Evia 2027: Holiday Guide - Pefki, Neos Pyrgos, Edipsos, Nea Styra, Ferries and Driving from Serbia
In short
Evia is Greece's second largest island and a favourite with Serbian families looking for peace and lower prices. The 2027 guide: north or south, which village to choose (Pefki, Neos Pyrgos, Oreoi, Edipsos, Limni, Nea Styra, Eretria), ferries with fares, the drive from Belgrade and practical tips. Evia (Euboea) is Greece's largest island after Crete, and for many Serbian families it means a peaceful holiday: pine forests down to the sea, quiet villages, lower prices than Halkidiki and a twenty-minute ferry instead of a flight.
Evia (Euboea) is Greece's largest island after Crete, and for many Serbian families it means a peaceful holiday: pine forests down to the sea, quiet villages, lower prices than Halkidiki and a twenty-minute ferry instead of a flight. Serbian agencies again offer it as a separate destination for 2027, usually the north of the island (Pefki, Neos Pyrgos) and the south (Nea Styra). The island is so long that north and south feel like two different countries, so the first question is where exactly you are going.
Evia at a glance
| Where | along the east coast of mainland Greece, from Volos to Athens |
| Getting there | Glyfa - Agiokampos or Arkitsa - Edipsos ferry for the north, bridges at Chalkida, Agia Marina - Nea Styra ferry for the south |
| From Belgrade | about 870 km by car to Glyfa; agency buses with the ferry |
| Beaches | long shingle and sand, calm sea in the northern gulf |
| Best for | families, peace, thermal springs, lower prices |
North or south Evia
The north (Pefki, Neos Pyrgos, Oreoi, Edipsos, Limni, Rovies) is closer to Serbia, reached by a short ferry from Glyfa; the sea in the gulf is calm and the villages are green and family-friendly. The south (Nea Styra, Marmari, Karystos) is drier and windier, with long beaches and views of islets, and is closer to Athens than to Serbia. The middle of the island (Eretria near Chalkida, Chiliadou and Kymi on the east) suits those arriving over the Chalkida bridges.
Getting to Evia from Serbia
By car to the north: Belgrade - Nis - North Macedonia - Thessaloniki - Katerini - Larissa, then south on the A1 motorway towards Lamia, taking the Pelasgia / Glyfa exit before Lamia itself. Glyfa is about 870 km away. The new E65 motorway, fully open since 24 July 2026, does not change this route: it links the Egnatia motorway with central Greece further west. Tolls to Katerini are 31.70 EUR one way; further south on the A1 you pass several more Aegean Motorway stations (official amounts on How much does it cost to drive to Greece).
| Ferry | For | Duration | Adult | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyfa - Agiokampos | north (Pefki, Oreoi, Neos Pyrgos) | about 20 min | 4.60 EUR | 18.50 EUR |
| Arkitsa - Loutra Edipsou | Edipsos, Limni, Rovies | about 40 min | 6 EUR | 20.50 EUR |
| Agia Marina - Nea Styra | south (Nea Styra, Marmari, Karystos) | 40-45 min | 6.50 EUR | 21.50 EUR |
One-way fares from the operators' websites (D Ferries, Ferries Edipsos, Nea Styra Ferries) for the 2026 season. Agia Marina is on the east coast of Attica, so that route is used when travelling via Athens.
Without a ferry: Evia is also linked to the mainland by bridges at Chalkida (the old Evripos bridge and the new high bridge), which is practical for the middle of the island and Eretria.
By bus: agencies run buses to north Evia with the Glyfa - Agiokampos ferry included; a return ticket from Belgrade was about 105 EUR for the 2026 season, 95 EUR from Nis. Bus, car and plane compared: Greece 2027 by bus, car or plane.
