant distance from urban development.

Many also serve as campgrounds where visitors can set up tents right by the shoreline.

If you wish to escape the crowded beach bars and tightly packed sun loungers, Evia’s beaches, such as Thapsa and Kalamos, provide a refreshing alternative.

Let us examine the top attractions in Evia:

1. Ancient Eretria and Theatre

Approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Halkida lie the ruins of the ancient city of Eretria.

The earliest artifacts date back to the 9th century BC, but by the 1st century BC, Eretria had begun to decline following devastation during the First Mithridatic War against Rome.

The site includes two palaces, four temples, baths, a gymnasium, and a house adorned with mosaics.

The highlight is the theatre, one of the oldest in Ancient Greece, dating back to the 5th century BC. This structure is noteworthy as it rests on a man-made hill supported by retaining walls—an architectural achievement beyond simply utilizing the natural slope of Eretria’s citadel.

The earthworks remain visible, with the lowest tiers preserving their limestone benches, and behind the skene, a vaulted passage leads to the orchestra.

2. Archaeological Museum of Eretria

Eretria is significant enough that many ceramics and statues discovered are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens or the Louvre.

Nonetheless, the on-site museum still contains numerous intriguing exhibits.

One notable item is a terracotta figurine of a centaur, dating to the 10th century BC and unearthed from a tomb in the village of Lefkandi.

From 560 BC, there is an exquisite funerary amphora depicting Heracles battling the Centaurs, alongside a representation of Potnia Theron (Mistress of the Animals).

Among the many remarkable sculptures is a damaged depiction of Theseus and Antiope, dating to the 6th century, possibly crafted by the renowned Athenian sculptor Antenor.

3. Karababa Castle

Directly across the strait from Halkida is a fortress established by the Ottomans in 1684 to protect the town from the Venetians.

This stronghold crowns a cypress-covered hill, offering compelling views of Halkida, Evia, and the strait. You may notice that the European architectural style is due to the fortress being designed by a Venetian, Gerolimo Galopo, who successfully held off an unsuccessful siege by the Venetians in 1688. Facing Halkida, a hexagonal bastion features two Russian cannons from the 19th century.

Within the fortress vaults, there is a lapidarium showcasing ancient building fragments, Venetian ornamental carvings, and representations of the Lion of St. Mark.

4. Drimona Waterfall

Located in northern Evia, at an elevation of 620 meters, is a waterfall enveloped in a breathtaking mountainous environment.

This waterfall is surrounded by fresh oak and fir forests, accessible via a series of stone steps.

In the hot summer months, water flow can be low; nevertheless, the falls remain striking, thanks to the rocky overhang behind and the clear emerald pool below.

During spring, expect a more vigorous flow due to melting snow from the mountains.

At the top of the steps near the road, a cafe and forest ranger’s office feature a small exhibition of fossils discovered in the area.

5. Edipsos Springs

Located directly on the strait in Edipsos is a thermal spring that has been documented by both Aristotle and Plutarch.

In 1897, the luxurious Thermae Sylla Spa was constructed at the springs and has since attracted notable figures, including Aristotle Onassis, Winston Churchill, and Omar Sharif.

Fortunately, you need not stay at the spa to experience the mineral-rich waters.

These waters are reputed to alleviate muscular and skeletal ailments, as well as support the endocrine system due to trace radon levels.

Outside the spa’s gates, where the spring flows into the sea, is a small beach formed by smooth rock due to mineral accumulation.

You may also discover small pools in the rock filled with warm therapeutic water to enjoy.

6. Chiliadou Beach

If you prefer beaches that are wild and untouched by urban influences, Chiliadou is the perfect choice.

Accessing this location is not straightforward, as it takes over an hour to reach from Halkida; however, the last segment of the journey navigates a winding road that passes through magnificent mountainous scenery, including the 1,742-meter Dirfi peak.

Eventually, visitors will encounter three beaches amidst the stunning limestone cliffs.

The largest of these is Chiliadou, originally a naturist beach due to its secluded nature, but it is now frequented by all.

This beach features a wide stretch of sand and pebbles, occasionally besieged by waves, yet with crystal-clear water on tranquil days.

Parents with children should exercise caution, as the shoreline drops off quite suddenly.

Meanwhile, nudists have migrated to a more secluded beach around the headland.

7. Drakospita (Dragon Houses)

Dispersed around Styra in southern Evia are about 25 megalithic structures, all situated on elevated terrains.

Composed of large slabs of gray limestone, these pyramid-like edifice features drystone walls, relying solely on weight for stability, without any mortar.

They seamlessly blend into their rocky surroundings, often appearing indistinguishable from nature until one observes the rectangular doorways framed by massive stone slabs.

The most studied example is located on Mount Oche, at an elevation of nearly 1,400 meters, where the lintel measures four meters in length and two meters in width, weighing a remarkable 10 tons.

Ceramics discovered at this site date back to the 8th century BC during the Archaic Period, suggesting the great antiquity of the Dragon Houses.

8. Kalamos Beach

Visitors travel all the way from Athens, situated 120 kilometers away, to experience this beach along the eastern coast of Evia.

Kalamos actually comprises two adjacent beaches: the larger, “Kali” (Good), features calmer waters, while the smaller, “Kakia” (Wicked), experiences slightly rougher seas.

