| The island of Evia is the second largest island in Greece after Crete. A main highway and ferryboats from several terminals connect this island of great natural beauty and variety to the mainland. Evia is brisk with tourist traffic; however, there are still many tranquil and unspoilt villages for peace-seekers. The island has vast fertile valleys, sandy beaches, organised bathing facilities, secluded coves and wooded mountain slopes ideal for climbing.
By road, Halkida, the island's capital, is accessible from a fork on the Athens-Lamia highway. A draw bridge carries traffic across the narrow Evripos Straits with their tidal current that Aristotle tried so hard to explain in ancient times. The name Halkida is said to originate either from the copper that its inhabitants processed in older times or from the word "Halki", a type of shell used for dying red fabrics in antiquity.
The archaeological museum in town contains notable exhibits such as the headless statue of goddess Athena, the relief of Dionysus and the abduction of Antiope by Thesseus. The Byzantine basilica of Aghia Paraskevi located within the compound of the mediaeval fortress contains coats of arms and inscriptions of the 14th century. The modern town has several hotels and fish tavernas. Halkida is an ideal starting point for exploring the entire island.
Southward, the road leads to Eretria, which in ancient times was the second most important city on the island after Halkida. The ancient baths, the remains of the Temple of Dafniforos Apollo, the Palestra with its fine mosaic and the ancient theatre present special interest. The road from Halkida to Eretria passes by the splendid Malakonta beach with its ample tourist facilities. Continuing south along the coastal road, on the shores of the Gulf of Evia, one comes upon the township of Amarinthos with a beautiful beach, tranquil surroundings and plenty of tavernas serving delicious fish dinners. Nearby are the Byzantine churches of Metamorfossis and Kimissis Theotokou.
In the south, and upon a fork lies Lepoura, which leads to Karystos, a town with very ancient history, said to have been built by the Dryopes. The area is thick with pinewoods and fossils of prehistoric animals have been found there.
Setting out north from Halkida into the mountainous heart of the island of Evia, the road leads to Steni Dirfios which is situated amidst plane trees with tumbling streams, fir trees, pine trees and thick shrub that clings on the slopes of Mt. Dirfys. Both settlements on this village maintain their strict traditional character. This is the starting point for the climb to the alpine rest hut. |
