Evia, also known as Euboea, is a large and beautiful island full of options for your stay. You can choose between the lively capital, peaceful seaside villages, quiet mountain retreats, and breathtaking beaches along the waters of the North or South Euboean Gulf, or even the Aegean Sea. Staying here feels like having a treasure chest of experiences to pick from.
The island is very close to Athens and can be reached by car in a little over an hour, which makes it a great choice for a weekend getaway. But if you really want to enjoy the summer sun Evia deserves more than just a short trip. To discover all of its charms, you will likely want to return more than once, maybe even two or three times.
In the guide that follows, I have gathered the best places to consider for your stay in Evia. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax or somewhere filled with adventure, you will find the perfect spot for your holiday here.
1. Marmari, best area to stay in Evia for surfing
Best Hotels in Marmari
- (€€) 3SSS Bouquet Studios: Beautiful, fully equipped studios just a short walk from the port. They feel like your own summer house, perfect for families, big groups, or long stays.
- (€) Evia Hotel & Suites: A great value hotel only 400 meters from the port. It has all the essentials: a pool, breakfast, and a bar.
- (€) Marmari Bay Hotel: About 350 meters from the port, with a lovely pool, breakfast, and surprisingly affordable rates for what it offers. Honestly, it checks all the boxes.
2. Karystos, a big city in south Evia
Karystos is a coastal town on the southern edge of Evia that has something for everyone. It’s about 193 km from Athens, roughly a three-hour drive, and just 13 km from Marmari. The area is spacious, lively in the summer, and packed with beautiful beaches, great food, and plenty of accommodation choices.
Evenings in Karystos have their own charm. The seafront road fills with life, lined with ouzeris, tavernas, and cozy café-bars that stay busy until late. The town is also known for its beaches – some within walking distance, others a short drive away.
Right next to the town, Galides (or Galida) beach is partly organized with umbrellas, cafés, tavernas, and a few hotels. On the opposite side, Psili Ammos offers soft sand, a beach bar, and two large resorts – perfect if you like a bit of comfort by the sea.
If you head east, Agia Paraskevi will surprise you with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a buzzing beach bar. Other spots worth visiting include Bouros, Marmara, and Kavos – each with its own character. Personally, I love the quieter beaches in this area for a late afternoon swim.
When it comes to food, don’t leave without trying Kavo Doro for homestyle cooking and Gevsiplous for a more refined touch. Both will make you want to come back the next day.
Best Hotels in Karystos
- (€€€) Anastasia Hotel & Suites Mediterranean Comfort: A luxury hotel right on Gialida beach with everything you need for a full-on relaxing holiday: a pool, breakfast, and a restaurant.
- (€€) Nerea Boutique Suites Karystos: Minimalist and stylish suites in the center of town, with a small kitchen and a lovely courtyard. Everything in Karystos is just a short walk away.
- (€€) Aigialis: Beautiful rooms facing the sea, including breakfast. A great choice for a couples’ getaway.
3. Agia Anna, the most famous beach in Evia
Agia Anna is a small coastal village on the northeast side of Evia, facing the open Aegean Sea. It’s about 143 km from Athens – roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive – and includes the nearby settlements of Agkali and Palaiovrysi.
This is one of the island’s most popular summer spots, and I can see why. The beach stretches for a long distance, perfect for endless walks by the sea. It has an organized camping site, lively beach bars with sunbeds, water sports, and a fun evening vibe during the summer months.
Most of the accommodation is in Agkali, where you’ll find plenty of rental rooms and a few small hotels. The star of the area, though, is the famous Club Agia Anna Summer Resort. It’s one of the top camping sites in Greece, offering not just tent spaces but also bungalows, a café-bar, and even a pool – ideal if you like the social energy of camping but still want a bit of comfort.
Food here is a highlight. You can eat well without spending much, and the tavernas feel authentic and welcoming. A few favorites:
Almyriki – Probably my top choice for fresh seafood at very reasonable prices.
Mouragio – A classic spot serving both fish and meat dishes, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Santa Anna Ristorante Pizzeria – When you crave pizza or a plate of pasta by the sea, this is where I’d go.
