Evia, Greece: sights, beaches, hot springs and how to get there (2026)
The big island opposite Athens that you can drive to: quiet beaches, hot springs, waterfalls and coastal towns, without the crowds of the famous islands.
- Evia is linked to the mainland by bridges at Chalkida, about an hour's drive from Athens.
- It has hot springs at Edipsos, waterfalls at Drimonas and quiet beaches in the north and south.
- Hire a car and plan at least 3–4 days.
If you fly to Athens and want a short beach break without another flight, Evia is a close and relatively cheap option. Hire a car and choose one base in the north or the south.
What is Evia and where is it?
Evia (also Euboea) is Greece's second-largest island after Crete, lying just off the coast of Attica and central Greece. It is linked to the mainland by bridges at Chalkida, so you can drive there from Athens without a ferry. Evia is less known to Israeli travellers, which makes it quieter, cheaper and full of nature, beaches and hot springs.
How do you get to Evia?
- By car via Chalkida: the easy way from Athens. Chalkida is linked to the mainland by the old bridge and the new bridge, Greece's first cable-stayed bridge, opened in 1992. The drive from Athens to Chalkida takes about an hour, and from there you head north or south.
- By ferry: ferries run from Rafina to Marmari and the south, from Agios Konstantinos, and from Glyfa to Agiokampos in the north. There is also a short crossing between Oropos and Eretria. Times and prices change with the season. See our complete guide to ferries in Greece.
- By hire car: highly recommended. The island is long and public transport is limited. See car rental in Greece.
What to see in Evia
| Area | What's there |
|---|---|
| Chalkida | The island's capital: seafront promenade, fish restaurants, the Archaeological Museum and the changing currents of the Euripus strait under the bridge |
| Eretria | Ancient remains and a beach, good for families |
| Edipsos (Loutra Edipsou) | Hot springs known since antiquity, where you can bathe, and historic bathhouses |
| Limni | A picturesque coastal town in the north |
| Drimonas waterfalls | Waterfalls and a forest walk in the north |
| Dimosaris Gorge and Mt Ochi | Hiking in the south |
| The "dragon houses" (Drakospita) | Mysterious ancient stone structures near Karystos |
| Karystos | Southern port town with a medieval castle |
Evia's best beaches
- North: Agia Anna, Edipsos, Limnionas and Gregolimanos.
- South: Chiliadou (with a sea cave), Mourteri (popular with wind- and kitesurfers), Chrysi Ammos and Kalamos.
- Near Chalkida and Eretria: organised, easy beaches for a short break from Athens.
Where to stay in Evia
- Chalkida: convenient for a short break, with restaurants and a promenade. Also a stop on the way north.
- Eretria: a pleasant seaside town with family hotels and organised beaches, about an hour and a half from Athens.
- Edipsos and Limni: a good base for the north, the hot springs and the waterfalls, also reachable by ferry from the mainland.
- Karystos and Marmari: a base for the south, its beaches and hikes, with ferries from Rafina.
Who is Evia for?
- People living in or flying to Athens who want a short beach break without another flight or a long ferry.
- Families: quiet beaches, lower prices than the busy islands and a short drive.
- Nature lovers: waterfalls, gorges and hot springs.
- Less suited to anyone after wild nightlife or a Mykonos vibe.
Tips for your visit
- Plan at least 3–4 days: driving from the north of the island to the south takes a long time.
- Mountain roads are narrow and winding. Drive slowly and preferably in daylight.
- In summer 2021 severe wildfires hit the north of the island. Some forests are still recovering.
- Evia has no Chabad house or kosher restaurant. See Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
How much does a holiday in Evia cost?
Evia is considered one of Greece's relatively affordable destinations, as most visitors are Greek rather than foreign tourists. Prices vary by season and area, and they're higher in August, when Greeks take their holidays. For a comparison between destinations see how expensive is Greece. Before you go, also get travel insurance.
FAQ
How do you get to Evia from Athens? By car over the bridges at Chalkida, about an hour's drive, or by ferry from Rafina, Oropos or Agios Konstantinos to various ports on the island.
What should you see in Evia? Chalkida and the bridge over the Euripus strait, the hot springs at Edipsos, the Drimonas waterfalls and the beaches of the north and south.
Is Evia good for a holiday with kids? Yes. It has quiet beaches, reasonable prices and a short drive from Athens. Pick one base, for example near Eretria or in Edipsos.
Do you need a car in Evia? Yes, it is highly recommended. The island is long and public transport is limited.
