Ancient Traces in Eretria

The ancient theatre of Eretria is one of Euboea’s most important archaeological monuments. Its auditorium seats approximately 6,300 spectators—a scale that vividly conveys the size of the structure.

The Archaeological Museum of Eretria displays finds from excavations in ancient Eretria, Touba, Xiropoli of Lefkandi and Amarynthos. This takes the view beyond a single archaeological site. The theatre and museum offer different ways to explore ancient history: the scale of an important monument in one, finds from several excavation sites in the other.

Between Coast, Forest and Ancient Paths

On Euboea, you can hike along ancient paths. The focus here is not on a single structure, but on the journey itself. This offers something different for travellers who want to include physical activity in their explorations alongside culture.

Agia Anna, in northeastern Euboea, is known for its long sandy beach and crystal-clear Aegean waters. The Petrified Forest of Kerasia offers a different natural attraction: it lies in the area around Agia Anna, Papades and Kerasia and is estimated to date back 20 million years. The island brings together very different timescales, from ancient history to a distant geological past.

The Kotylaia Forest near Kymi is ideal for mountain sports and offers views of the Aegean. The Kotylaia Forest combines mountain sports with views of the Aegean.

The Purple Cave near Zarakes is an underwater cave accessible only by sea. Plan to reach the cave by sea when visiting.

Monastery History, Marble and Cuisine

The Monastery of Saint David near Rovies is one of Euboea’s historic monasteries. Near Kymi lies the Sotiros Women’s Monastery, which, according to tradition, is said to have been founded in the 15th century by monks from Mount Athos. This cautious wording reflects the story of its founding.

The material that connects Euboea with places farther afield also tells a story of history: the quarries of Karystos are the source of the famous white-and-green marble that adorned important buildings in ancient Athens, Rome and Constantinople. Stone from Karystos thus became part of the architectural history of several ancient cities.

Euboea’s local cuisine includes seafood and famous figs. Culinary experiences thus complement the island’s archaeological and landscape discoveries. When planning your trip, you can also consider how important regional cuisine is to you.

Which Discoveries Will Shape Your Trip?

When choosing accommodation, your priorities can guide your search: are you mainly interested in discovering ancient history and archaeological finds, or are you more drawn to the coast, forests and hiking? This question can help you plan your trip around your interests without assuming a fixed itinerary for the entire island.

Discover more destinations: Marmari, Styra, Eretria, Skyros, Amarynthos, Oxílithos, Pefki, Chalkida, Rovies, Politika, Ilia, Agii Apostoli, Agia Anna, Kymi, Artemisio, Loutrá Aidhipsoú, Mytikas, Aliveri, Platana, Límni, Paradisi, Avlonari, Faros, Agiokampos, Mpoufalo, Mourteri, Neos Pirgos, Gialtra, Nerotrivia, Almiropotamos, Oreoi, Psachna, Istiaia, Prokopi, Zarakes, Konistres, Vasiliko, Steni Dirfyos, Skroponeria, Figias, Kirinthos, Kato Steni, Aidipsos, Káristos, Agii Apostoli, Kotsikia, Porto Lafia, Tsakei, Kato Seta, Kamaria, Paralia Kimis, Kanatadika, Paliouras, Agios Ioannis.

For the regional travel overview: Central Greece.