Best Hotels in Agia Anna
- (€€€) Thalatta Seaside Hotel: Four-star stay steps from Agia Anna beach, with spa, pool, and excellent breakfast. Ideal for a relaxed, luxury getaway.
- (€€) Club Agia Anna Summer Resort: Evia’s most famous stay, offering everything from tent spots to bungalows and hotel rooms. Fun, social, and fits any budget.
- (€) Attic Apartments: Modern, fully equipped studios right on the water. Comfortable, simple, and affordable.
4. Limnionas, where to stay in Evia for beautiful beaches
Limnionas is a small coastal village on the eastern side of Evia, washed by the clear waters of the Aegean. It’s about 122 km from Athens, roughly a two-hour and fifteen-minute drive.
This is the perfect base if you want to swim at some of the island’s most stunning beaches. Accommodation is mostly rental rooms, though many visitors choose to camp on the beach – even though it’s officially not allowed.
The beach here has dark pebbles and is split in two by a large rock. The right side is bigger, close to the tavernas and parking area. The left side is smaller, wilder, with steep rocks, a small cave, and more campers.
About 10 km away, you’ll find Petali, a tiny, rocky-framed beach with crystal-clear Aegean waters. If you’re in the mood for exploring, check out Vythouri, Chiliadou, or Thapsa – though the last one is tricky to reach.
Best Hotels in Limnionas
- (€€) Αlissachne Suites: Apartment-style stays with kitchens, ideal for longer trips. 900 m from the beach, with a pool and incredible views.
- (€) Lithoktisto: A charming stone guesthouse with traditional rooms and small kitchenettes. It has a pool, and the beach is just 400 m away.
- (€) Kapetaniou Apartments: Modern, family-friendly rooms with a pool and panoramic Aegean views. The beach is a five-minute drive.
5. Chalkida, the capital of Evia Island
Chalkida might not feel like the other holiday spots on Evia, but it’s worth spending a night or two to explore.
As the island’s capital, it has everything – shops, hotels, rental rooms, tavernas, cafés, bars, and of course the famous ouzeris, where you can enjoy fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish with a glass of ouzo. It has all the comforts you could need, though it feels more like a lively mainland city than a typical island town.
The top sight here is Karababa Castle, located in the Kanithos neighborhood on the mainland side of the city.
If you want to swim, nearby beaches like Alykes in Drosia and Agios Minas are popular and have beach bars for a relaxed day by the sea.
Best Hotels in Chalkida
- (€€€) Brown Beach Chalkida, a member of Brown Hotels: A luxury hotel near Agios Minas beach, offering easy access to both the city and the sea, along with top-notch amenities.
- (€€) Aonia Luxurious Modern Boutique Apartments: Right in the heart of Chalkida, with private parking, kitchen-equipped apartments, and beautiful views.
- (€) Paliria Hotel: A reliable 3-star hotel on the seafront, perfect for a short 1–2 night stay.
6. Eretria, where to stay in Evia for easy all-inclusive holidays
Eretria is a charming seaside town on the South Euboean Gulf, just 95 km from Athens – about an hour and a half by car. It also has a small port with regular ferries to Oropos, which makes it super convenient for quick escapes.
The town is known for its food, especially seafood. You’ll find plenty of tavernas and restaurants to taste local dishes – I personally like Remezzo for fresh fish.
Eretria has a long sandy beach and a wide range of accommodation, including many all-inclusive hotels, which are perfect if you’re traveling with kids and want everything in one place.
If you feel like exploring beyond the main beach, check out Eva Beach, Agios Andreas, Alambeika in Amarynthos, and Treli Rodia for a change of scenery.
Best Hotels in Eretria
- (€€) Eretria Hotel & Spa Resort: A 4-star resort near Magoula, ideal for all-inclusive stays. Pools, spa, bars, restaurants, family rooms, and bungalows make it a worry-free vacation.
- (€€) Sun Rise Hotel Apartments: Studios and apartments just 5 minutes from the beach. There’s a pool, great breakfast, and affordable prices.
- (€) Artemis Hotel: A simple, budget-friendly hotel right on the sea in Amarynthos, perfect for laid-back holidays.
