Karystos is a small coastal town, 129 kilometers south of Chalkida. You can get there either by car from Chalkida or by taking the ferry boat from the port of Rafina. The modern town is built next to the ancient settlement of Karystos and was designed by famous Bavarian civil engineer Bierbach. Karystos was named after its founder who was the son of the mythic centaur Cheironas.
The area around Karystos includes all the contradictory characteristics that are typical of the whole island of Evia, combining the lush green mountain landscapes full of plane trees, walnuts and little streams with beautiful picturesque bays and sandy beaches with clear blue waters. Karystos, despite its natural beauty, remains some sort of a secret for those who know of it and is considered the place to be for those trying to avoid crowded places with extreme tourist activity and its results. However, it has to offer a variety of comfortable hotels, most of those with a view to the sea and its inhabitants are known for their kindness and hospitality. In the beach of the settlement you will be able to find two exceptional taverns, both specializing in fresh fish and seafood.
Among the sights of the area that are well worth visiting is the imposing “Kastelo Rosso” a castle dating back to the age of the Venetian rule, as well as the ancient Roman aqueduct right below the castle. There is also a small archaeological museum displaying a collection of sculptures and pottery dating back the Hellenistic and Roman years, as well as the orthodox monasteries of Taxiarches, Agios Georgios and Agia Maura. |