Having a length of 180km and a width that ranges from 6km to 50km, Evia is the second-largest island in Greece. Located to the north-east of the Attica Peninsula, Evia’s capital Chalcis is only an hour away from Athens. Divided by the thin Euripus Strait, Evia is a continental island, connected to the mainland via two bridges. Of the two, the Old Bridge is a lively area with cafes and shops. Tourists come here to observe an anomaly wherein the current of the water below the bridge changes direction multiple times during the day.

Evia has uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea in the east, and its 48km coastline, stippled with less-commercialized picture-perfect towns, is full of surprises. While some travelers drive over the High Bridge to visit Chalcis’ lighthouse, archaeological museum, and the Red House of Malliou, others book ferry tickets to Evia and enjoy a more scenic route.

A plausible day-trip option, Evia’s true beauty comes to light when tourists station themselves firmly on the island for a few days. It is then a question of merely renting a moped and heading out to the northern village of Agiokampos, famous for its beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. On the opposite end is Karystos, tightly packed between sandy strips in a gulf, it offers a plethora of diving and water sports opportunities. Mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, Karystos is also popular with hikers wishing to climb the nearby Mt. Ochi.

Kymi on the eastern coast is both a hilly and coastal town built like an amphitheater and referred to as the ‘balcony of the Aegean Sea’. Its artificial harbor and Folklore Museum are lovely excursions to spend a quiet afternoon. But if it’s nature and total relaxation you want, Mantoudi, alongside River Kireas, is a beautiful port town that promises inspirational solitude.

To those in the know, Evia is much-desired for another reason. Since Piraeus is the busiest terminal in Greece, ferry tickets to Evia, quickly booked through Ferryscanner, are a better option for travel to and from nearby places like Volos, and Glyfa on the mainland as well as the island of Skopelos. In doing so, you get to add another wildly diverse Greek island to your itinerary.