Starting from Marmari, a picturesque fishing village just a breath away from Attica, only an hour from the port of Rafina, the journey of the press team from 10 leading Greek media began.
Tour of the Dragonhouses, one of archaeology’s most intriguing mysteries.
Legend says that the Dragonhouses were built by the Dryopes, who arrived in the area after being driven out of Central Greece by Hercules. According to one of the most widely accepted scientific theories, they were sanctuaries of Zeus and Hera.
Ascent to Castello Rosso
Just outside Karystos, about 4 km away, stands Castello Rosso at the foot of Mount Ochi. Its name comes from the reddish schist in the area, used in its construction. It was built in 1205 by the Latins following their conquest of Euboea, at the site where Karystos’ ancient acropolis once stood. The castle is ideal for nature walks. From above, it overlooks the bay of Karystos, while rare plants grow and beautiful birds nest in its crumbling walls.
Visit to “Montofoli Estate”, old town of Karystos
Montofoli Estate is a significant landmark in southern Euboea’s Karystia. It sits between the harbor and the Venetian fortress “Castello Rosso” at the top of the hill with the same name. The estate enjoys panoramic views of the bay and offers a charming balance between the prosperity of its fertile land and its dominance over the valley. Romans, Franks, Venetians, and Ottoman rulers have all made their mark here throughout history, attesting to its timelessness and special energy.
Here, the grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, and Liatico are cultivated and traditionally made into the sweet sun-dried wine “Montofoli Estate.” The estate’s citrus fruits are used to make jams.
Tour of the Folk Museum of the Women’s Association of the Marmari Community
The Marmari Women’s Association was originally formed by 20 women and today counts 170 members.
In just two and a half years of operation, they have created a fascinating Folk Museum. Here, the women of the association welcome you with a shot of tsipouro or a sweet treat they have made themselves.
Association members guide you around the Museum, showing exhibits such as the clothing the shepherd wore to stay warm on Mount Ochi in winter, traditional tsarouhia shoes, and the clay plates once used while eating by the fireplace, at the “sofá.”
They will talk about the jobs residents did in the area 80 years ago, during the occupation years, to survive—tasks now obsolete due to the E.U.—about the yachts that used to come to Marmari from Petalioi, about the shifting sands that change shape with the weather, about the beach where the king used to swim, and much more.
All these memories, spanning about 100 years, have been gathered in the house of the Women’s Association – Folk Museum.
Introduction to the Archaeological Museum of Karystos
The museum displays exhibits from prehistoric times up to the Roman period. Finds from the Dragonhouses of Karystos and Styra, from ancient Geraistos (the silver Kastri), and mainly from Paleochora are on show.
Haunt of Deipnosofiston
In a magical setting at Megali Vrisi in Styra, southern Euboea, you’ll find a place for quality food, good company, conversation, and traditional music.
Food is a major part of life in the Municipality of Karystos
Flavors of the Land…
In the traditional mountain homesteads of Ochi, recipes for making fresh mizithra, anthotyro, spicy tuloumi cheese, and kefalograviera are handed down from generation to generation. The delicious meats of Karystia (lamb, kid, veal, goat, and sheep) from animals raised on the slopes of Ochi are full of wild herb aromas. Thyme honey, kisseri from heather flowers, the renowned rose honey—all are products of exceptional quality and high nutritional value.
And in the plains, the tradition of winemaking remains strong, with the dominant grape being savvatiano, but also with organic wine. Citrus, the famous purple onion, corn, mountain potatoes, tomatoes, and cherries, especially from Agios Dimitrios, are among the region’s choice products.
Olive presses with decades of tradition produce tons of pure olive oil, while during the olive harvest, fresh oil on warm bread and loukoumades mark the beginning of the new season with unique flavors. The region’s choice pasta is kourkoubinia, small pieces of dough twisted by hand on the rolling pin, boiled and fried in goat butter or oil.
And Flavors of the Sea…
In this area, seafood dishes are tastier than anywhere else. That’s because they are nourished by the “herb.” Indeed, the strong sea currents in the area of Cape Kafireas, a migration route for Mediterranean fish, oxygenate and enrich the sea waters with nutrients—the legendary “herb” of local tradition. Culinary trails are varied, rich, and unique, inviting you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
The initiative of the Municipality of Karystos to organize the familiarization trip for invited journalists from national media received a very positive response from participants and is part of a broader action plan to promote and develop tourism in Karystos.
The primary goal was that, through their brief stay, hosted journalists would connect with the natural wealth and beauty of the Municipality of Karystos, taste high-quality local products, and—above all—experience, from Marmari and Karystos to Styra, the area’s outstanding hospitality.
The Mayor of Karystos, Mr. Eleftherios Raviolos, stated:
“I am especially pleased that, for the second year running, the Municipality of Karystos successfully organized a press trip!
Through our hospitality, we aimed—within a short time—to share with the media the living traditions and flavors of our land.
Our Municipality, with its incredible natural beauty, excellent flavors, and hospitable people, can offer visitors a truly unique experience, and through such initiatives we strive to share that both at home and abroad.”