Evvia (Greek: Εύβοια), also called Euboea, is a large island in Central Greece. It's so large and so close to the mainland that it has more of a mainland atmosphere than an island one. Tourism is not much developed. Its main attractions for the visitor are the landscape and traditional villages. Evia and Skyros have an area of 4,167 square kilometers and a population of 210,815 (2011).

Cities

Central Evvia

• 1 Chalcis — the capital of the island, a lively city of more than 50,000 citizens with a mainly urban look, not very touristic except for its coastline area
• Nea Artaki (Νέα Αρτάκι) – seaside resort 9 km north of Halkida, in fact, a suburb of the capital
• Politika (Πολιτικά) (& Nerotriva, Kamaritsa, Stavros, Psachna, Triada, Makrikapa) (Νεροτριβιά, Καμαρίτσα, Σταυρός, Ψαχνά, Τριάδα, Μακρύκαπα) a fishing village
• 2 Eretria — an important Greek polis in the 6th/5th century BC, the modern town is now a popular beachside resort opposite the coast of Attica.

North Evvia

• Limni (Λίμνη) and Rovies (Ροβιές) – villages on the west coast
• 3 Edipsos — seaside resort, famous for its natural spas and hot springs
• 4 Agia Anna (& Agkali) — famous for one of the best campings in Greece
• Vassilika (Βασσιλικά) (& Ellinika, Psaropouli) (Ελληνικά, Ψαροπούλι)
• Orei (Ορεοί) (& Agiokampos, Neos Pyrgos) (Αγιόκαμπος, Νέος Πύργος)
• Pefki (Πευκί) (& Artemisio, Gouves, Asminio) (Αρτεμίσιο, Γούβες, Ασμήνιο) Located in an environment with a lot of greenery, Pefki is a seaside resort in the north opposite Mount Pelion
• Lichada (Λιχάδα) (& Agios Georgios, Gialtra, Gregolimano) (Άγιος Γεώργιος, Γιάλτρα, Γρεγολίμανο) At Gregolimano there is a Club Med resort
• Istiea (Ιστιαία) (and nearby villages)

South Evvia

• Panagia (Παναγιά) (& Argyro, Zarakes, Mpoufalo, Agios Dimitrios, Almyropotamos) (Αργυρό, Ζάρακες, Μπούφαλο, Άγιος Δημήτριος, Αλμυροπόταμος)
• Nea Styra (Νέα Στύρα) (& Styra, Zoodochos Pigi, Plypotamos) (Στύρα, Ζωοδόχος Πηγή, Πλυπόταμος)
• Marmari (Μαρμάρι) (& Paradisi, Katsaroni) (Παραδείσι, Κατσαρώνι)
• Karystos (Κάρυστος) (& Kalyvia, Myli, Aetos, Erodios) (Καλύβια, Μύλοι, Αετός, Ερωδιός) more tourist-oriented city in the south

East Evvia

• 5 Kymi — small port with ferry connections to the island of Skyros
• Chiliadou (Χιλιαδού) (& Stopones, Metochi) (Στρόπωνες, Μετόχι)

Understand

Evvia is Greece's second biggest island. After it was connected to the mainland by bridge, it lost its island feeling, especially around the area of Chalkis, the capital. Do not expect to see the most picturesque places of the island before reaching the northern and southern tips, where you will definitely see much more of what it has to offer.

Get in

By plane

The closest airport is Athens airport.

By car

Evvia is linked to the mainland by one suspension bridge and one old lifting bridge. This connection is next to the main Evvia town of Halkida. You can also get there by a number of ferry connections between the mainland and the island.

From Thessaloniki–Athens highway, past Volos, exit near Glifa. Every 30 min ferry to Agiokambos (last about 8 pm), 30 min ride. If you are getting there from Athens, ferries from Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou.

By regional coach

Generally, intercity coaches ("KTEL" buses) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. This is doubly true for travelling to Chalcis from Athens

There is frequent bus service from Athens to Chalcis

By train

Trains (OSE) connect Chalcis to other cities in Greece. Line 3 of Proastatikos Athens (the suburban rail system) connects the city to Athens and other destinations in Attica.

By ferry

Ferries connecting North Evvia with Sterea Ellada:

• From Glyfa to Agiokampos
• From Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou

Ferries connecting Southern Evvia with Attica if you want to get there from Athens:

• From Rafina to Marmari
• From Agia Marina to Nea Styra

Ferries connecting Evia with islands

• From Skyros to Kymi
• From Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos to Mantoudi.

Stay safe

Evvia is a generally very safe island, with the only problem of dangerous driving. Be aware in case you have rented a car, because its streets are narrow with sudden twists that need driving experience and extra care.

Go next

Get the ferry to Skyros from Kymi, one of the Sporades islands and the closest one to the island of Evvia.