EUBOEA - SPORADES
Euboea (Evia) is one of the largest islands of the Aegean, the
second after Crete. It extends along the mainland coast,
separated from it by the Evoikos Gulf and the straits of
Evripos.
All of Euboea, from end to end and from corner to corner,
presents many peculiarities and offers ideal conditions for the
development of tourism. In northern Euboea one will find towns
with intense tourism activity. Villages that are nearly
untouched by modern life are scattered among olive groves
leading to scenic beaches. Villages with a strong sense of
traditional colour maintaining their customs and celebrations.
Lush fertile valleys. Wooded slopes and mountains made for
climbing. Organized beaches and magical, out-of-the-way shores.
The northern part of the island hosts the alpine view of Euboea.
Oak, fir, pine, and other trees grow on the banks of streams.
Pleasurable walks in the unsullied countryside between the
strictly traditional villages are the best way to get to know
Euboea better.
Villages and towns like Limni, a beautiful town with a long
history and tradition, bedecked with fine white houses reflected
in the sea.
The fertile plain of Istiea, and beautiful Edlpsos, known since
antiquity for its spas and the miraculous waters with medicinal
powers.
Southern Euboea has been home to important cities for centuries,
cities like Halkida, the island's capital, and significant
archaeological sites such as Eretria. The listed old houses of
the ship masters and the seaside villages on quiet scenic
beaches are real jewels. And here, in the interior of southern
Euboea, we encounter pine, oak, fir, and poplar forests. Running
water such as the mineral water of the famous spring of
Honeftiko. Picturesque villages with churches and monasteries
but also an authentic island feel, like the port of Kimi from
where boats leave for the Sporades. Here the visitor has the
chance to combine the quiet life with wonderful sandy beaches
under the sun, sea sports, tasty local specialities and fresh
seafood, and delicious wine. The large amounts of sunshine in
the Sporades and the "meltemia", the Aegean's seasonal northern
wind, attract many tourists in the summers.
Skiathos is a verdant idyllic paradise with more than 70 bays
and coves and three harbours. Nine small islands orbit Skiathos
as if mesmerized by the island's beauty. Skiathos is a popular
resort with an active nightlife.
Skopelos is exceptionally beautiful with scenic coves, bright
white churches and monasteries among picturesque farm-houses
glimpsed through the gold-green of the olive groves on even
slopes, under the brilliant light of the sun.
Alonlssos is long and thin and surrounded by scattered islets.
These islets and the area around them are the Marine Park which
is the last refuge of the Mediterranean seal Monachus-monachus.
The ruins of an ancient city can be found on Psathoura and a
cave decorated with multi-hued stalactites and stalagmites is
the famous cave of the Cyclops.
Skyros is low hills, good underwater fishing and diving, crystal
clear water, sandy beaches, little seaside tavernas, sea caves,
and the unique Skyrian ponies. From the castle above the Hora,
which combines Byzantine and Venetian ruins with older
fortifications, the town spreads out below you in a cubists
dream. Each of the houses has an interior that reminds one of a
folk art museum, and much of the handmade folk art is sold in
little shops.