Evia Island

The island Evia is the second largest in Greece after Crete, has played an important role in Greek History from earliest prehistory to the present day. Its importance is chiefly due to its geographical position and geomorphology. It is 175 kilometers long and faces the Greek mainland along the whole length of its eastern seaboard. A main highway and ferryboats from several terminals connect this island, of great natural beauty and scenic variety, to the mainland. Evia is brisk with tourist traffic, but there are still many peaceful and unspoilt villages. There are large fertile valleys, sandy beaches, organised bathing facilities, secluded coves and wooded mountainsides, ideal for climbing.

History of Karystos: Karystos has known great glory at different times, from the prehistoric period. It took its name, from the son of the historic-mythical Centaur Heron, the heroic Karystos, who was the ruler of this place and gave it its name. According to mythology, the romance between the two greatest gods of ancient Greece, Zeus and Hera, was created on the top of mountain Ochi (1389m) above Karystos. In the ancient times, Karystos developed the trade, shipping and science, art and sports as well. The famous athlete Glaukos who was a winner at the Olympic Games of 520 B.C. at boxing was a Karystian. Famous are the Karystian marbles (Marmor Karystium) known as Cipollino and the Pillars that were made of them are still decorating ancient monuments in Athens, Rome, Instambul and other places. Many people came through Karystos: Persians, Romans, Venetians, Franks, Turks, and the monuments that have been saved can give evidence of their crossing.

Sightseeing’s: Each place of South Evia offers different interests. In distance of 3-4 kilometers from Karystos there are picturesque villages into all green slopes and ravines on foot of Ochi mountain. These villages are Kalivia, Lala, Aetos, Mili, Paleochora, Grambias, Mekounida, Nikasi, villages with plentiful waters, many trees, beautiful gardens, old lord’s houses and excellent view. The Castle of Western Europe, “Castello Rosso”, built in the 13th century, the most powerful of its period. The charming place of Agia Triada, a valley with two small churches under enormous plane-trees and a plentiful clear waters. 100 meters northeastern from the country chapels there is a sensational cave. Byzantine church of Agion Taxiarchon in Kalivia.

If you attempt to go up to Ochi mountain you will see: At the position of Kylindroi, north of Mili village on altimeter of 600 meters, an ancient quarry with 8 big pillars. Mountain shelter on altimeter of about 1200 meters and southeastern of the shelter a big chestnut forest. “Drakospito” an ancient structure with enormous flat stones on the top of Ochi mountain.