This
is the second largest island of Greece, after Crete. Long and
narrow, it lies very close to the eastern mainland of Greece
separated only by a small channel of sea water, the famous Evripos
Straits. The island is full of large fertile valleys and wooded
mountainsides, but also seashores with excellent sandy beaches,
fully equipped with bathing facilities and charming secluded
coves.
"Halkida"
the capital (photo top-right), is situated at the very point where
Euboea is joined with the mainland of Greece, by means of a swing
bridge over the Evripos Straits.
Aristotle tried
hard in the ancient times to give an explanation for the tidal
current in the Evripos Straits. Ancient Halkida (Chalkis) was a
renowned trading center which established several colonies and
contained famous temples dedicated to Zeus, Apollo and Hera. On
display at the Archaeological museum are the headless statues of
the goddess Athena, the relief of Dionysus, the abduction of
Antiope by Theseus and others.
Second
most important city during ancient times, "Eretria",
developed into a powerful maritime center. It was in Eretria that
in the 3rd Century BC, Menecodimos (one of the pupils of the
philosopher Plato) founded the Eretrian school of philosophy.
During excavations held in 1891, many monuments and statues were
revealed.
Edipsos
spa, known since ancient times for its health springs, mentioned
by both Aristotle and Strabo, is nowadays being developed into one
of the the best known Greek holiday resorts. In this area is also
the village of "Grekolimano" (photo-left), another
holiday resort.
At "Nea Stira" located at the entrance of the gulf of
Euboea, apart from the organized bathing facilities, is the
"Dragon's Cave", consisting of huge ancient blocks of
stone, remarkable and a must to see. Another picturesque village
on the Aegean side of Evia is Strophones, with the village of
Heliadou as its outlet to the sea (photo bottom-right). Heliadou
has a beautiful beach, and one should not forget to visit the
church of "Kimissis Theotokou".
