About Evia
Why Evia?
Evia (Euboea) is Greece's second largest island, but most travellers do not even register it as an island - it is linked by a short bridge to the mainland at Chalkis, just 80 km from Athens. That defines the character of the destination: access is by road from the Athens direction, but the experience is island-like - mountains with gorges, thermal springs, dense pine forest, and a coastline that ranges from rocky cliffs to calm sandy bays.
A holiday in Evia in 2026 mostly attracts travellers who want a Greece off the standard routes. Evia does not have the mass tourism of Halkidiki or Corfu, which means fewer crowds, lower prices and a more authentic feel - tavernas serve locals, beaches stay half-empty even in August, and Athenians weekend here more than international travellers do.
It differs from Skiathos and Skopelos in size and access - no ferry, just a drive across the bridge. It differs from the Peloponnese in being smaller and more compact, with a central mountain spine separating the north (greener, with thermal springs) from the south (drier, wilder).
Beaches and the sea
Evia has more than 700 km of coastline - more than any Greek island. The beaches range from large organised stretches like Halkoutsi and Eretria (west coast, facing the mainland) to wild and inaccessible ones on the eastern Aegean side.
The west coast (from Chalkis south to Marmari) has a long sandy stretch with hotels and tavernas. The sea is calm (sheltered by the mainland), the entry shallow - ideal for families with small children.
The east coast (Hiliadou, Kalamos, Stomio) faces the open Aegean. The beaches are more striking in scenery - cliffs falling into turquoise water - but the sea is more active. Hiliadou is many people's top beach on the island: a long sandy cove with pines to the water, almost no infrastructure.
The northern part also has thermal springs that emerge directly onto the beach (Edipsos, Loutra Edipsou) - a combination of hydrotherapy and sea swimming in the same day, rare in a Greek beach resort.
Blue Flag designations are regular on the west coast. Water is generally clean, particularly on the east where there are no large settlements.
Where to stay
Eretria and Halkoutsi (west coast, near the bridge) - the most popular area for accommodation, with hotels, apartments, supermarkets. An hour from Athens, ideal for a long weekend or extended holiday. Eretria also has some archaeological significance - ancient ruins next to the beach.
Edipsos and Loutra Edipsou (northwest) - thermal spa towns with hotels and private apartments. Picked for a combination of beach holiday and wellness, particularly by couples in their middle years and families with older members.
Stomio and Hiliadou (east, north) - smaller resorts next to wild beaches. Fewer hotels, more villas and private apartments. Quiet as a defining feature.
Karistos (south) - the second largest town on the island, with an old Venetian fort and harbour. Picked for the atmosphere of a small seaside town with restaurants and cafés on the waterfront.
Styra and Marmari (south, facing Andros) - fishing villages, smaller, more authentic. Ferries from Marmari run to Andros - can be a starting point for a two-island holiday.
Browse all current Evia listings, filtered by region.
Getting there
Evia has two access methods:
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The bridge at Chalkis (Chalcis) - links the main town to the mainland 24/7. From Athens 80 km by motorway, about 60 minutes. From Thessaloniki 500 km, 5 to 6 hours. From Belgrade 1,350 km, 13 to 15 hours.
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Ferries - from several mainland ports: Rafina–Marmari, Agia Marina–Nea Styra, Glyfa–Agiokampos. Departures hourly or every 90 minutes, crossing time 30 to 75 minutes depending on the route. Fare 5 to 8 € per person, 15 to 25 € for a car.
There are no direct flights to Evia from Belgrade (no airport). The simplest route:
- Belgrade–Athens flight (1 hour 25 minutes), then car rental or bus to Chalkis (1 hour). Total 4 to 5 hours.
- Belgrade–Athens flight, then a local bus to Chalkis (KTEL from Liosion station). About 8 € per person.
Bus from Belgrade to Athens, then locally to Evia - a longer trip (15 to 17 hours), cheaper. Traditionally not done for Evia given better-priced alternatives.
Best time to visit
May - perfect for walking and cycling. Sea 17–19 °C (early swimming), land 22–26 °C. Mountains cool at night, bring a thin sweater. The wildflowers in the mountains are beautiful.
June - transition to full summer. Sea 20–22 °C, land 26–30 °C. Local tourism (Athenians) starts, but the island is still open for bookings.
July and August - peak, but different from the Aegean islands. Athenians come on weekends; weekdays the island feels less dense than Crete or Thassos. Sea 23–25 °C, land 30–34 °C. Thermal springs are still used, just for shorter dips (the water emerges at 45 °C).
September - excellent month. Sea 23–25 °C, land 26–29 °C. The Athens weekend wave ends after the first of September, the island empties. Prices fall.
October - the first half still in summer mode. Thermal spas operate year-round and some hotels stay open. The second half slides into quiet off-season.
Things to see and do
The Edipsos thermal springs - a historic spa town with hot springs emerging directly onto the beach. Bathing in hot water then jumping into the Aegean in the same swim. There is a free public section and private hotels with wellness infrastructure.
Karistos and the Bourtzi Venetian fort - old town with a 13th-century stone fortress. Day trip to the south of the island with dinner at a seaside taverna.
The Drimona waterfalls and gorge - in the northern mountain area of Evia. A walk of 1 to 2 hours through the gorge to the falls, ideal for a day when the heat makes the beach uncomfortable.
The Euripus channel in Chalkis - a tidal phenomenon that reverses direction 4 to 8 times a day. Local bridges cross it, cafés along the water follow the curious phenomenon.
Mount Dirfis (1,743 m) - the highest peak in central Evia. A hiking trail through pine and oak forest to the summit, with views across the whole Aegean. Guided tours start from Stenia.
Wineries in the south - Evia has a tradition of local wine production, particularly red varieties. Winery visits with tastings are possible from Karistos.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 45 to 95 € per night in shoulder, 65 to 140 € in peak. Villas for six 85 to 170 €. Four-star hotels with half-board from 75 € per person.
Weekly cost per person including fuel to the bridge: 320 to 500 € shoulder, 460 to 700 € peak. Cheaper than most islands because there is no ferry charge.
Restaurant prices: main course 7 to 13 €, salad 4 to 6 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €. The general price level is lower than on islands with developed tourism (Crete, Corfu).
Supermarkets in Chalkis and Edipsos - affordable. Local products (honey, oil, cheeses) of excellent quality from markets in Karistos.
Thermal baths in Edipsos: public 5 €, private hotel sessions 15 to 30 €. Many hotels include thermal access in their rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Evia a good option if I do not want to fly? Yes, one of the best. Road access via the bridge from Athens or by bus, but realistically far from the Balkans (1,350 km). If you drive and have a group of three or four, it makes economic sense. Solo travellers without a car will find other options (Thassos) faster.
What is Evia's main draw for families? Quiet beaches without crowds, short transfers (the island is 180 km long but the beaches are distributed), thermal springs for parents, authentic Greek villages inland. Less pressure to "do something" than in the main destinations.
Are the Edipsos thermal springs worth a visit? Definitely, if part of the holiday programme. 45 °C water emerges directly onto the beach; the spa culture has been part of Athenian tourism for over 100 years. The visits are affordable and have health benefits (arthritis, skin, relaxation).
What is the difference between northern and southern Evia? The north is greener, with thermal springs, denser pine forest and mountain villages. The south is drier and wilder, with Venetian fortifications in Karistos and quiet fishing villages. The north is for wellness, the south for exploration.
Is renting a car worth it on Evia? Unless you arrive by car from Athens, yes. The island is large and beaches are spread out. Local buses are infrequent outside the main routes. Rental 25 to 45 € per day - worth it for at least half the holiday.