Where to stay on Evia: the villages
| Village | Part of the island | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pefki | north | the best-known northern resort, long beach and promenade, Serbian agencies' first choice |
| Neos Pyrgos | north | small seaside village by Oreoi, quiet and family-friendly |
| Oreoi | north | a real Greek village with a harbour, right next to Neos Pyrgos |
| Loutra Edipsou | north-west | spa town with thermal springs, port for Arkitsa |
| Limni | north, west coast | picturesque harbour town, a good touring base |
| Rovies | north, west coast | quiet village among olive groves |
| Eretria | middle, near Chalkida | resort with an ancient site, close to the bridges |
| Nea Styra | south | village with a long beach and the port for Agia Marina |
| Marmari and Karystos | south | harbour and beaches; Karystos is the main town of the south, below Mount Ochi |
For a first visit with a family and a car, the north is the safest choice: Pefki or Neos Pyrgos for the beach, Edipsos for the spa, Limni for strolls and tavernas.
What to see on Evia
- Thermal springs at Loutra Edipsou: a spa known since antiquity; hot water flows into the sea, so a swim with warm springs is an experience for children too.
- Limni: a walk along the harbour and seafront, tavernas by the water.
- Eretria: an ancient site with a theatre, near Chalkida.
- Chalkida: the old Evripos bridge and the famous channel currents that change direction.
- Chiliadou: a beach on the Aegean side of central Evia, below the Dirfys mountains, open to the sea.
- Karystos: the main town of the south, below Mount Ochi.
North Evia after the 2021 fire
In August 2021 a large wildfire swept through the forests of north Evia. Five years on nature is visibly recovering and tourism is rebuilding, but recovery is not complete: the effects are still visible in some areas. Coastal villages, beaches and accommodation operate normally, and every guest means more to local hosts than before.
Evia with children
- The sea in the northern gulf is usually calm, without big waves.
- The short ferry from Glyfa is an adventure for children rather than a chore.
- Villages are smaller and quieter than in Halkidiki, with less traffic.
- Bathing by the warm springs at Edipsos is a handy trip for a cloudy day.
When to go to Evia in 2027
June and September are ideal for a quiet holiday. July and August are peak season here too, but villages stay calmer than in Halkidiki or on the Olympic Riviera. In late July and August expect queues at the Glyfa ferry at weekends. Holiday dates: Greece holiday 2027.
Evia, Pelion or Halkidiki?
If peace and greenery matter and a slightly longer drive does not bother you, Evia is a good choice. For mountains and sea combined on the mainland opposite, see the Pelion and Volos guide. If you want more to do and a shorter drive, Halkidiki is closer.
Accommodation on Evia
Our Evia offer is modest for now. See the Evia page and accommodation search; if you cannot find dates that suit you, compare prices by resort in Apartments in Greece for 2027 and ask owners in Pelion or Halkidiki.
Practical tips
- A car is very useful on Evia: the island is long and distances are greater than they look on the map.
- The Glyfa ferry runs frequently; tickets are sold at the port.
- Fill up before the ferry; smaller villages have few petrol stations.
- Passport: Greece requires a biometric passport.
Frequently asked questions about Evia
How do you get to Evia from Serbia?
By car via Thessaloniki and Larissa, on the A1 motorway to the Glyfa exit, then by ferry to Agiokampos (about 20 minutes). Glyfa is about 870 km from Belgrade.
How much is the ferry to Evia?
On the Glyfa - Agiokampos route in the 2026 season: 4.60 EUR per adult and 18.50 EUR per car, one way. Arkitsa - Edipsos: 6 EUR and 20.50 EUR.
Which village on Evia is best for families?
Pefki and Neos Pyrgos in the north: calm sea, a beach a few minutes away and a short ferry from Glyfa.
Can you reach Evia without a ferry?
Yes, over the bridges at Chalkida, but for the north of the island that is a longer drive. From Serbia the Glyfa - Agiokampos ferry is more practical for the north.
Where is Nea Styra?
In the south of Evia. It is usually reached by ferry from Agia Marina in Attica (40-45 minutes) or overland via Chalkida.
Has north Evia recovered from the fire?
Nature is visibly recovering and tourism runs normally, but recovery from the 2021 fire is not complete and the effects are still visible in some areas.
Next step
See Evia and accommodation search, and if you are still choosing between destinations: Where to go in Greece in 2027 and Summer holiday 2027: countries compared.
