This coastal Greek town on Evia island has Venetian-style homes, narrow streets, and a historic castle. Its central square and small port connect the island to mainland Greece.
Chalkida, the capital of Evia island, lies 80 kilometers from Athens at a point where the island almost meets mainland Greece. The Euripus Strait runs through the city center, with its waters changing direction every six hours - a phenomenon you can watch from the Old Bridge. The waterfront includes a 19th-century red mansion, medieval mosques, Byzantine churches, and local restaurants filled with families enjoying fresh seafood each evening.
Getting to Chalkida
You can reach Chalkida from Athens in about an hour by car or train. Trains depart from Athens Central Station every two hours, while driving takes you along the Athens-Thessaloniki highway. The suburban railway (Proastiakos) runs between Athens and Chalkida throughout the day.
The Tidal Phenomenon at Euripus Strait
The waters under the Old Bridge move at speeds up to 12 kilometers per hour, changing direction every six hours. During most of the month, these changes follow a regular pattern. You can watch the water movement from the Old Bridge, where the channel narrows to just 40 meters.
Exploring the Waterfront
The main promenade stretches one kilometer along the coast. Local families and groups fill the cafes and restaurants in the evenings, especially after 8 PM. Fishing boats arrive with fresh catch throughout the day, supplying the waterfront tavernas with sea bass, red mullet, and sardines.
Karababa Castle and City Views
The Ottoman fortress on Kanithos hill dates from 1684. Walk the 600-meter path through pine trees to reach the castle. The western rampart houses artifacts from the early Christian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. From the top, you'll see the Euboean Gulf and the entire city spread below.
Historical Buildings
The Emir Zade mosque (15th century) now functions as an exhibition space. The Church of Agia Paraskevi contains 5th-century AD elements, including ancient Greek columns with Ionic and Corinthian capitals. At the northern end of the waterfront stands the Red House from 1884, a neoclassical mansion with its original red exterior paint.
Museums and Culture
The New Archaeological Museum "Arethousa" occupies a former distillery from the 1920s. Inside, you'll find classical and Roman artifacts arranged in sections about city life, religious practices, and local traditions. The museum uses touchscreens and video presentations to explain the city's development through centuries.
Beaches Around Chalkida
Alykes Beach is a 10-minute drive from the city center, with shallow waters and a sandy shore. Asteria and Rodies beaches have swimming areas suitable for families. At Liani Ammos, steady winds create good conditions for windsurfing from May through September.
Day Trips from Chalkida
You can visit Eretria, 20 kilometers south, to see its ancient theater, temple ruins, and mosaics. The fishing village of Amarynthos, a 30-minute bus ride away, has waterfront fish tavernas serving the day's catch. Buses to both locations run regularly from Chalkida's main station.
