Α year after the wild fires: discover the uniqueness, diversity and originality of Euboea and Skyros

A year after wild fires: enjoy the originality and diversity of Euboea island, even at North part, where unfortunately remain visible so far the impact of the catastrophe but the blue environment, the rich cultural and historical heritage, the hospitality and the courage of its inhabitants remain just as admirable.

Euboea is the second largest island of Greece, embraces the eastern coast of the hinterland from Pelion to the Cyclades, and is washed by the Gulf of Euboea to the west and the vast Aegean Sea to the east. An island with easy access, both by land (with two bridges) and by sea (with many ferry connections) which is located just one hour driving from Athens International Airport.  23 miles northeast of the city of Kymi on the east coast of Euboea, is Skyros Island, which is administratively subordinate to Euboea and dominates almost in the center of the Aegean Sea. Skyros has regular ferry connection and an airport.

Some important facts about these two islands: From the settlers of Euboea in southern Italy, the alphabet of Chalcis was brought to Europe, which later became the basis of the Latin alphabet and, by extension, of the most important languages ​​spoken in Europe today. Aristotle spent his summers in Chalcis, at his grandmother's house, where he died in 322 BC. Chalcis is the hometown of Nikos Skalkottas, who is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century (the four "S": Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Skalkottas and Shostakovich). Iannis Xenakis, one of the most important Greek composers and architects of the 20th century, also has origins on his father's side from Euboea. Xenakis developed pioneering synthetic methods of relating music and architecture to mathematics, through the use of models, and raised the pioneering demand for the unity of philosophy, science and art. Kymi of Euboea is the hometown of George Papanikolaou, a biologist and pioneer researcher in cytopathology for the early detection of cervical cancer (Pap test). Euboea today is the most important center of energy production from wind farms in Greece.

Traveled a lot? Everything seems the same? Euboea and Skyros are not like that, are original areas untouched by mass tourism. Both islands stand out from the rest of the country's islands for two important reasons; they keep their cultural and natural heritage unharmed and dynamically develop forms of sustainable tourism focusing on personal emotions faraway from massive tourism

The islands stand out because have an abundance of beautiful, diverse and spotlessly clean more than 120 beaches, bays and coves. Their attractiveness however, is not limited only to seascapes. At the foot of its imposing mountains with their rich forests, gorges, caves and wild vegetation, spread out fertile plains, wetlands teeming with life, composing a landscape of unique natural beauty. It is also characterized by the extinct volcanoes, of Paleozoic to Cenozoic age, such as those of Oxylithos, Orio, Lichadonisia and Thorio.

On the beautiful and unexpectedly charming islands, their long historical and cultural journey, from the Paleolithic years to today, is reflected undamaged almost everywhere. In ancient times, Euboea had as centers its two oldest cities, Chalcis and Eretria, which claimed the sovereignty of the island. Chalcis which eventually prevailed developed with colonies in Chalkidiki, Italy and Sicily.

Today Euboea maintains its authenticity, both in terms of its culture and its natural and built environment. These, together with the hospitality of its inhabitants, make it an extremely tempting choice. It covers many forms of tourism, such as sea, spa, nature, mountaineering, historical, cultural, adventure with hotel accommodations of all categories with high quality services and affordable prices.

The visitor can enjoy: rare natural beauties, archaeological monuments, museums, the worldwide unique tidal phenomenon of Euripus straight, the thermal springs in Edipsos, the famous Dragon Houses of Karystia, the petrified forest and the mammal museum of Kerasia, the treasures of the decorative Skyrian tradition, the dance in a traditional Skyrian wedding, where the groom dances in the square with fifty decorated brides in traditional costumes, the Dionysian atmosphere of the Skyrian carnival, the Skyrian small horse with ancient roots, unique in the world, the picturesque villages, wetlands, gorges, mountain refuges, hiking and climbing routes, mountain bike tracks, underwater activities, horse riding, variety of entertainment and above all to be charmed by human warmth and hospitality. If you have the nature of the researcher, you will enjoy their gifts with the eager excitement of discovery. Because you don't know what you will face after the turn of the road, beyond the hill, on the beach below

In addition, the visitor will have the opportunity to get to know the local gastronomy and wine knowledge. Throughout the island, fresh fish and seafood, as well as local meats and wines, abound and stand out for their reputation.

Από Έκδοση Νομαρχιακής Αυτοδιοίκησης Εύβοιας (1999)