Karystos - Evia Greece

Karystos is one of the oldest Greek regions which represents the southern part of Evia and is about 125 km from the capital town of Chalkida.

Regarding its name of this region, there are several historical versions that exist, with one telling us that the name comes from the ancient physician Karystos, son of Cronus and Filira. Another version is that the name comes from the fact that there are many chestnut and walnut trees everywhere in the area, or from the cock bird that considered the herald of the day.

Karystos acquired it's present form over King Otto period. It is a picturesque town with a modern layout and beautiful neoclassical buildings. Visitors can admire the wild natural beauty of the area, thanks to Mount Ochi, and the wonderful beaches that are everywhere in the surrounding area that gives the appearance of an island in the Aegean sea.

It is worth visiting the medieval castle area of Castello Rosso, the medieval Bourtzi in the harbour, the Roman Mausoleum and the Archaeological Museum of Karystos, which are just some of the main attractions of the city.

You should not miss visiting the famous Dragonhouse (Drakospita) at the top of mount Ochi. The Dragonhouses of this area are the most spectacular of those that are found all around Evia. The Dragonhouses are made from large stones which support each other without any connections between them.

Access to the area of mount Ochi can be up to a point with a car, but then you will need to walk the rest of the way, which will take you about 1 ½ hours to reach the DraqonHouses.

On the waterfront many pleasure and fishing boats moor. This is also the loading place of the famous stone slabs of Karystos on merchant ships.

Walking along the harbour promenade, you can find many cafes, taverns and ouzeri where you can enjoy your coffee and some local dishes (like the traditional Kourkoubines), and many others that has a very unique and delicious taste.

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