Evia

(Also Known as Evvia or Euboea)

Evia is the second largest of the Greek islands after Crete, and although it's extremely popular with Greeks, it remains a little off-the-beaten-track for most visitors to Greece. It often gets overlooked by guides to the Greek islands as it is connected to the mainland by a short bridge, but it gets missed out of guides to the Greek mainland because it is still an island.

A pebble beach on Evia in Greece, https://www.greece-travel-secrets.com/Evia.htmlA Pebble Beach on Evia

It's one of only two Greek islands we can think of that you can walk to, or drive to without taking a ferry – the other is Lefkas, also connected to the mainland by a bridge.

So what does the island have that makes for a great Greek holiday? For a start it feels like that mysterious 'real Greece' that we're all looking to find. It hasn't been spoiled by hordes of holiday-makers, partly because it's not got a lot of good beaches. It does have some impressive mountains, so appeals to people who like hiking or watching for wildlife.

Church in Kymi on EviaChurch in Kymi on Evia

Evia, like Crete, is long and thin. It's about 109 miles (175kms) from one end to the other at the longest point, and varies in width from about 30 miles (48kms) to 4 miles (6kms). Its highest point is Mount Dirfys, which is 5,737ft (1,749m) high. It's also a very fertile island, with lots of orchards and olive groves, and grapes that are said to produce some of the best retsina in Greece – reason enough to go there, in our view! 

The capital is Chalkida, which is the closest point to the Greek mainland. It's just 130ft (40m) across at the narrowest point, and the channel is noted for the strange behaviour of its currents. On some days the tide changes direction ten or more times, and on other days not at all. Even the locals don't understand it.

The main archaeological site on the island is Eretria, which was destroyed in 87BC. The modern town grew up on the same site, but there are still plenty of places where you can see the remains of the ancient town. There are several other archaeological sites too, although nothing like the number that there are on Crete. Evia doesn't have Crete's beaches either. But it does have its own wonderful charm, and for most people is certainly one of Greece's travel secrets. 

Evia Sunset

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Rough-Guide-Greek-Islands-2022.png

Other Evia Pages

  • There are lots of pretty towns and villages to explore on Evia, and these are some of the places worth seeking out, including Karystos, Kymi, Steni and Prokopi.

    Exploring Evia

    There are lots of pretty towns and villages to explore on Evia, and these are some of the places worth seeking out, including Karystos, Kymi, Steni and Prokopi.

  • Ancient Eretria is the most important historical site on Evia, a city that at one time fought with Chalkida for dominance of the island.

    Eretria

    Ancient Eretria is the most important historical site on Evia, a city that at one time fought with Chalkida for dominance of the island.

  • This drive exploring northern Evia takes you from the busy town and port of Chalkida, out along the coast road and up into the mountains.

    Driving in Northern Evia

    This drive exploring northern Evia takes you from the busy town and port of Chalkida, out along the coast road and up into the mountains.

  • The capital of Evia is Chalkida, or Chalkis, the industrial port which you drive into if crossing from the Greek the mainland over the Evripos Channel.

    Chalkida on Evia

    The capital of Evia is Chalkida, or Chalkis, the industrial port which you drive into if crossing from the Greek the mainland over the Evripos Channel.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Labor Day Strike on May 1 to Disrupt Public Transport and Ferries in Greece

    Transportation and travel across Greece will be disrupted on Thursday, May 1, as public transport and ferry workers join nationwide strike actions in observance of Labor Day.

    Read More

  2. 5 Epic Island Hikes in Greece for Spring Explorers

    This spring, five majestic peaks across Greece’s islands invite us to lace up our boots and discover a wilder side of island life.

    Read More

  3. Lefkada: The First Ancient Theater of the Ionian Islands Comes to Light

    The first ancient theater ever discovered in the Ionian Islands is located in the heart of the ancient city of Lefkada, established before the end of the 7th century BC.

    Read More

  4. Explore Vikos Gorge: Hiking, Rafting, and Food in Zagori

    One of the most impressive canyons in Europe and one of Greece’s favorite mountain destinations, Vikos Gorge invites hikers and food lovers alike.

    Read More

  5. Greek Ferry Services to Halt on May 1 Due to Labor Strike

    Ferries in Greece will remain docked for 24 hours on Thursday, May 1, as the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) joins Labor Day mobilizations announced by the General Confederation of Greek Labor…

    Read More

  6. Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia

    In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience.

    Read More

  7. Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise

    Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart.

    Read More

  8. The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter

    Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece.

    Read More

  9. Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs

    In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets.

    Read More

  10. Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation

    The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that…

    Read More