Beautiful scenery, warm climate, delicious food and rich historical past turn Euboea into a kind of paradise amidst the waters of the Mediterranean. One of the greatest advantages of the island is the feeling of peace and quiet that one can still find here. If you are looking for a less known but still romantic and worth seeing destination Euboea is your place.
Geographical location and size. Euboea is the second largest Greek island after Crete. It occupies an area of 3681 sq km, and has strongly elongated shape.
In its longest northwest – southeast direction the island extends to approximately 168.5 km, while in its narrowest part it does not reach even 6 km.
The island is surrounded by the waters of the Aegean Sea. It is located next to the east coast of central Greece, between 37°56′ and 39°02′ north latitude and between 22°49′ and 24°35′ east longitude. It is connected with the mainland by a bridge.
Relief. Like most of Greece, the relief of Euboea is mostly mountainous. The island is a mountain range rising above the surface of the Aegean Sea.
The highest point of the island is located 1743 meters above sea level. The coastline is heavily indented with many small bays and peninsulas.
Nature. Euboea is among the greenest and fresh Greek islands. Much of its territory, particularly its northern half is covered with Mediterranean forests. Some plants lose their leaves in winter, but there are many species which remain green year round.
In Euboea grow citrus trees, olives, palms, conifers, oaks and many others. Along the coast one can find beautiful beaches. Some of them are white and others are beige or even brown. In places, the beaches are covered with small round pebbles, and offer clear and transparent sea water.
Climate. Euboea has subtropical Mediterranean climate. The summer season is long with plenty of sunshine, while winter is relatively short, mild and rainy. In summer the average daytime temperatures are very high, reaching to around 33°C along the coast in July and August.
In January and February thermometers usually show about 10°C. Snow is a rare occurrence in Euboea.
Usually snow cover is a non lasting and rapidly melts under the rays of the warm Mediterranean sun. Snow in the mountains, however, is much more durable and creates good conditions for skiing.
Beach season. Euboea beach season lasts from May to October. In warm and sunny years local beaches welcome their first visitors in April, though then the seawater is still only about 15°C.
The weather in October is still great with daytime temperatures around 24°C and sea temperature over 20°C. At the height of summer the sea water around the island can reach to about 29 – 30°C.
Population. The population of Euboea is approximately 220 000 people. About ¼ of the islanders live in the largest city of Chalkis, located on the west coast of Euboea, only 40 meters off the coast of mainland Greece. The majority of local residents are Greeks.
The beautiful scenery and pleasant climate of Euboea, however, have attracted a small number of foreigners from the northern European countries, especially British people, who have settled here permanently.
The official religion of Euboea is Orthodox Christianity, and the official language is Greek. That, however, does not have to bother you. Here everyone speaks English.
Economy. Euboea economy relies on two main sectors – tourism and agriculture. Except for the traditional summer tourism along the sea shore, the island offers excellent conditions for practicing of alternative forms, such as eco and rural tourism.
Small towns and villages, situated amidst the mountainous interior of the island offer perfect conditions for growing crops and livestock. Here are grown grapes, citrus fruit, and vegetables. Dairy products and wine are traditional for Euboea.
When to visit Euboea? Euboea is one of the few places in Greece to remain relatively calm and away from the huge crowds of tourists even in the height of summer. You can always find an isolated and quiet place to relax near the beach.
If you want to see the island in its best light and also to avoid the summer heat, it is advisable to visit Euboea during the months of May, June, September and October.
What should I wear? Summer clothes in Euboea are needed if you are planning to visit the island during the period from May to October. A light jacket will not be redundant at the beginning or at the end of the summer season because the nights are sometimes cool.
If traveling during the winter months from December to March, you have to wear warm clothes and do not lie to yourself – the Mediterranean is not always warm. April and November are transitional months with variable weather and spring temperatures.
What to do while in Euboea? Traveling to Euboea is not completed without visiting some of the great beaches on the island. It is good to know that the seas on the west coast of Euboea are usually calmer and the sea water – warmer.
Take a walk inside the island and visit some of the small villages to experience the local lifestyle. You have to try also the great variety of simply prepared seafood in some of the small and charming restaurants along the coast.
Don‘t miss to experience the pleasure to walk through the forest trails of Euboea. They will take you through a tunnel of greenery to the fresh and cooling mountain springs and waterfalls of the island.
How to get there? There is no international airport on the island of Euboea. For this reason it is most convenient to travel to Athens. The Greek capital is located at about 60 km south of Chalkis.