7. Loutra Edipsou, where to stay in Evia for the thermal springs
On the northeastern tip of Evia, about 200 km from Athens (roughly a 3.5-hour drive), you’ll find Loutra Edipsou, the country’s most famous spa town. Known for its thermal springs, it draws visitors year-round looking to unwind and recharge.
If you’re after slow-paced holidays surrounded by natural beauty and great local food, Edipsos won’t disappoint. I love how it combines a relaxing vibe with a touch of old-school charm.
The town has plenty of places to stay, from modern apartments to hotels with their own spa facilities. It’s the perfect base for soaking in the thermal waters and enjoying a peaceful getaway, whether with friends or your partner.
Best Hotels in Loutra Edipsou
- (€€) Sagini Boutique Hotel: A 5-minute walk from the beach, with excellent amenities at surprisingly good rates, even in peak season.
- (€€) Calypso Beach Hotel: Comfortable rooms just steps from the sea, offering bed-and-breakfast stays at wallet-friendly prices.
- (€) Iason Apartments: Minimalist studios with kitchens, ideal for families or groups up to five, offering great value for money.
8. Kymi, a traditional village of Evia, close to the beach
Kymi is a charming coastal town in eastern Evia, about 159 km from Athens (a 2 hour 40 minute drive). Perched 200 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush greenery and running springs, it lives up to its nickname: “The Balcony of the Aegean.” The view alone is worth the trip.
The port of Kymi is lively, as it connects Evia with Skyros, and the area has several lovely beaches to swim. My favorites are Kymi Beach, Soutsini, and Platana.
From here, you can also reach some of Evia’s most famous beaches, including Chiliadou, Thapsa, Kalami, and Korasida – perfect for a day of exploring if you like discovering different spots.
Kymi has all the essentials for a summer getaway: plenty of hotels and rentals, traditional taverns with great food, and a few bars and clubs that keep the evenings fun. It’s a small town, but in summer, it has a nice buzz.
Best Hotels in Kymi
- (€€) Archontiko Kymis Boutique Hotel: A restored mansion in the heart of town with sweeping Aegean views and an excellent breakfast. One of the best stays in Kymi, and reasonably priced.
- (€€) Corali Hotel: A solid choice near Kymi Beach. Comfortable rooms with A/C and sea views, just 300 m from the port, plus a good breakfast.
- (€) Panorama Hotel: Simple, clean, and affordable. Great for couples or families, located 500 m from Platana Beach.
9. Limni, a picturesque place in Evia
Limni is a picturesque town on the northwestern edge of Evia, about 152 km from Athens (a 2.5-hour drive). Built amphitheatrically, it’s a charming cluster of white houses overlooking the calm blue waters of the North Evian Gulf.
In recent years, it’s grown as a tourist spot, yet it hasn’t lost its traditional charm. Life in Limni revolves around the seafront, where locals and visitors gather day and night.
The coastal promenade is lined with ouzeris, taverns, cafés, and a few bars that come alive in the summer months. For seafood, I’d go straight to Karnagio – it never disappoints.
You can swim at Limni Beach, but if you want a nearby escape, head to Kohili Beach. This long pebble beach has everything: crystal-clear waters, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a couple of canteens for snacks and drinks.
Best Hotels in Limni
- (€€€) Selina Kaminos Evia: A stunning seaside complex 3 km from Limni, offering a pool, delicious breakfast, and a peaceful, upscale stay.
- (€€) Vateri:Nestled in greenery 1.5 km from town, with a beautiful garden and pool. Perfect if you want quiet surroundings.
- (€) Rent Rooms Alexiou: Simple yet fully equipped studios, 300 m from Kohili Beach on the way to Sipiada. Great value for a relaxed summer stay.
10. Pefki, where to stay in Evia for families and kids
Best Hotels in Pefki
- (€€) Apolonio Pefki Evia: A 4-star beachfront hotel with a lovely garden and spacious rooms with kitchenettes. Honestly, the rates are surprisingly good for what it offers.
- (€) Ilios Studios: Think cozy rooms with kitchenettes, a pool, a leafy courtyard, and a simple breakfast. It ticks all the boxes for a relaxed holiday.
- (€) Mirtia Hotel: Modern, comfortable rooms just 20 meters from the sand. Affordable, easygoing, and great for a beach-focused stay.
