Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Thus, the Greek island of Euboea is a place with a well—developed tourist infrastructure and many attractions.
Where is it
The island of Euboea in Greece is a large island, which is second in size only to the island of Crete. It is located in the Northern Sporades archipelago, and the island is separated directly from the mainland by the Euripus Strait.
The island is located 80 km north of Athens, and stretches along the northern coast of Attica. To get from the mainland to the island, you can use the bridge built near the city of Chalkida.
What is remarkable about the climate of Euboea
The climate is a factor that makes visiting Euboea attractive. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters are humid and mild. About 500 mm of precipitation may fall in the south of the island, and up to 800 mm in the north.
The high temperature in the summer months allows you to spend a lot of time on the beach. These days, the air temperature can rise to +33 degrees, and the water temperature can be about +25 degrees. In winter, the temperature does not drop below +13 degrees, which allows you to take more outdoor walks.
Attractions
Euboea island is primarily known for its capital, the city of Chalkida. It is considered the cultural center of Greece and, moreover, was a major city already in the days of Ancient Greece. The architectural complexes of Chalkida attract tourists from all over the world.
The island of Euboea (Greece) from a bird’s-eye view. Photo.
Eretria is a city with a large historical museum, where you can see a rare collection of vases with images of the Gorgon. In addition to the museum, you can visit the Mosaic House, located near the historical museum.
Despite the fact that only ruins of the Acropolis of Eretria have been preserved, you can visit them and get an idea of what Eretria might have looked like in Antiquity.
Christians often visit Prokopi, where a church consecrated in honor of John the Russian is open. He is considered to be especially revered in Euboea. Pilgrims come here every year, and they also visit other monasteries that receive pilgrims.
Halkida
The name of the city is associated with a mineral — copper, which was mined in mines and processed in local workshops. There is also a legend according to which the city was named after the daughter of the god Asop.
The fame of Chalkida was brought by water flows that change the direction of flow every 6 hours. This can be seen by driving over a bridge laid from the Greek mainland. The reason for this phenomenon is considered to be the attraction of the Moon and the difference between the water levels of the northern and southern parts of the Euryp Strait.
In Halkidiki, there are many cafes, taverns and bars on the waterfront that attract tourists with freshly cooked fish dishes. In addition, tourists can visit the fortress of Karababa, which has long served to protect Chalkida from the invasion of enemies. Despite the fact that the fortress currently does not perform its main functions, excursions are conducted to its bastions.
The villages of Dirfios and Stropony are the natural and gastronomic attractions of Euboea. Here you can taste Greek cuisine, enjoy the beautiful scenery and take outdoor walks.
The Archaeological Museum of Chalcis has outdoor tombstone steles, capitals and statues from the Roman era. Historical buildings have also been preserved in the city, for example, the House with Statues and the Red House. Such attractions include the building that currently houses the city hall.
Several mosques were built in the capital of the island of Euboea, but now only 1 has been preserved. A collection of Byzantine ceramics has been preserved in the mosque called Emir Zadeh.
Eretria
Euboea Island (Greece) is the place where many large ancient cities were built, including Eretria. This city competed with Chalcidae for the title of the capital of Euboea. Since Eretria was one of the first to establish colonies, it quickly became the economic center of the region.
Despite the fact that the city was destroyed by the Persians, it was quickly rebuilt and continued to engage in trade and philosophy. However, in 88 AD, Eretria was destroyed during the Roman offensive.
The ruins of the theater have been preserved, the path from which leads to the Acropolis. Tourists can also visit the city center, where the ruins of the ancient market and the temple of Apollo are located. In the 19th century, the modern city of Eretria arose.
Among the sights of the city, the temple of Apollo Daphniphorus, ancient crypts and graves of the Macedonian era stand out. The Kanari family owns a tower with statues on the beach. The Museum of Modern Art houses paintings by Greek artists.
Prokopi and the Church of John the Russian
Pilgrims from all over the world come to the island of Euboea to visit the church of John the Russian, which is located in the village of Prokopi. This temple was built in honor of a soldier of the army of Peter the Great.
Despite the fact that John was in captivity, he adhered to Christianity and did not renounce his faith. All those who seek healing and peace of mind come to the relics of this saint.
Attractions of Euboea for families with children
Euboea Island (Greece) is also popular among travelers with children. Children on the island will be able to have fun at the water park, go on excursions dedicated to the life of the ancient Greeks.
If the child likes everything related to water, you can go to the Water Sports Center. Both swimming and kayaking are practiced here. You can also surf, as the instructors provide everyone with everything they need to master this sport.
Families with children can visit the museums of the previously mentioned city of Eretria, where they can get acquainted with ancient Greek culture. The island’s capital, the previously mentioned city of Chalkida, is also considered attractive for families with children.
Dragon houses have been preserved here, which were built without fixing solutions. According to local legends, these houses were created by dragons, but scientists believe that religious ceremonies took place in these places.
Children will also be interested in the Stone Forest of Kerasya. This object is a piece of vegetation that has been petrified by a volcanic eruption. The Kerasya Museum exhibits figures of animals that lived on earth in the past: saber-toothed tigers, mammoths and other animals.
Thus, the infrastructure and nature of the island are conducive to active recreation for families with children of different ages. You can spend time in the water park, museum, and healing springs, and in a cafe with a variety of dishes.
