5+1 Reasons Why Evia (or Euboia) Should Be Your Next Destination!

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.

The ground floor consists of a spacious living room, a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a dining  area with big dining table suitable for 8 persons and one bathroom with shower. At the same level there are two single beds placed in the living room. A wooden staircase leads to the upper floor where the second living room with a cozy fireplace is located. At this level, there are one bedroom with double bed, one bedroom with one double bed and one single bed, one bedroom with one single small bed and one bathroom with tub. At this level, there is one more single bed. The building has central heating. An extra bed can be provided upon request, extra charges may apply.

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.

BOOK NOW Afroditi's Traditional House! 

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.