Evia is of the Greek islands with unique beauty! It is
one of those that combines green landscapes, owning to the forests of Steni and
Kerasia, with sunny and sandy beaches! If you don’t know where Evia is or why
to visit this island, here are some reasons:
No. 5: To visit the church of Saint John the Russian
Saint John the Russian was born in
Russia in 1690. The Turkish officer transferred the Saint to Procopio and tried
to convince him not to be a Christian anymore, as usual at that time. Working
on the day and praying at night, Saint John the Russian lived for the rest of
his life until
May 27, 1730, where he rested at the age of 40. When a great Temple was built
in Procopi in 1834, his relic was moved there. Three
times, however, the relic returned to the old temple in the evening, while the
faithful transported it to the new temple in the day. After
all, his relic was permanently moved to the new temple.
In this church remained the relic of
the Saint until 1924. With the exchange of the Greek and Turkish populations
that took place at that time, the Holy Relics of St. John of Russia were
transferred to Neo Prokopi, Evia, where the Greeks living in Prokopi, Asia
Minor, settled.
In 1930, a temple was built in honor
of the Saint, which was completed after many efforts of the faithful in 1951.
The Saint was then moved to the new Temple and is still there until today. Believers
visit this temple and worship the Saint from Greece and abroad.
No 4: To visit the Archaeological Sites of Ancient Goddess Artemis (Diana)
Archaeological Site of Artemisio: In the area of Artemisio, besides the sanctuary
of Artemis Prosioas, which was close to the beach and was directly connected
with the naval battle of 480 BC, several settlements developed, which have not
been systematically researched by the archaeologists.
Archaeological Site of Artemis Sanctuary is still preserved with the temple
in the southern Evia bay, the Sacred Fountain and various other buildings added
during the Hellenistic period, as well as a bath complex (thermal baths) of the
late Roman era.
No 3: To visit the dragon houses of Evia
The dragon
houses (Greek: drakospita) are found mainly in southern and central Evia and
constitute Evia's most mysterious monument. These are megalithic constructions
which were named dragon houses because of their size and location that could be
inhabited by dragons and not by humans. Moreover, a common feature in all
dragon houses is the steep and supervisory position that they are built.No 2: To visit the unique forests of Evia
In the municipality of Dirfion, in the very center of the island, lies the
aesthetic forest of Stenis, 500 hectares, which is now part of the Natura
Ecological Network that protects forests with endangered species. This forest
has streams, gorges, numerous species of trees, plants and animals. It's a
terrestrial paradise worth wandering around. The forest of Steni belongs to the
19 aesthetic forests of Greece, characterized by its environmental interest,
its beneficial properties for health, soul and spirit, its natural beauty, the
possibility that gives the visitor to rest and become one with nature. The
forest has many chestnuts, oaks, plane trees, spruce trees, but also many
wildflowers (peony, primula) as well as very rare species of birds such as
eagle-snake and petritis. The forest is ideal for families with young children
but also for people of all ages who like the serenity, rejuvenation and
wandering in nature.
A rare geological monument of nature, which the visitor deserves to include
in the exploration of the wider region, is the fossil forest of Kerasia between
the villages of Kerasia-Agia Anna-Papades. Its age is about 10 to 20 million
years old, and the region has been declared a Paleobotanic Museum of Europe. In
some parts of the forest there are silicified fossilized tree trunks (ex. the
coniferous giant tree sekoia, which is now found in North America), fruits,
seeds and leaves. In that part lived gastropods and vertebrates, elephants,
horses and the precursors of the hyena. A rhino ridden skull has also been
found. In the fauna belonged some felines like lions and giraffes with short
neck. Some of these finds are exhibited at the very interesting Kerasia Fossil
Museum.
No 1: To sunbathe at the beautiful beach of Almiripotamos
Almiropotamos beach is a beach full of cafes, tavernas
and has a lot of people in the summer months. The beach has sand as well as the
bottom. If you want to overnight there are hotels and rooms to let. If you
continue the coastal road, you will reach another beach called Blue Lake
because it looks exactly like that. It is a very small beach with a beach bar.
Staying in Almyropotamos gives you the opportunity to
explore Evia by organizing excursions to Eretria, to Chalkida or to Karystos.
Plus One: To stay at Afroditi’s Traditional House
Afroditi's Traditional House is a two-level spacious
house located in Panagia settlement just 150 meters from Almyropotamos beach.
Outdoors, there is an outdoor shower and a barbecue.
Parking for up to 3 cars and a trampoline for children
are available free of charge.
How to reach Almyropotamos
By car via Chalkida bridge. The distance from Chalkida is approx. 70 Km (1
hour) while the distance from Athens International Airport El. Venizelos is
170Km (1 hour and 45 min.).
Passing the long bridge of Chalkida you will turn right at the first traffic
light that you will encounter towards south Evia. You will follow the main road
passing through the following areas: Vassiliko, Eretria, Amarynthos, Aliveri
(Chalkida - Aliveri: 45 km). After Aliveri, at about 7.5 km, in Lepoura you
will see a sign that points to Karystos turn right for Karystos. You will go
straight and you will pass Krieza, Dystos and Zarakes. The next village after
Zarakes is Almiropotamos (Lepoura - Almiropotamos: 22 km). Once you enter
Almiropotamos you will see a sign that points to Almiropotamos beach right, in
three kilometers you have arrived.
By ferry boat from Agia Marina Marathon port with direct access to
Almiropotamos port or via Styra port. The distance from Athens International
Airport El. Venizelos is 60Km.
There are also Buses (Ktel) from Athens with connection to Chalkida or
Aliveri.
