Evia in a nutshell
Evia, also written Euboea, is the second largest island in Greece after Crete. You do not need a ferry to get there: the two bridges in Chalkida connect the island to the mainland. From Athens, Chalkida is 78.9 km by car, about 1 hour 28 minutes of driving.
The island is long, so it helps to think in three parts. The north has Limni, Edipsos and Prokopi. The middle has Chalkida, Eretria and Steni. The south has Karystos and the Dimosari Gorge. Kymi sits on the Aegean side and has the harbor for boats to Skyros. Prices on this site are in euros for 2026 and they change, so check the current figure before you pay.
Our picks: tours on Evia
The island tour by bus needs no car, so it is the easiest first day. The full-day cruise along the south coast is the long option on the water, and the Mushroom Park trip is the shortest outing at five hours.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Full-day cruise along South Evia
- Skipper and crew
- Snorkel masks and air mattresses
- Meze and tsipouro
A day on the water with fuel, harbour fees and a sailing briefing covered. Coffee and Greek snacks are on board.
Check availability →
Private mountain day hike on Evia
- Round-trip hotel transfer
- Guide in English or Greek
Six hours of mountain trekking for a day on foot instead of a sightseeing round.
Check availability →
Guided canyoning in Manikia Canyon
- Certified canyoning guides
- Wetsuit, helmet and harness
- Photo selection
Three hours with abseils and a safety briefing before you start. Taxes are in the price.
Check availability →Three wineries with tastings
- Round-trip transfer
- Tastings and snacks
- Winery museum visit
A guide takes you through three wineries, and with the transfer included nobody has to drive after the tastings.
Check availability →
Island day tour: Aegean beaches, Kymi and mountain villages
- Local guide
- Bus transport
- Brewery entry
One day across the island by bus, so you don't need a car. Wait in the hotel lobby ten minutes before pickup.
Check availability →
Mushroom Park, cave chapel and river pools
- Mushroom Park entry
- Hotel pickup and return
- Local guide
Five hours out of Eretria in an air-conditioned minibus.
Check availability →Evia tours and day trips
Guided trips and day tours on and around Evia, with live prices and availability.
What this guide covers
Start with the place or the question you have.
Evia tours and excursions
Which parts of the island suit a day trip and which need a night.
Things to do in Evia
North, middle and south, with entry prices and hours.
Evia beaches
Agia Anna, the east coast and the south, plus the Blue Flag list for 2026.
Chalkida
Two bridges, the changing current of the Euripus and the fortress.
Eretria
The museum, the ancient remains and the short ferry from Oropos.
Edipsos
Thermal springs at the sea and the public bath in 2026.
Karystos
Harbor, sea fortress, Mount Ochi and the dragon houses.
Dimosari Gorge
The route from Petrokanalo to Kalliana and how to plan it.
Prokopi
The shrine of Saint John the Russian in the north.
Limni
A seafront village and the monastery of Galataki.
Weather
How the seasons shape a trip to Evia.
Where to stay
Which part of the island fits which kind of trip.
Athens to Evia
Bridge, train, bus and four ferry routes with 2026 fares.
Car rental from Athens Airport
The route over the bridge and what to ask about ferries.
History of Euboea
Eretria, Chalkis, the Venetians and the Ottomans.
A few things to know before you go
Details that save time on the day.
Two different bridges in Chalkida
The old bridge is an electrically moved sliding bridge in use since 1963. The newer high bridge is a cable-stayed bridge. Both cross the Euripus.
Chalkida →Eretria: museum first
The museum costs €5, or €3 reduced, and is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closed on Tuesday. The West Quarter and the mosaic house pavilion can be visited during museum hours. The key for the pavilion is at the museum. The ancient theater can no longer be entered.
Eretria →Edipsos: the baths and the sea springs
In the 2026 season the public bath runs from 6 July to the end of October (the last day is 30 or 31 October, so check before you go), daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only the outdoor pool is open, at €9 per person. The springs where hot water meets the sea are a different thing from the paid bath.
Edipsos →The Dimosari Gorge is on Evia
The route runs about 10 km from Petrokanalo to Kalliana and ends far from where it starts, so plan the return and check the state of the path locally before you go. It is not the Dimosari waterfalls near Nydri on Lefkada.
Dimosari Gorge →The airport taxi flat fare is for Athens
The €50 day fare and €65 night fare at Athens Airport apply to central Athens. There is no fixed fare to Chalkida or elsewhere on Evia, so agree the price and the destination before you set off.
Getting there →How the island fits together
Distances are one way by car, as driving time only.
| Part of the island | Places | Distance | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Limni, Edipsos, Prokopi | Chalkida to Edipsos: 127 km, 2 h 25 min | Hot springs, a seafront village, a pilgrimage |
| Middle | Chalkida, Eretria, Steni | Athens to Chalkida: 78.9 km, 1 h 28 min | Museums, bridges, ancient remains |
| South | Karystos, Dimosari Gorge | Chalkida to Karystos: 118 km, 2 h 35 min | Mountains, a harbor town, hiking |
For most first visits, the middle of the island is the easiest start, either as a day trip from Athens or as a base. The north and the south are better as separate stays of a night or more. See getting there, where to stay and the Evia tours page.
Four ferry routes to the island
Fares for 2026 per single trip. Check the current timetable before you go.
| Route | Crossing | Passenger | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafina to Marmari | About 1 hour | €12 | €27 or €30, by category |
| Oropos to Eretria | 20 minutes | €3 | €10 with the driver |
| Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou | About 45 minutes | €6 | €20.50 |
| Glyfa to Agiokampos | – | €4.60 | €18.50 |
With a car, the bridge in Chalkida is the simplest way onto the island. The ferries are worth a look if you are heading for Edipsos or the south. More on getting there.
Evia: frequently asked questions
Do I need a ferry to get to Evia?
No. The two bridges in Chalkida connect the island to the mainland, and you can drive over them. Ferries are an alternative on routes such as Rafina to Marmari, Oropos to Eretria, Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou and Glyfa to Agiokampos.
How long does it take to get from Athens to Evia?
By car, Chalkida is 78.9 km from Athens, about 1 hour 28 minutes. Karystos in the south is 191 km via the high bridge, about 3 hours 29 minutes. Trains also run between Athens Railway Station and Chalkida. See the getting there page.
What do the ferries cost?
In 2026, Rafina to Marmari costs €12 for a passenger and €27 or €30 for a car, depending on the vehicle category, and takes about 1 hour. Oropos to Eretria takes 20 minutes and costs €3 per person and €10 for a car with the driver. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I swim in the thermal springs at Edipsos?
The public bath has an outdoor pool for €9 per person during its 2026 season, from 6 July to 31 October. The springs on the shore are separate from the paid bath, so ask locally which ones are in use. More on the Edipsos page.
Can I enter the ancient theater in Eretria?
No, the theater can no longer be entered because of its condition. You can visit the museum and parts of the ancient town. See Eretria.
Is discover-evia.com the official website of Evia?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Region of Central Greece, a municipality on Evia or a tourist board, and it has no link to any ferry line, tour company, car rental company or hotel.