Starting from Chalkida, the capital of the Prefecture of Evia, and staying at the Palirroia Hotel, our journey began through the beautiful region of Central Evia.
First stop, the beach of Nea Artaki
Nea Artaki is a key destination, connecting those heading to Central Evia and those visiting Northern Evia. It is the second largest city in Evia by population. The main beach of Nea Artaki might not be particularly popular with locals for swimming, but it is a favorite for the dozens of shops nearby where one can enjoy coffee, food, or ouzo while gazing at an incredible view.
Visit to the Folklore Museum
The tour was given by the wonderfully hospitable President of the Association of All Artakians – Kyzikians, Ms. Smaro Psatheri Mimikou.
The first day ended with dinner on the beach of Artaki
Dinner in Nea Artaki was a revelation. Anyone who hasn’t tasted the local flavors deserves to visit Nea Artaki from July 14 to 16, during the 3rd three-day Gastronomic Festival of Asia Minor Flavors, organized by the Association of All Artakians – Kyzikians.
*Anchovy omelet
Next stop, Politika Evias
The Hero’s Trail
At the Hero’s Trail, we experienced something different and unique. After the hike, we visited the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos of Politika, where we lit a candle and were treated.
Visit to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos
In a pine-covered ravine in the settlement of Politika stands the katholikon of the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos, one of the area’s most important monuments. It was built in the 11th century and reconstructed during the Ottoman era. Architecturally, it belongs to the cross-in-square domed type of church. The sculptures set into the facade and iconostasis are of special interest—works of an outstanding workshop, possibly the same that worked at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas in Boeotia and Agios Loukas in Evia. A portion of the original marble floor remains, with a pentacyclical motif, known as the “pentaomphalon,” at its center. Frescoes survive inside. An inscription from 1668 in the sanctuary names those who may have painted or contributed to the work. During the Frankish occupation, it became a Latin monastery, staffed by Benedictine monks. In 1582, Metropolitan Laurentius of Evripos purchased the compound and attached it as a dependency to the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Galataki. The monastery’s history in this period is characterized by disputes over its rich estates. Today, it remains alive thanks to a women’s monastic community. In 2014, restoration of the katholikon, damaged by the 2003 earthquake, as well as fresco conservation, was completed.
Coffee and spoon sweet in the village square of Politika
Politika Tower
In the heart of Politika, beside the Church of the Transfiguration, stands the medieval tower, once the seat of the region’s feudal lord and an economic hub. This massive defensive building is typical of the Frankish occupation period. The square tower has four floors; the main living quarters are on the third, with large windows, a fireplace, and latrine. The main entrance, once reached by an external retractable wooden staircase, is on the second floor; the present ground level entrance was added in 1973. The tower is visitable today after a restoration (2011–2014, ESPA funding). Inside are photographic exhibitions of the restoration work and of life in the era of Frankish rule.
Visit and meal in the village of Nerotrivia
The community of Nerotrivia, 26 km west of Psachna, is famous for its excellent olive oil, produced in large quantities. Abundant running waters form rivers and streams in a lush landscape. After the Kapodistrias plan, it became part of the Municipality of Messapia, and according to the latest census its population was 540.
Tour of the Chalkida War Museum
The War Museum of Chalkida is housed in a landmark building of the historic Infantry School and showcases the military history of Greeks. Its exhibition spaces contain unique and rare artifacts from the Venetian period and the Revolution of 1821 up to modern times—collections of weapons, uniforms, archival and photographic materials, paintings, works of art, and dioramas of important historical events. It is a dynamic space of “living history,” paying tribute to our warrior ancestors and respecting their sacrifices.
The Museum houses the ANASTASIOS LIASKOS COLLECTION.
Nea Lampsakos and Bourtsi
Nea Lampsakos is a town with significant commercial activity, founded by refugees from Asia Minor’s Lampsakos (Dardanelles area). Its beach is famous for ouzeri and seafood eateries with a wide variety of seafood. Near Nea Lampsakos Beach is Bourtsi, a settlement with fish taverns. Nea Lampsakos has 1,944 inhabitants and is 7 km southeast of Chalkida.
Visit to “Lakhouvaris Mushrooms,” Kathenoi, Evia
“DIRFYS MUSHROOMS” belongs to two agronomists from the Agricultural University of Athens, Lefteris Lakhouvaris and Thanasis Mastrogiannis, who have specialized in mycology and have been professionally active in the mushroom sector since 1995. Activities began in March 2004, with the establishment of a substrate production unit and the creation of the first satellite mushroom cultivation system in Greece, while in 2006 they entered into the production of Pleurotus and Shiitake mushrooms.
Mushroom tour and tasting
The journey concluded with a meal in the village of Steni
The cuisine of Evia is rich and interesting.
Steni Evias is a place renowned for its good food and every weekend is filled with thousands of visitors.
