Only 80 km away from Athens you will find Chalkida, crossroad of ideas and cultures, built on both sides of the Euripus Strait with one piece of it being located in Evia and the other in Central Greece. It is one of the most ideal getaways for fun, good food, walks and seightseeing. A meeting point for locals and visitors is the coastal pedestrian street with dozens of cafes and restaurants lined along the waterfront.
Chalkida is known for centuries, for the tidal phenomenon of the water changing direction and gathers thousands of visitors at the old mobile bridge of Evripos each year. The water of the sea moves for 6 hours from the North to the South Bay, calms for 8 minutes and then moves in the opposite direction. This phenomenon is interrupted twice a year for 3 days, where the waters can remain calm or change direction up to 14 times in a day and the current speed reaches even 9 miles per hour.
In the city you will find the Archaeological Museum, which includes finds from excavations that have been made in various parts of Evia and mainly in Eretria. Visit the Folklore Museum to admire rare weapons, coins, traditional costumes and everyday objects. If you wish to see Byzantine art, the Turkish Mosque is the ideal place. Byzantine and post-Byzantine sculptures, mosaics and ceramics are housed, while various works of art are exhibited at the Municipal Art Gallery.
On the mainland on the hill of Kanithos, in a strategic position, dominates the Venetian castle of Karababa. It was built in 1684 by the Turks for protection from the Venetians and controls the straits of Evripos and the city of Chalkis. The only well-preserved building is the temple of Prophet Elias, which dates back to 1895.
In the center of Kastro is the medieval church of Agia Paraskevi, the patron saint of the city, a Byzantine temple that the Venetians built in the 14th century. It is also worth visiting the Medieval Aqueduct and the Marble Fountain. During the summer months, you can enjoy the beaches of Agios Minas, Asteria, Rodies, Liani Ammos for refreshing dives and Alykes for a cocktail on the beach.
For a comfortable and pleasant stay you will find the following links, modern hotels, businesses, restaurants, fish taverns, as well as Useful Phone Numbers.
