Evia is the second largest island after Crete and one of the most beautiful Greek islands
Despite being the second largest island in Greece, Evia has nowhere near the number of tourist that visit the largest island, Crete. However, it is a favourite spot for the Greeks themselves. Its close proximity to, and easy access from Athens make the island an obvious choice for day-trippers to get to.
A mountainous spine runs north-south and divides it into two distinctive halves. On the east it offers sheer cliffs which plunge into the seas, and on the west, is the gentler, resort friendly side that the indigenous visitors flock to.
The island is but 30m from the mainland and is connected by way of a short bridge which straddles the narrow Evripous Channel, and a handful of ferry connections. The current in the strait (channel) reverses direction up to seven times each day; an event which has never been given explanation, and has eluded all observers since Aristotle.
Evia is often depicted as being three islands in one - the central, north and south. The different regions each have their own exciting scenery, a wealth of mixed plant life and vibrant landscapes, a fascinating past, sites of historic interest and places of importance, as well as so much more.
Where to Go - Island of Evia
CENTRAL After crossing the bridge to Halkida (see picture right), the road veers south, following the coastline to Eretria, a bustling resort and major archaeological site. Further on, you will come across a succession of fishing communities and small towns and villages which sprinkle the route until the junction at Lepoura, where the road forks towards Kymi. Serveral roads branch off to the sea and are worth making an effort to see them; the beach is particularly nice at Kalamos; indeed it is quite exceptional.
Along the coastal road south of Eretria you may find evidence of the scorched hillsides from the 2007 forest fires (such was the extent of the damage), especially the small towns of Amarinthos and Aliveri. Inland in the direction of Steni and Mt. Dryfus, several villages were devastated by the fires, resulting in the tragic and sad loss of life.
From the hillside town of Kymi, arough but passable mountain road leads west above the coastline to Paralia Hliadou.
NORTHERN From Halkida a road heads north to Psahna, the access pont to the stuning, picturesque mountainous interior of the northern part of the island. The road, as you'd expect, twists and climbs its way through the pine forests to the rambling and woodsy village of Prokopi which is home of the pilgramage church of St John the Russian.
At Strofylia, 14 km beyond Prokopi , a road heads southwest to the scenic Limni, then north to Loutra Edipsou and the ferry port of at Agiokambos. It may help if you take a look at the Evia map.
SOUTHERN Continuing east from Eretria, the road branches at Lepoura; the left fork leads north to Kymi, the right south to Karystos. A turnoff at Kriez, 3km from the junction, leads to Lake Dhistos, ashallow lake bed favoured by egrets and other wetland birds.
Continuing south, you'll pass high-tech windmills and catch views of both coasts as the island narrows until it reaches the sea at Karystos Bay, near the base of Mt. Ohi (1400m).
Kystos is mentioned in Homer's Iliad, and was a powerful city state during the Peloponnesian War.
