Eretria at a glance
Eretria lies on the southern Euboean Gulf, directly across the water from Oropos on the mainland. The town has a seafront promenade, a harbour and beaches, and it sits on the remains of an ancient city that was a maritime trading centre. That mix makes it an easy first stop on Evia, especially if you arrive by the short ferry from Oropos.
Most visitors combine three things: a walk through the ancient quarter, an hour in the museum and a meal by the harbour. If you would rather see the island with a guide, take a look at our overview of Evia tours and day trips. For the rest of the island, start with Chalkida, which is the gateway by road.
The ancient site
What you can walk into, and what you cannot.
West Quarter and House of Mosaics
The West Quarter and the pavilion over the House of Mosaics can be visited during museum hours. The key to the pavilion is kept at the museum, so ask for it at the desk.
The theatre is closed
The ancient theatre can no longer be entered because of its state of preservation. Do not plan a visit around it. You can still see the setting from outside.
Not one big park
The ancient monuments are spread through the modern town, so allow time to walk between them and wear comfortable shoes. For the story behind the stones, read our history of Euboea.
Our pick: Eretria with a guide
Three hours through ancient Eretria and its harbour, with the museum ticket included.
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.
Evia tours and day trips
Boat trips, hiking and guided day trips on Evia, with live prices and availability.
Archaeological Museum: tickets and opening hours 2026
The museum holds finds from Eretria, Amarynthos and Lefkandi, including the clay centaur. It stands near the ancient theatre, and the central KTEL bus stop is about 300 m away. Parking is available at the museum.
- Hours: 08:30–15:30 from 1 April to 31 October and from 1 November to 31 March. Closed on Tuesdays. The last entry is 20 minutes before closing.
- Closed days: 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December.
- Free entry: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first Sunday of the month from November to March. The third Sunday may also be free, so ask at the desk.
Museum ticket prices
Amounts in 2026. Bring proof of age or residence for any discount.
| Who | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular adult | €5 | – |
| Reduced | €3 | Not every minor counts as reduced |
| EU citizens under 25 | Free | Proof of age and origin |
| Non-EU children under 18 | Free | Proof of age and origin |
| Over 65 from Greece or the EU | 50 percent from 1 October to 31 May | Local reduced fare is €3, so confirm the amount at the desk |
For most visitors the simple plan works: pay €5 for the museum, ask for the pavilion key, and walk the West Quarter in the same visit.
Ferry from Oropos to Eretria
The short crossing that saves the drive around the gulf.
Crossing and frequency
The crossing takes 20 minutes. The boats run hourly: from Eretria at half past the hour and from Oropos on the hour. Do not count on a night service, and check the last departure before you plan a late return.
Fares in 2026
A person pays €3, reduced €1.50. A car including the driver costs €10, and a motorbike without a rider €3. Some boats price it as €7 for the car, €3 for the driver and €3 for each further adult, which comes to the same €10 for a car and driver.
Tickets
You can buy at the harbour offices on the day. On busy holiday dates, book ahead. If you drive a rental car across, read our page on car rental from Athens Airport first, because you should ask the rental company whether ferry use is allowed.
Beaches and the harbour
Swimming, with a caution.
Eretria has a promenade, a harbour and beaches. Water quality changes by day and by spot, so look at conditions on the day. The 2026 Blue Flag awards on the island coast went to Lefkandi, Venus, Kokkini and Kremala. Those are awards for single beaches and say nothing about the others. See our Evia beaches guide for the wider picture, and look at conditions before you swim.
Keep exploring
Pages that fit a trip through Eretria.
Eretria: frequently asked questions
How much is the Eretria museum?
The regular ticket is €5 and the reduced ticket €3 in 2026. EU citizens under 25 and non-EU children under 18 enter free with proof.
When is the museum open?
Daily from 08:30 to 15:30, closed on Tuesdays. The last entry is 20 minutes before closing. It is also closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25 and 26 December.
Can I enter the ancient theatre?
No. Access is no longer possible because of the theatre's state of preservation. The West Quarter and the pavilion over the House of Mosaics are open during museum hours, and you get the key at the museum.
How long is the ferry from Oropos?
The crossing takes 20 minutes. A person pays €3 and a car with driver €10. Check the current timetable before a late return.
Is Eretria a good day trip from Athens?
You reach it by the Oropos ferry or by the road over the Chalkida bridge. Allow time for the ferry queue in busy periods and plan your return around the last departure.