Evia (or Euboea or simply Εύβοια in Greek), the second largest island in Greece (in area and population, after Crete) and the third in the eastern Mediterranean, is located near the Prefecture of Attica. You can literary set yourself in a beach in Evia within two hours from the city center of Athens.
However, it has a somewhat mainland character, since two bridges – the modern, suspended one and the older, sliding one – connect it to mainland Greece, also called Central Greece (or simply Στερεά Ελλάδα in Greek).
In general outline, it is a long and narrow island; it is about 180 km long, and varies in breadth from 50 km to 6 km. There are stretches in South Evia (near Zarakes and Styra) where you can enjoy both views of the Aegean Sea as well as the South Evoikos Bay.
With a rough mountainous range and roads that often end up to dirt tracks on the coast, Evia is far from being considered a typical tourist destination.
Evia is actually an untouched yet pristine and unique location for those who seek bespoke destinations far from the crowds and very near to the local communities.
Evia is most probably the only island in Greece that does not have a typical tourist season considering its size and the proximity to the Athens International Airport. From tourism to farming, nothing is commercialised and promoted to the masses. Evia is a destination to be explored.
To call the beaches in Evia remote doesn’t sum up just how far removed from civilisation they can be. But this is what makes Evia a fascinating destination way far from the crowds that other famous islands encounter every year.
The majority of those hidden treasures can easily double as campgrounds where you can pitch your tent or park your RV. Thapsa, Mageiras, Cheromylos, Tsilaro, Armirixi, Pili, Limnionas, Vythouri, Varelaioi, Agios Dimitrios, Platanistos, Agia Paraskeyi are some of them.
The precise shifting tides of Evripos Strait in Chalkida, the natural hot springs in Aidipsos, the endless hiking trails on Dirfys Mountain, the highest top in the island (1.743 mt), the Ancient Greek Theatre and Museum in Eretria, the Monastery of St David the Elder, the Holy Convent Transfiguration of the Savior, founded by Saint Porphyrios, and the Christian Orthodox Church of St John the Russian in Prokopi, the phenomenal yet mysterious Dragon houses in Styra, are some of the most prominent highlights not to be missed while you make your way in Evia from top to bottom.
Agrotourism, ample 4×4 off road, kite surfing, scuba diving, fishing, trekking, canyoning, rock climbing and wine tours are also offered in abundance all over the island. Only thing to know before booking is the perfect season, so you are at the right place, with the right people at the right time!
We, the people of Evia Retreats are putting the pieces together and we are happy to offer a combined package of writing, yoga and business coaching retreats as well as corporate retreats initiated and run by locals and foreign instructors.