Karystos , A three-day escape to South Evia!

Karystos – A three-day escape to South Evia!

Karystos is an excellent choice for a short trip, both from Attica and the rest of Greece.

It harmoniously combines mountain and sea, making it a suitable travel destination for all seasons.

It provides all necessary amenities such as hotel complexes, dining establishments, a health centre, etc.

Its privileged location – just 1 hour from Athens – makes it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer holidays.

 

Location and access to Karystos

Karystos – How to get there from Athens

Karystos is located opposite the eastern beaches of Attica.

It is approximately 120 km from the Chalkida bridge, and from Athens, it will take you a total of about two to two and a half hours to reach beautiful Karystos by car.

 

Ferry tickets Karystos – Sea access

Karystos also has sea access: You can be at the port of Nea Styra in just 45 minutes from Agia Marina, or at the port of Marmari in just 1 hour from Rafina!

Karystos is about 30 minutes from Nea Styra, while the distance from Marmari to Karystos is covered in approximately 10 minutes.

Whichever way you choose, Karystos awaits you to explore it all year round!

Find cheap ferry tickets for Karystos through Travelo!

 

For up-to-date ferry schedules, as these change seasonally, you should call the local port authorities (Rafina and/or Agia Marina Port Authority).

 

Access to Karystos from the rest of Greece

The same access methods apply from the rest of Greece. If you are coming from the North, then it might be easier for you to turn towards Chalkida and come by road to Karystos (130 km from the Chalkida bridge).

 

Karystos beaches

Karystos boasts emerald and crystal-clear beaches. Its waters make you feel like you are on a Cycladic island, as the fine sand combined with the pristine waters create an excellent combination for summer!

The bay of Karystos creates approximately 20 km of coastline from end to end. Within this bay, there are dozens of organised and unorganised beaches, as well as stunning coves which either have difficult road access or are accessible entirely by sea.

The organised beaches of Karystos are:

 

Psili Ammos Beach Karystos

Psili Ammos is located to the east of the town. It is perhaps the most popular beach on the island.

The waters are particularly shallow and family-friendly for those with young children – especially when it's not windy.

The beach extends for half a kilometre and is organised with canteens, sunbeds, and umbrellas.

There you will also find Karystos' most famous beach bar, “Koxyli”.

Access to Psili Ammos beach is particularly easy by car.

 

Potami Beach Karystos

Potami is a coastline, approximately 40 minutes from Karystos towards Kavo Doro, with the main point of interest being the unique sand dunes of the area, as the waters from the Platanistos stream flow into them.

The area also functions as a camping site.

 

Bourou – Agalma Beach

Bourou Beach is an organised, large beach with canteens and sunbeds.

The landmark of the area is the Statue (Agalma) which is located on the seashore.

Agalma beach features calm, shallow, and crystal-clear waters.

This beach was our personal choice for 2 out of the 3 days we stayed in the area!

Other popular beaches in Karystos are towards Paximada, as well as the beaches located within the town of Karystos.

There are beaches both east and west of Karystos. An excellent cove after about a 15-minute drive (you go up the mountain and then down again) is Agia Paraskevi.

 

The waters are crystal clear and, due to the cove, usually very calm.

Attention! Due to the popularity of the area, it is very likely that on weekends or during high season you might not find a place at the beach bar – so bring your own umbrella to be prepared!

The beach bar in Agia Paraskevi Karystos offers everything you might need at the beach, and its prices are very reasonable.

 

 

 

 

 

Karystos sights

Beyond its beaches, Karystos also boasts some unique sights. If you find yourself in the area, you should certainly not miss a stroll to the Bourtzi, located in the port and maintained in excellent condition, while the Kokkinokastro (Red Castle) is also worth a visit.

The Kokkinokastro, also known as Castel Rosso, is situated at the foothills of the Ochi mountain range, just 4 km from the centre of Karystos.

If you are in the town centre and look up towards the mountain, you will certainly see it!

The Archaeological Museum of Karystos exhibits artefacts from prehistoric times to the Roman period.

Another popular attraction in Karystos is the Drakospito (Dragon House). In essence, there are about 20 scattered Drakospita in the wider area, with the best-preserved one located below the summit of Mount Ochi, at an altitude of 1400 metres.

The Drakospito is a rectangular building constructed from enormous boulders, without any binding mortar!

Finally, especially if you are a mountain enthusiast – which Karystos perfectly combines with the sea – you can visit the summit of Ochi at 1400 metres. At the top, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean, and if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the mountains of Chios, Samos, and the Peloponnese!

Accommodation in Karystos – Rooms – Hotels in Karystos

In Karystos, you will find several hotels and rooms for rent both in the town and by the sea, as well as in the mountains.

If you wish to cool down on warm summer evenings, you can choose a hotel in Karystos or a rented villa towards the mountain side – the distance is no more than 5 minutes to the town centre!

On the other hand, if you want to be right by the sea and stroll around in the evening without needing to move your car, then you can look for a hotel near the centre of Karystos.

During our three-day trip, we chose “Elia Villas” for our accommodation, which is located slightly uphill in Karystos and offers panoramic views of both Karystos town and the sea, as well as the mountain.

These are spacious, two-room accommodations (essentially “villas”), with private balconies and excellent facilities.

We have nothing but positive things to say about this particular complex of residences.

Both the price and the privileged location of the accommodation, as well as the hospitality of the owner, Mr Dimitris, were among its positive points.

The view it offers when you wake up is unique!

Search below for availability at Elia Villas, as well as all available hotels in Karystos:

 

 

Tavers and dining establishments in Karystos

In Karystos, you will enjoy many good flavours. Both on the coastal road, which is full of all kinds of taverns, and on Theochari Kotsika street, which turns into a pedestrian area in the evening with tables and chairs from the shops.

The establishments we visited and recommend are:

 

Gefsiplous

Gefsiplous in Karystos is located at the end of Theochari Kotsika Street (it's the perpendicular road that leads to the port, and in the evening its last section is closed to cars).

At Gefsiplous, we tasted amazing and unique dishes such as tuna carpaccio and red snapper fillet.

The food at Gefsiplous was more than excellent, and it is definitely an establishment we recommend to all our readers.

The prices, despite the premium dishes, are quite reasonable, and the service is prompt and very good.

 

Moschokarydo

At Moschokarydo, on the coastal road, we tried kourkoubines (Karystos' traditional pasta) as well as pizza with thin, Italian-style dough.

The pasta was excellent, while the pizza was about average.

Finally, the Mexican TACOS we ordered for an appetiser were simply amazing! We highly recommend them!

 

Volk – Brunch, crepes & Pancakes

Volk is a landmark in Karystos both for its brunch and for the dishes it offers.

However, the strong point of the establishment is its crepes and pancakes. These are perhaps the best pancakes we have ever tasted, by far (and we have tasted quite a few!)

Both the crepe and the pancakes were particularly tasty, and the batter didn't leave an eggy or otherwise unpleasant taste in your mouth, as happens with most mixtures in dining establishments.

We would have preferred the pancakes to have more praline, as it was scarce on our plate.

You absolutely must visit VOLK in Karystos, either for brunch or for pancakes after your meal!

 

In summary

Karystos is an excellent choice for either a weekend or a longer holiday. The dozens of coves and beaches in the area will make you want to explore them all, one by one!

Equip yourself with the essentials, take the ferry boat from Agia Marina (our personal choice for transfer to Karystos), and spend some amazing days in South Evia and Karystos!

See the full photo Album from our trip to Karystos.