Evia

Evia, Greece’s second-largest island after Crete, remains largely off the tourist map, with most foreign visitors using it to nip off to smaller and more obviously enticing nearby islands. Take some time here, though, and you'll find it unveils glorious mountain roads, rewarding treks, rippling vineyards, major archaeological finds and plenty of uncrowded beaches – all of which of make it a popular escape for Athenians and other mainlanders. A north–south mountainous spine divides the island’s eastern cliffs from the gentler and more resort-friendly west coast, with just one main road linking its distinct northern, central and southern sections.

Ferries connect Evia to the mainland, along with two bridges at humdrum capital Halkida, perched on the narrowest point of the Evripos Channel.

Explore Evia

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Evia.

  • Archaeological Site

    Ancient Eretria

    Ancient Eretria was a major maritime power with an eminent school of philosophy, and was destroyed in 87 BC by the Roman commander Sylla. Its scant but…

  • Winery

    Montofoli Estate

    Spread across a 9-acre estate 2km north of Karystos, the Montofoli vineyard is famous for its prize-winning sweet dessert wines produced by owners Danae…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum of Eretria

    This captivating museum displays the archaeological riches unearthed in Eretria since the 19th century, with information detailed in Greek and French. The…

  • Convent

    Moni Agios Nikolaos Galataki

    One of the island's oldest convents, now home to six gently welcoming nuns, the splendidly positioned 16th-century Galataki convent lies 9km southeast of…

  • Winery

    Vriniotis Winery

    With vines trickling down to Edipsos Bay below, this 100-acre family-run winery 16km northwest of Loutra Edipsou specialises in wines produced from unique…

  • Winery

    Avantis Wine Estate

    With its roots in the 1830s, the innovative, award-winning family-owned Avantis estate, 5km southeast of Halkida, creates outstanding reds, whites and…

  • Ruins

    Roman Quarry

    A 3km, one-hour walk signposted from upper Myli (4km north of Karystos) leads northeast to an abandoned Roman quarry (Kylindroi, meaning 'cylinder'),…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum of Karystos

    Karystos' small, insightful museum, opposite the Bourtzi, highlights the region's long history and ancient power. Displays, with multilingual booklets,…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    This turn-of-the-20th-century building houses ancient artefacts uncovered in both Halkida and nearby Eretria, including a headless torso of Apollo dated…

  • Bridge

    Old Bridge

    Spanning the narrowest point of the Evripos Channel, this sliding drawbridge is the perfect point from which to ponder why the waters here reverse…

  • Castle

    Castello Rosso

    The ruins of this 11th-century Byzantine fortress – later occupied by the Franks, Venetians and Ottomans – lie a 1km walk uphill from riverside Myli, 4km…

  • Beach

    Loutron Beach

    The town beach, opposite the opulent Thermae Sylla spa hotel at the south end of town, heats up year-round thanks to the toasty thermal waters that spill…

  • Winery

    Lukas Winery

    Founded in 1991, the Lykos family's vineyards produce prize-winning Malagousia whites, among other fine wines, marrying traditional and cutting-edge…

  • Beach

    Hiliadou Beach

    A spectacular mountain road meanders 30km west from Kymi (or 30km northeast from Steni) to this rock-enclosed arc of silver pebble and sand on Evia's…

  • Beach

    Archampoli Beach

    Framed by rugged headlands and clear water, this remote silver-sand cove, 35km northeast of Karystos, is reached via a one-hour, 4km hike from tiny Thymi…

  • Church

    St John the Russian

    Some 30km southeast of Limni, Prokopi revolves around this enormous 20th-century pilgrimage church, named for the saint who remains central to this…

  • Museum

    Folklore Museum

    Immediately downhill from Kymi's main square, this well-presented museum includes a display honouring Kymi-born Dr George Papanikolaou, inventor of the…

  • Architecture

    Kokkino Spiti

    Halkida's 19th-century grandeur just about endures at the waterfront Kokkino Spiti mansion, dating from 1884. Built into the rock, it became headquarters…

  • Museum

    Museum of History & Folk Art

    Occupying a handsome 19th-century stone-and-whitewashed mansion with blue shutters, 50m back from the waterfront, Limni's small folk museum houses local…

  • Mosque

    Tzami Emir Zade

    This striking 15th-century mosque contains an intriguing exhibition on Evia's history and cartography, with displays of local maps dating back to the 16th…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Evia.

  • Activities