Evia Island - Enter the Wind Gates

The Old Bridge

At the capital of the island, Chalkida, the gap is just 40m and is spanned by a bridge that was first constructed here in the 21st year of the Peloponnesian War (410 BC).

The old bridge, located at the narrowest point of the Euripus strait is one of the world’s last remaining sliding bridges. It opens every night just after 23:00 to allow vessels to pass through the strait.

More recently in 1992 the “big” Euripus Bridge as the locals call it was built (also known as Euripos Bridge and Evripos Bridge). The big Euripus bridge connects Evia to the Greek mainland and was the first cable-stayed road bridge in Greece with total length of 395m and total height 90m.

The City of Crazy Waters and The Euripus Phenomenon

At the most narrow part of Evia Island and the Greek mainland, you can observe every 6 hours the sea water rising (flood) and in the next 6 hours it goes down again (ebb).

We have a period of 12hrs or 4 phases in 24hrs. The 50 min and 30 second difference from the “24 hours” refers to the Moon, because the Moon needs exactly this period of time to pass over the same place on Earth twice (Newton 1687).

This is why Chalkida is regarded as a city of “crazy waters”, while locals call themselves trelonerites, or people of crazy waters. It is said that, like the changing water currents, locals can be fickle. This can also be the case with visitors, who often arrive intending to stay just for the day and end up remaining for much longer!

According to popular tradition, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, in despair at his inability to solve the cause of the problem, drowned here; their cause is still not fully understood today.

Lefkadi during the ancient years and the expedition to Troy

During the ancient years the area of Lefkadi used to be a place of glory and a main trade centre. Eretria, known as one of the main city states of Ancient Greece, along with Chalkida, Athens, Thiva and Sparta, were using Lefkadi as a major port. It’s a historic fact that the ships sent to Troy during the Greek expedition started from Eretria using the same spring thermal winds that nowadays make Lefkadi Surf Club a favourite kitesurfing and windsurfing destination.

Dirfys and the Volcanoes

Beyond the manmade sites over the millennia, you will be impressed by the biodiversity and nature of Evia Island. Several non active volcanoes are situated around the island creating magnificent ecosystems. Dirfy and Xtipas Volcanos, located West and North East of Lefkadi Surf Club have been rightfully designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty by the Greek State.

Dirfy is of special ecological interest, thanks to the diverse flora, shape and hydrological features. Crossing Dirfy’s Agali Gorge is an amazing experience that must not be missed, so is a visit to the Aesthetic Forest of Steni which is protected by a government decree.

If you’re near to Central Evia visit Kymi and the Oxylithos Volcano towering over the village by the same name.

South of the island and in close distance to Marmari Surf Club, Ochi mountain hosts Dimosari and Agios Dimitrios gorges both leading to hidden Aegean beaches.

Petali Islands, the hidden Royal Residence and the Picasso Family

Located in front of Marmari village and just across from Marmari Surf Club in the gulf that bears their name, is a complex of 10 privately owned islands known as the Petali. Known since the ancient years as a settlement for the sailors of the Aegean Sea they were inhabited centuries ago. The last residents left the islands at the beginning of the 20th century and built the village of Marmari.

Their unparalleled beauty, crystal clear waters, untouched nature and their close proximity to Athens attracted a plethora of important figures ranging from politicians to Hollywood celebrities. Some of them were Aristotle Onassis, Maria Kallas and Winston Churchill. The ex Royal Family of Greece and the Picasso family used to spend their summers in private properties until they recently sold them to one of the wealthiest Greek families.

Petali Islands is our favourite Kitesurfing playground and KiteGreece organises daily kite safaris and half/full day boat trips departing from Marmari Port or Marmari Surf Club.

Ochi mountain & Dimosari Gorge

Dimosari Gorge is located in southern Evia, on mount Ochi, at an elevation of 1386 meters. It is definitely one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Greece, if not the most beautiful and it is 10 kilometers long.  One part is a little bit steep but the rest seems more like a valley, going parallel to the river. The gorge ends up at Kallianos beach, on the side of the Aegean.

It’s been said that, during the archaic and classical period, metal mines were located on the gorge direction to the beach. You will become a witness to the great history of the canyon, with the dragon houses, the medieval cobbled streets and the fossils at several points.

Chestnut and plane trees feature dominantly as well as a large variety of birds, including owls, eagles, buzzards, nightingales and many other animal species. Highly suggested for lovers of natural beauty and photography, as interchangeable images, colours and flavours of Greece complete the landscape. You will enjoy the flowing waters, waterfalls, rivers, uncountable animals, trees and flowers everywhere. Don’t miss it!