Greece’s second biggest island has stunning beaches and healing springs – but most Brits have never heard of it --[Reported by Umva mag]

GREECE has around 6,000 islands, with Crete being the biggest and among the most well known. But the country’s second biggest island is one that’s often overlooked – the island of Evia, just off the mainland’s east coast. GettyEvia is the second biggest Greek island, but far less well-known than the largest – Crete[/caption] AlamyDimosari Gorge in Evia offers stunning scenery with its waterfalls, rocky ravines, and lush green slopes[/caption] Also known as Euboea, Evia is close to Athens, but feels removed from the crowds and bustle of the city. There plenty of beaches, but one of the most beautiful is Kalamos Beach, a secluded bay on the eastern side of the island with clear blue waters, sunbeds, umbrellas for rent, and restaurants. Then there’s Chiliaou Beach, set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea and the mountainous Dirfi reserves. The journey to the beach is considered a highlight of a visit, with beautiful villages, waterfalls, and dense forests along the way. Meanwhile, Aidipsos is known for its thermal springs, which are said to have curative properties and can help with diseases like arthritis. For those who like to enjoy the outdoors, Dimosari Gorge offers stunning scenery with its waterfalls, rocky ravines, and lush green slopes. The best ways to take in the scenery are by hiking and swimming. You can hike the 10-kilometre cobblestone path from the Petrokannalo col to the beach at Kallianos. The path is shaded by trees, and you can cool off in the natural pools of the stream. You can also take a dip in the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea at the beach. Some recommend starting at the beach and walking up to the point where the path leaves the river. Castello Rosso, or the ‘Red Castle’, is another popular attraction on the island. Built between 1209 and 1216 by Baron Ravanus dalle Carceri on top of Byzantine foundations, the castle was named for the red stone used to build it. The castle has been the site of many battles, including those fought during the Greek Revolution of 1821. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the town of Karystos from the castle. The reason why many people may not have heard of Evia is its lack of airport. The nearest airport is Athens. The best way to get there is to either catch a ferry from Rafina to Marmari or Karystos, or the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Halkida, so you can drive across. Other lesser-known Greek islands to visit Andros – a green, lesser-known island in the Cyclades with dense vegetation, high mountains, and deep gorges. It’s a popular destination for sailing holidays. Telendos – A small island that’s essentially a mountain rising out of the sea. It’s accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Kalymnos. Telendos is known for its lack of roads and cars. Lesbos – An island associated with the ancient poet Safona and the origin of the term ‘lesbian’. It’s also known for its monuments and picturesque landscapes. AlamyThere are many beautiful beaches in Evia, such as Chiliaou Beach, near the Dirfi reserves[/caption] AlamyCastello Rosso is a popular attraction in Evia, particular for its views of the sea and the nearby town[/caption]

Sep 25, 2024 - 13:36

Greece’s second biggest island has stunning beaches and healing springs – but most Brits have never heard of it --[Reported by Umva mag]

GREECE has around 6,000 islands, with Crete being the biggest and among the most well known.

But the country’s second biggest island is one that’s often overlooked – the island of Evia, just off the mainland’s east coast.

a view of the ocean from the top of a mountain

Evia is the second biggest Greek island, but far less well-known than the largest – Crete[/caption]

a waterfall is surrounded by rocks and trees

Dimosari Gorge in Evia offers stunning scenery with its waterfalls, rocky ravines, and lush green slopes[/caption]

Also known as Euboea, Evia is close to Athens, but feels removed from the crowds and bustle of the city.

There plenty of beaches, but one of the most beautiful is Kalamos Beach, a secluded bay on the eastern side of the island with clear blue waters, sunbeds, umbrellas for rent, and restaurants.

Then there’s Chiliaou Beach, set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea and the mountainous Dirfi reserves.

The journey to the beach is considered a highlight of a visit, with beautiful villages, waterfalls, and dense forests along the way.

Meanwhile, Aidipsos is known for its thermal springs, which are said to have curative properties and can help with diseases like arthritis.

For those who like to enjoy the outdoors, Dimosari Gorge offers stunning scenery with its waterfalls, rocky ravines, and lush green slopes.

The best ways to take in the scenery are by hiking and swimming.

You can hike the 10-kilometre cobblestone path from the Petrokannalo col to the beach at Kallianos.

The path is shaded by trees, and you can cool off in the natural pools of the stream.

You can also take a dip in the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea at the beach.

Some recommend starting at the beach and walking up to the point where the path leaves the river.

Castello Rosso, or the ‘Red Castle’, is another popular attraction on the island.

Built between 1209 and 1216 by Baron Ravanus dalle Carceri on top of Byzantine foundations, the castle was named for the red stone used to build it.

The castle has been the site of many battles, including those fought during the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the town of Karystos from the castle.

The reason why many people may not have heard of Evia is its lack of airport. The nearest airport is Athens.

The best way to get there is to either catch a ferry from Rafina to Marmari or Karystos, or the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Halkida, so you can drive across.

Other lesser-known Greek islands to visit

Andros – a green, lesser-known island in the Cyclades with dense vegetation, high mountains, and deep gorges. It’s a popular destination for sailing holidays.

Telendos – A small island that’s essentially a mountain rising out of the sea. It’s accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Kalymnos. Telendos is known for its lack of roads and cars.

Lesbos – An island associated with the ancient poet Safona and the origin of the term ‘lesbian’. It’s also known for its monuments and picturesque landscapes.

a beach scene with people sitting under umbrellas and mountains in the background

There are many beautiful beaches in Evia, such as Chiliaou Beach, near the Dirfi reserves[/caption]

stone stairs leading up to a castle on top of a hill

Castello Rosso is a popular attraction in Evia, particular for its views of the sea and the nearby town[/caption]

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