Lisa-Marie & Constantinos
Things To Do
The Acropolis/Parthenon
If guests are planning a day in Athens, we highly recommend visiting The Parthenon. The mid-5th century temple is built on the Athenian Acropolis hill and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon is the most famous of all the structures that are built on the Acropolis. Visitors should however also spend time visiting the other notable buildings including the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. We also recommend making time to visit the Acropolis Museum. There are half and full day guided tours available and we recommend going early in the morning if possible to beat the large crowds. Athens is a 50 minute drive from Chalkida.
Meteora
Meteora is located a few kilometers from the northern town of Kalabaka in Thessaly. This is a 3 hour drive from Chalkida, but we highly recommend it as a day trip. Meteora is a large rock formation on which six active Greek Orthodox monasteries are built. A small number of monks and nuns still reside at the monasteries and they allow daily tours of each monastery and its outer grounds. The views from the top of the rocks are breathtaking and you will get amazing pictures. There is a lot of walking involved and a lot of steps to climb for each monastery, so wear comfortable walking sneakers for the day. Also, there is a strict dress code in order to enter the monasteries. Men and women must have their knees and shoulders covered. Women are only allowed to enter each monastery if they are wearing a dress or skirt that covers their knees. Women cannot wear pants. They do provide wraps and skirts to borrow or purchase for women, but they do not offer any clothing for men.
Temple of Poseidon
The ancient Temple of Poseidon at Sounion was built between 444 to 440 BCE to honor the god Poseidon (Master of the Seas). The temple is built on a picturesque cliff side overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is a 1hr 30mins drive from Chalkida and there are also daily tours that leave from Athens which is a 1hr drive from Cape Sounion. The coastal drive to Cape Sounion is very scenic and you will have plenty of fantastic photo backdrop opportunities. We would recommend making a day trip there to enjoy the sunset view from the Temple. Sounion beach is a short distance away so you can also enjoy a beach day while visiting the Temple. The beach has white sand and crystal clear water, as well as a beach taverna with a view of the temple.
Chalkida Beaches
Alykes beach offers golden sand and clear turquoise water. The beach has a number of beach bars which provide pool access and relaxing poolside cabanas and loungers. Each beach club offers sun loungers on the beach as well as full service. The beach has a lively atmosphere with music and is also very family friendly. It is a 10 minute drive from Chalkida. Asteria beach is less than a 10 minute walk from the Chalkida boardwalk. Asteria offers cabanas and sun loungers with full service. The water here is shallow and calm and is a great option for smaller children. There is also a playground next to the restaurant and beach area which has a bouncy castle in the evenings. Brown beach resort has a private beach which does allow non-guest access for a fee of $15 per set of lounge chairs. It is a small pebbled beach with crystal clear water, a tiki bar/cafe and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day trip beaches
Kalamos beach is a nice option as a day trip from Chalkida and is only an hour away. Kalamos offers white sand and crystal clear water. There are a number of beach bars/clubs to choose from which offer full beach service. The water is quite deep here and often hosts large waves so it is not a good option for small kids. Chiliadou is one of the largest beaches in Evia and is located on the east coast of the island. It is roughly 1hr 15mins drive from Chalkida. It has a very relaxed and secluded atmosphere. There are loungers available, however not many so it is best to get there early in the day. The beach here is popular for camping. Chiliadou beach is split by large rocks, which if you walk over, will take you to the nudist section of the beach. It is a 45 minute drive from the scenic mountain town of Steni. The drive through the mountains is breathtaking!! You will come across small authentic Greek tavernas along the way and will be blown away by the untouched landscape.
Karababa Castle
Karababa Castle is a 17th century castle which is a short uphill walk from the Old Bridge. The castle grounds are beautiful and there is a small museum which is free to visit. After touring the castle, we recommend going to Xenia Cafe & Restaurant which is across from the castle’s entrance. Xenia offers great food and cocktails, a relaxing ambiance as well as a panoramic view of Chalkida. We recommend visiting here to watch the sunset.
Lichadonisia
Lichadonisia, known as the Seychelles of Greece, is a small group of islands located off the coast of northern Evia. It is a great option for a day trip from Chalkida. There are daily boat rides from the ports of Kamena Vourla or Agios Georgios Lichada in Evia, which is about a 1hr 30mins drive from Chalkida. The boat trip is relaxing and each boat has a tour guide that can speak English. The boat ride explores the islands and then drops visitors to a private beach with crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beaches. There is a small tiki bar/cafe on the beach that serves food, cocktails, coffee etc. We would recommend bringing snacks or lunch with you if possible, especially if traveling with kids as the menu is limited.
Island Ferries
Both Kamena Voulra and Kymi ports in Evia have daily ferries to the Sporades Islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros. Skiathos is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, in particular, Koukounaries Beach and Lalaria Beach. The island also offers a lively nightlife. Skopelos is known for its pristine beaches as well as its scenic cliffs and ancient hiking trails. The island is less commercialized than Skiathos and offers a more relaxed environment. It is a good option for a family getaway. Alonnisos island has beautiful beaches, forests, olive groves and orchards. There are daily boat rides through the island’s National Marine Park. Alonnisos is a great option for anyone looking for a low key getaway to unwind. Skyros also offers pristine beaches as well as excellent cuisine, in particular its lobster pasta. There are daily small boat rides to the islands sea caves and beautiful spots all over the island to view the sunset. It’s is a perfect romantic getaway island.
Boat, Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Tours
Thalassa Diving Acedemy offers a number of boat tours that cater to both beginners and advanced divers. They offer different tours all around Evia and provide transport to and from tour sites. There are tours for all ages so it is a great option for a family day out.
Hiking, Kayak, Sailing & Cycling Tours
Aegean Outdoors offer a wide selection of day tours around Athens and Evia. They have activities suitable for all ages and abilities and their pricing is very reasonable.
Some of our Favorite Bars & Restaurants
Spitiko Edesma -Voudouri 18, Chalkida 34100. -This is a wonderful restaurant in the center of the boardwalk. Guests can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine while dining next to the water. Raval - Dim. Karaoli 1, Chalkida 34100. -Raval is a fantastic option for a romantic evening dinner followed by cocktails and a great ambiance. The view from here is amazing as it is set right on the water. By night it gets more lively and transforms into a trendy outdoor club with DJ’s or live music each night. Palaiologos Taverna Ouzeri - Agios Minas, Anthidona 34100. -For anyone looking for great seafood, this is by far the best place to go in the area. The restaurant is located next to Agios Minas Beach. They have a large menu of fresh seafood as well as other authentic Greek dishes. Koulis - 25is Martiou 6, Chalkida 34100. - Koulis is located across the water from the boardwalk. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Old Bridge. We recommend here for anyone looking for the best gyro in the area!