Castles on and near Euboea
Euboea Island (Greece) is famous for its castles and fortresses. Thus, the main and most significant attraction is considered to be the Karababa Castle, which was named during the Ottoman Empire. The castle is located above the Euripos Strait off the Greek mainland.
During the era of Venetian rule, a fortress was built on the hill, which was called Forte del Negroponte. Later, in the XVII century, the builders of the fortress came to the conclusion that additional fortifications should be added to it.
In 1648, the castle underwent major repairs; the architect Gerolimo Galopo became the author of the project. In 1688, the castle was besieged by the Venetians, but withstood the attack. This battle allowed the builders to understand that the main goals of the repair had been achieved.
The bastion on the eastern side of the fortress is considered to be a strategically important part of the fortress, since it helped to maintain control over the strait. Among the ruins you can find 2 Russian cannons that have been preserved since the 19th century. Bastions were also located in the north and south of the building.
The most massive of all the buildings in the fort is the heptagonal tower in the west of the fortress. There was a water tank in this tower, which made it possible to survive a long siege. Among all the fortifications, only the chapel of Elijah the Prophet, dating from 1895, has been preserved.
Urban and national parks
Since Euboea is an island, beaches can be allocated instead of national parks.
So, the most visited beaches include:
- Beaches of Anfidon;
- Beaches of Agios Minas;
- Panagica Beach;
- Burnonda Beach;
- Skorponeri Bay;
- Luxion Beach;
- Dirfi Beaches;
- The central beach of Chalkida
The beaches of the Anfidon area are recognized as one of the most beautiful in the area. Visitors note the quiet atmosphere, clear water and clean sand. Since the local beaches meet all the criteria for recreation, children can also relax here.
Not far from the central beach of the resort of Agios Minas there is a promenade where taverns and restaurants of national cuisine are open. The atmosphere in the city is conducive to a relaxing holiday on the beach. The wild beaches of Panagica and Burnonda are popular among those who seek to relax away from civilization.
To get beautiful and spectacular photos, you can come to the bay of Scorpioneri. The beach in the bay not only has everything you need for a beach holiday, but is also a picturesque natural monument. In search of a beach for a secluded and quiet holiday, it is worth visiting Luxion.
In the north of Euboea is the Dirfi area, whose beaches have become the most picturesque in all of Greece. There are also many beaches in the capital, which are the busiest places to relax. There are taverns on the coast with a variety of local dishes. In addition, nudists can stay on one of the sections of the central beach of Halkidiki.
Entertainments
On Euboea, you can not only explore museums and ancient Roman ruins, but also engage in active sports. For example, in Steni, where many tourist routes originate, which are suitable for both experienced and novice tourists. Mountaineering enthusiasts can visit the Havoy Canyon with an ancient aqueduct and caves under it.
Euboea is one of the points of ecological tourism. For example, a sycamore tree grows near the settlement of Prokopio with a crown height of up to 35 m. There are also frequent walks along the Isna River Valley in the north of the island.
Everyone who wants to strengthen their body visits Edipios, where, according to legends, Hercules rested after his exploits. Roman emperors also visited the baths of Edipios. The medical procedures carried out at this resort help in the treatment of diseases such as migraines or arthritis. On the island of Euboea, both algae wraps and mud treatment are carried out.
Visitors go diving off the island coast: This can be done by both experienced divers and beginners after training with an instructor. In particular, the island’s authorities announced the creation of a park with 26 sunken ships. Those who wish can also rent a catamaran or a speedboat.
For cycling, visitors rent bicycles. This can be done for several hours or for several days. By bike, you can go to the vineyards, go to the tavern and dance there with the locals. In the nightclubs, everyone can listen to Greek music performed by DJs.
Where to stay
Those who are used to relaxing in high-class establishments can stay at the Negroponte Resort Eretria Hotel. The hotel is located on 11,000 m2. The service price includes meals, access to the pool, classes on the tennis court and playing ball on the football field.
An extensive garden has been planted for walks, and children can play on the playground and in a special pool for children.
The Silla Spa Hotel is connected to the thermal center, considered the best in Greece. The hotel’s courtyard is equipped with a beautiful swimming pool, and for adherents of healthy eating, all dishes are prepared from farm products grown here at the hotel.
The Best Western Lucy Hotel is popular among movie fans, as the filming of world-famous films took place here. World celebrities and movie stars often stay at the elite hotel.
The Tallata Hotel is popular due to the beach, located 50 m from the walls of the hotel. There is a spa on site, and tourists are attracted by pools with wooden terraces. One of the pools is open to children. Delicatessen lovers often visit the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with original dishes.
Pelagos is a hotel appreciated by those who seek solitude and peace. It is built in a quiet area of the capital, surrounded by a lush garden, and there is a private beach outside the walls of the hotel. A tennis court and a swimming pool are available for active recreation. The restaurant serves not only Greek cuisine, but also homemade dishes based on ancient recipes.
Thus, the Greek island of Euboea is a place with a well–developed tourist infrastructure, which will be appreciated not only by families with children, but also by outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can both go cycling and relax on the beaches with children.
Video about the island of Euboea
Thermal springs of the island of Euboea:
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