Place of interest

Karystos

The main town and port of the region and a modern tourist resort. Along with other towns on the west coast, the Karistos area has good beaches. The Fortress of Karistos, (also known as “Castel Rosa” due to the reddish bricks used when the fortress was built) overlooks the town. On the seafront is the “Bourtzi” a 15 th Ventian castle, in the town centre are the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo. On Mt. Ochi (1400m high), are the so called “Dragon Houses”. The history of these buildings is unknown, but it is thought they were built in the Bronze Age. The method of building is remarkable as the boulders used for the walls are enormous and fit together perfectly and the roof slabs lean together to form a vault. It remains a mystery as to how Bronze Age people, managed to move these enormous boulders and work them, as to which purpose these buildings were used for, one can only speculate.

Almyropotamos

Just to the north of Stira is the village of Almyropotamos , from a small sleepy village it has developed into a charming tourist resort. The area is ideal for water sports, and after playing in the sea, you can relax in one of the many tavernas and enjoy the evening. In the Almyropotamos area, excavations have uncovered fossils and bones of several prehistoric carnivorous animals among them the bones of the sabre toothed tiger. These finds are stored and shown at the University of Athens , Museum of Palaeonthropology .

Prefecture of Northern Evia

Istiaia

Istiaia, the capital of Northern Evia , is located in the heart of a small plain to the north of the island. It is 130 kilometres from Chalkida. The town is a short distance from the sea but there many splendid beaches nearby. The small seaside town of Oreoi is a popular seaside resort. The village of Kanatathika 5 km. from Istiaia, with its white painted houses close to the beach is appealing. To the west of Oreoi, is the resort of Neo Pirgos, one of the most scenic places in Evia. From Istiaia you can visit several pleasant villages surrounded by forests. To the east is the village of Artemisio where a battle between the navies of Greece and Persia was fought.

Limni

The town is 85 km. from Chalkida, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kandili , with the waters of the Aegean Gulf on its shores. Even with the influx of tourists in the summer, the town has retained its natural charm. The monastery of Agios Nikolos is built among beautiful scenery on the site of a more ancient temple. Along the coast north of the town, are the villages of Chronia and Rovies, both with superb beaches. The mountain villages of Daphni, Kourkolous and others offer the tourist an insight into the local way of life.

Aidipos

Hot thermal springs here have made Aidipos famous. People come here today to take the waters, as they have done since ancient times. The town has developed in to a popular resort, the town has remains from bygone eras, and on the hill nearby are the remains of the old city. The monastery of Agios Georgiou at Iila, built on the ruins of a ancient temple is worth the visit. The area around here offers good views and is excellent for trekkers. Along the coastal road to the northwest of the town, lies the pleasing village of Gialtra .

Gregolimano

This a very popular destination situated on the peninsula of Litchatha , the beach here is a very popular destination for both tourists and Greeks. Lying offshore at the western end of the peninsula are the charming islands of Stroggili and Manolia.

The region has many more excellent beaches, attractive villages and beautiful countryside that attract lots of visitors. Ferries sail from the ports of, Aidipos, Agio Georgios and Agiokambos to the mainland.