Overview

Istiaia, the capital of Northern Evia, is situated in the middle of a small plain on one of the northernmost point of the island. It is know as «Xirochori» by the Evians. It is 130 kilometres from Chalkida and only 20 kilometres from Aidipsos Spa. Old stone stately homes give Istiaia its own local character. The town is built a short distance from the sea but there many magnificent beaches nearby. It is worth visiting the picturesque beach of «Kanatathika» and Oreoi which constitutes the port of Istiaia. The small seaside town of Oreoi is associated historically with the town of Istiaia and is a popular seaside resort.

A short distance from Oreoi, there is the popular tourist resort Neo Pirgos, one of the most picturesque places in Evia, at the wonderful beach of «Nisiotissas», not far from the shore there is a group of islands where the ruins of a medieval castle have been preserved. The villages of Asminio and Pefki with their thickly - forested areas and wonderful beaches are also worth visiting.The area of Istiaia could be a starting point for many interesting tours. The visitor can climb up to the mountainous villages of Avgaria, Galatsona and Gerakiou and enjoy the wonderful thickly - forested area with running water. He can the make his way eastwards towards the village of Artemisio and the promontory of the same name, where the great Greek - Persian naval battle took place. After passing Artemisio the visitor will reach the village of Gouves and climb up to the medieval castle where the poet George Drosinis lived. It is also worth visiting a series of fine Agean beaches.

First of all we came to Agriovotano which looks like a painting with its beach of wild, virgin beauty. Next, we would pass through the village of Ellinika with its pine - forested beach and which, together with the islet in the centre of the cove, constitutes one of the most beautiful places in Evia. Finally we would reach the village of Vasilika, with the large impressive beach of Psaropouli.