EVIA-SKYROS

EVIA

The large island of Evia is third in size in the Eastern Mediterranean, after the much larger islands of Cyprus and Crete. The nature of its landscape, along with its proximity to mainland Greece, lead many to consider it as a part of this mainland instead of an island. In fact, it is administratively considered as a part of the region of Sterea Ellada, the South-Central region of Greece. Evia itself does little in assisting to the solution of this dilemma. Providing exquisite opportunities for any form of vacation at any time of the year, it cannot be classified among the typical islands whose popularity expires early in the Fall. Yet its countless beaches, sandy or pebbled, along with its picturesque coastal towns, fit the island image perfectly. At the same time though, imposing snowy peaks beckon trekkers to climb the winding paths which lead to them, trading the salt-scented sea breeze for the freshness of cold air. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the range of archaeological sights it provides offer a chance to study the evolution of mankind through the ages; there are neolithic settlements, ruins of the archaic and the classical period of antiquity, medieval Byzantine constructs, as well as relics from the dark time of the long Turkish conquest. A number of museum collections offer a chance to view the most spectacular findings from these numerous locations. The bridge which crosses into the capital of Chalkis is just over an hours? ride from Athens. Full accommodations and entertainment facilities are available in every resort, the most popular of which are Istiaia, Eretria, Aidipsos, Amarynthos, Karystos, Kymi, Limni, Almyropotamos, Vassilika, Rovies, Gouves, Steni Dirphys and Styra. Ferries connect Evia with Piraeus and Rafina, the main passenger ports of Attica, as well as with the islands of Skyros, Allonissos, Skopelos, Skiathos, Agios Efstratios, Limnos, and with the ports of the mainland cities of Volos and Kavala.      

SKYROS

Just 23 nautical miles off the coast of Evia, many consider Skyros an extension of this large island. This includes the Greek state, which has included Skyros within the administrative jurisdiction of Evia. And though the morphology of the beautiful Skyrian landscape with its golden beaches, its green forests, and its deep blue waters will initially enhance this impression, the visitor will quickly discover that this island has too strong a character of its own to be confused with any other place. Human presence here, uninterrupted since the late Paleolithic era, holds the legacy of tribes and civilizations long faded into memory. Ancient Greek peoples have flourished here from as far back as the 9th millennia BC. Skyros served as the refuge of no lesser a man than Achilles, and saw the Death of Theseus, the great hero who founded the city of Athens ?then a loose alliance of neighbouring villages- and whose exploits elevated him to the status of demi-god, surpassed only by Hercules himself. The legends of these prehistoric times gave way to recorded history, when Skyros became a respectable part of the successive empires which came to rule most of the Greek mainland. Athenians were the first to take control over the island, giving way to the Macedonians, followed by the Romans, then the Byzantines, and finally the Turks. The picturesque town of Skyros, with its stone paved paths winding between bright white buildings, is a quiet yet lively place; accommodations and infrastructure are more than adequate, including entertainment options such as bars, cafes, clubs, restaurants, as well as an interesting market dominated by local products. Folk art here is tradition, and there is no point in resisting the temptation to acquire masterful woodcarvings or elegant pottery items. Visiting the Castle monastery of St. George and the Byzantine fortress is a must, as is the attempt to see as many of the 260 churches of the island as possible. Skyros can be reached by sea or air. Flights come from Athens, while ferries depart from Kymi and Volos. Flying dolphins connect Skyros with the nearby islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Allonissos.    

ALTERNATIVE TOURISM

Ecotourism, agrotourism, archaeology, cultural-historical, spiritual, gastronomy, congress, elderly programmes, therapeutic, sporting (windsurfing, water ski, scuba diving, sailing, mountain climbing, trekking, mountain bike, parapente, canyoning, horse riding, canoe).     

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

EVIA (CHALKIDA) AREA CODE:  22210-

POLICE STATION: 22210-22100

TRAFFIC POLICE: 22210-22513

MUNICIPALITY: 22210-90539, 86100

HOSPITAL: 22210-21901

PHARMACIES: 22210-82210, 86838, 81880

POST OFFICE: 22210-76511