Geographical position and features - Chalkida - Psachna - Politika - Artaki - Avlitha - Drosia - Vasiliko - Lefkandi - Lampsakos

Chalkida - Psachna - Politika - Artaki - Avlitha
Drosia - Vasiliko - Lefkandi - Lampsakos - Filla

Geographical position and features

Chalkida, the capital of the prefecture of Evia, is one of the ten Largest towns in Greece. It is built on the island on the Evian and mainland shores which embrace the Channel of Evripus. Chalkida is the central gateway to the whole island because it is situated on the spot where the island meets the mainland identity of the prefecture. The phenomenon of the tide is unique not only in Evia but all over Greece.

Chalkida

The town, embraces Evripus with its traditional two - storeyed and high modern buildings, and creates the impression to the visitor that a large river flows through the town. The significant geographical position of Chalkida over the channel which separates the northern from the southern gulf of Evia, made it a crossroads for nation and civilizations, and the «apple of discord» for the most powerful peoples of every age.

The area around Chalkida provides the visitor with many exciting trips. On the mainland coast, a short distance to the south of Chalkida, there is the historic area of Avlitha with three communities: Vathi, Faros and Avlitha beach. There are many ancient remains, churches, tavernas, ouzo bars and night clubs.

On the northern Viotian coast a short distance from Chalkida, one can visit Drosia, a beautiful village situated at the foot of Mount Chtipa. Chtiponisi or Englesonisi is a beautiful islet whose history is very interesting. For those who are interested in ancient history, opposite Chtiponisi, at the foot of Mount Chtipa, there is the hill of Salganea where it is said Salganea had been killed by the Persians in 480 B. C. because he had tricked the fleet into an ambush. The beautiful beaches, especially those of Agios Minas and Alikes are ideal for swimming, fishing, eating traditional meals and entertainment from morning until late at night.

The large beach of Loukisia which is 15 kilometres from Chalkida, is also ideal for fishing. At Loukisia, there is also the Byzantine church of Saint George which is 800 years old.

Returning to Evia at Chalkida and continuing southwards we come to the first of fishing villages. The ouzo bars of Nea Lampsakos with their delicious snacks attract all those who love fresh, tasty sea food. Agios Nicholas, and Bourtzi also have may fish tavernas.

Artaki

On the way to Eretria, 10 kilometres from Chalkida, we come to Vasiliko, a tourist resort at the start of the Lilandian plain. The well preserved Venetian tower at Vasiliko, is one of many forts built during the Frankish occupation. Two more Venetian towers are situated at Mitika, north of Vasiliko, while at Filla, one can visit the family house of the glorious admiral Andreas Miaoulis. The church of the Virgin Mary the Rizokasteliotisa (at the roots of the castle) is 13 kilometres from Filla in a thickly forested area with running water. There is also the Byzantine monastery of Saint George of Arma, with is domed, cruciform church.

Along the coast, south of Vasiliko, one can find Lefkandi, where many important finds have been excavated from the Early Hellenic period till the Geometrical period. The large beach and many cafeterias attract many tourists.

4 kilometres north of Chalkida, one can visit Nea Artaki, a modern town with lovely beaches, many tabernas, cafeterias and barbacus. Continuing north, the visitor will come Psachna where he can visit the 13th century monastery of Saint John of Kaliviti which has fine murals. At the village of Makrimali, there is a another monastery with accommodation called «The Virgin Mary» which dates from the 13th-15th century A.D. Finally, on the way to Kondothesopti, 5 kilometres outside Psachna, there is the monastery of «The Virgin Mary of Gorgoepikoou».

From Psachna, towards the West the road leads to Politika a village built in the traditional architectural style. In the centre of the village the picturesque stone houses and plane trees. The Venetian tower is also of interest. The large beach of Politika is well known for its crystal clear water. Here one can enjoy the sea and delicious fresh fish. About 3 kilometres outside the village there is the church of «The Virgin Mary the Perivleptou» built in the 11th century and set in wonderful scenery.

It is also worth continuing one's journey north - west through the thickly forested Nerotrivia eventually reaching the lovely beach of Daphni, where the imposing mountain of Kandili, with is forested stopes, dips right into the sea, creating unbelievably beautiful beaches.