The latter is typically populated with tents, as numerous guests choose to camp overnight or for extended weekends rather than making the lengthy return journey in one day.

Kali offers a picturesque setting, with pale sand and fine pebbles, and guests can access sun loungers at no additional cost when ordering drinks from the bar.

The water is exceptionally clear, yet the beach does have an abrupt drop-off.

9. Dimosari Gorge

After exploring the Dragon House on Mount Oche, you can embark on a memorable hike along an ancient shepherd’s trail through this gorge.

The trek through Dimosari Gorge takes roughly half a day, meandering through a forest adorned with oaks, holly, chestnut trees, plane trees, and wild olives and pears.

Midway along the gorge lies the charming village of Lenoseoi, while the terrain shifts from gentle valley to rocky ravine featuring waterfalls and rapids.

Proceed quietly, as this forest is home to a diverse array of avian life, including buzzards, eagles, owls, and nightingales.

At the end of the journey lies Kaliani Beach, where you can refresh with a swim in the Aegean Sea.

10. Thapsa Beach

Among the secluded beaches on Evia, Thapsa Beach presents one of the more challenging accesses.

A 4×4 vehicle is required to traverse the 10 kilometers of unpaved road originating from the village of Koutorla.

Prior to departure, it is essential to ensure you possess all necessary supplies, as there are no facilities available at Thapsa.

Even so, the opportunity to witness this stunning beach firsthand is simply irresistible.

Set against a backdrop of steep, scrubby hills, Thapsa Beach offers a pristine cove featuring white sand and pebbles, with stunning light blue water often referred to as a “blue lagoon.” Camping is permitted on the beach, enabling visitors to experience this extraordinary location overnight, though it is expected that commercial tourism will eventually reach Thapsa.

11. Agios Ioannis Rosos

Located in Prokopi, about an hour north of Halkida, is a significant church within Eastern Orthodox Christianity, housing the relics of St John the Russian.

Born in Ukraine in 1690, he was captured and sold into slavery during the Russo-Turkish War of 1710-1711. His notable legacy arises from his steadfast refusal to convert to Islam, with his relics later transported to Evia by Anatolian immigrants compelled to relocate to Greece following the Greco-Turkish War in the early 1920s.

The church dedicated to St John was established in 1954 and receives a consistent influx of pilgrims throughout the year, as he is believed to assist individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.

His feast day is celebrated on May 27th, prompting many to journey to Prokopi on foot from nearby villages, where traditional music and dance performances unique to northern Evia occur.

12. Monastery of St David

Located just four kilometers from the Drimona Waterfall is a monastery founded in 1540 by St David of Evia.

According to local tradition, David struck a nearby rock with a stick, causing it to gush holy water.

The original structure was destroyed by the Ottomans during the Greek Revolution in the 1820s as retaliation against the monks who harbored insurgents, but it was reconstructed in 1877. For visitors not on a pilgrimage, the serene location of the monastery is a significant draw, nestled beneath the Xiron Oros and Kavalaris mountain peaks.

St David’s is an active monastery, and if you visit during the winter months, you can expect a warm reception from the monks, who offer loukoumi (Greek Turkish delight) along with tea or coffee.

13. Euripus Strait and High Bridge

The waterway separating Evia from Beotia on the mainland showcases a unique natural phenomenon.

Contrary to the other regions of the eastern Mediterranean, the Euripus Strait experiences robust currents, flowing at speeds of up to 12 kilometers per hour.

During peak flow, smaller vessels struggle to sail against the tide.

Moreover, the tidal flow reverses approximately four times a day, creating vortices in the water when the current changes direction.

The most striking of the two bridges spanning the strait at Halkida is the cable-stayed High Bridge, extending 600 meters and completed in 1993. This bridge features a concrete deck that is only 45 cm thick, an impressive engineering feat.

14. Lighthouse of Kakokefali

In Halkida, visitors can walk to the pine-covered Bad Head Cape, which protrudes into the Euripus Strait at the northern end of the town.

This site has served as a burial ground from the Neolithic period through the Classical and Hellenistic eras, later gaining infamy during Ottoman times, when gallows were erected at Kakokefali as a warning.

At the cape’s northernmost extremity stands a functional lighthouse constructed in 1886, featuring a square tower reminiscent of a Medieval fortress.

The most remarkable aspect of this lighthouse is that it is one of only six in all of Greece still actively manned.

15. Wine Tourism

Evia is renowned for its wine production, concentrated around the island, particularly in the semi-mountainous Lilantio Plain just outside Halkida.

The primary grape varietal in this region is Savatiano, a white grape that withstands Evia’s prolonged dry seasons and benefits from the cool breezes originating from the North Evian Gulf.

If you find yourself in Halkida, the most accessible of Evia’s ten visitable wineries is the award-winning Avantis, located in the village of Mytikas.

Avantis cultivates a diverse range of grape varietals, including six types of Syrah, Muscat, Grenache Rouge, Merlot, Greek white Assyrtiko, and Sauvignon Blanc.

This winery occupies a restored early-20th-century vineyard, featuring a grape press dating back to the 1930s.

Alongside typical tours and tastings, visitors can also sample the winery’s exclusive line of cosmetics made from grapes.