Where to stay in Karystos: The best areas and 19 accommodations

Karystos is located at the southern tip of Evia, beneath the slopes of Mount Ochi, and is one of those destinations that combine sea, mountain, and a quiet town with a main square and an old harbour. The distance from Athens is approximately 130 km via Chalkida, while there is also the option of a ferry boat from Rafina to Marmari, a journey of about an hour, making the area accessible even for a weekend.

The centre of Karystos has the charm of a small provincial town, with neoclassical buildings, cafes along the waterfront, and the Venetian Bourtzi Castle dominating the harbour. Just outside, endless sandy beaches stretch out, such as Karystos Beach, Aetos, and Marmari, while further inland, the mountainous mass of Ochi offers hiking and the famous Drakospita (Dragon Houses).

In this guide, you will discover which areas suit each type of traveller, from the central waterfront to Marmari and Agia Marina, and you will find 19 accommodation suggestions, from hotels with a long tradition to small studios and traditional houses.

What to see and do in Karystos

The history of Karystos dates back to antiquity, when the city was known for its quarries of kysterini, a greenish marble used in buildings in Rome and Constantinople. In the centre of today's town, Bourtzi Castle, built by the Venetians in the 13th century, recalls the period when the area was an important port for trade in the Aegean. Just outside the town, at the foothills of Ochi, Castello Rosso, another Venetian castle, remains and is worth a short climb for the view.

The biggest attraction in the area is undoubtedly Mount Ochi, with an altitude of over 1,400 metres, where the famous Drakospito (Dragon House) is located, a stone structure whose use and origin remain a mystery. The hike there usually starts from the village of Kaprena and lasts about three hours, uphill but with fantastic views all the way to the Aegean. In the same area, you will also find the Dimi Gorge, ideal for a more gentle walk near water.

Karystos's beaches cater to all tastes. The town's main beach is a long sandy stretch, organised in several spots, while further south, Aetos and Plaka Beach offer quieter alternatives. To the north, Marmari has its own beach and a small harbour, while Alykes is known among surfers and kite surfers thanks to the winds that blow almost all summer, making the area a popular spot for water sports.

Gastronomically, Karystos offers excellent fish and seafood thanks to its active fishing port, while in the tavernas along the waterfront, you can also sample local dishes with pork and cheese from the mountain villages. In Marmari and Agia Marina, there are also fish tavernas with harbour views, ideal for an evening meal after a day at the beach.

Getting around the area is easier by car, as the distances between settlements are a few kilometres and the roads are mountainous in some places. There is a local KTEL bus service connecting Karystos with Chalkida and Athens, but the frequency is not high, so if you plan to explore villages like Platanisti or Styra, having your own vehicle helps a lot.

The best time to visit is from mid-May to late September, when temperatures are ideal for swimming, and the winds, especially in Alykes, bring the area to life for water sports enthusiasts. In August, the town fills with visitors due to the holidays, so if you prefer quieter days, June and September are among the best months, with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds on the beaches.

It is also worth noting that Karystos is a good starting point for excursions to southern Evia, such as the mountain villages of Zarakia or the nearby Styra with its famous "dragon houses," a series of ancient stone structures different from that of Ochi but equally mysterious.

The best areas to stay in Karystos

1. Karystos Centre and Waterfront, Ideal for a first visit, walks and easy access to cafes and tavernas

The centre of Karystos, around the waterfront road and Bourtzi Castle, is the most practical base for those who want everything within easy reach. Here you will find most of the town's shops, cafes, and tavernas, as well as the main beach just a few minutes' walk away. The area has several hotels of various categories, from small boutique accommodations to simpler hotels with decades of tradition. In the evening, the waterfront comes alive with people strolling, making the area particularly vibrant in summer.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Many dining options
• View of the castle and harbour

Disadvantages:

• Can be busy and noisy at night
• Less quiet than other areas

Recommended accommodations:

1. Karystion Hotel
A historic hotel on the Karystos waterfront, with simple yet well-maintained rooms and sea views. A good choice for those who want to be in the thick of the action, close to tavernas and cafes, without needing a car for their daily commutes.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

2. Hotel ALS KARYSTOS
A functional hotel in Karystos town, with comfortable rooms for couples and families. It is within walking distance of the beach and the centre, making it a practical choice for a short or longer stay in the area.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

3. Aegea Hotel
A hotel with quiet rooms, suitable for those who want to relax after a day at the beach or in the mountains. Its location allows easy access to the town's points of interest, without long distances.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

4. Central House Karistos
An apartment in the town centre, ideal for those who prefer autonomy with a small kitchen and more space. A good choice for families or groups who want to cook some evenings instead of eating out.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

5. Aegialis seaside apartments
Rental rooms right by the sea, with a simple layout and basic amenities. Suitable for travellers who prioritise immediate access to the beach and a reasonable price.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

6. Nerea Boutique Suites Karystos
More modern suites in Karystos, with elegant decor and spacious areas. Suitable for couples looking for something a bit special beyond a simple room, without straying far from the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

7. Aspro Spiti
A traditional house with Cycladic aesthetics in colour and layout, ideal for those who want something different from a typical hotel. A good base for exploring the town on foot.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

2. Marmari, A good choice for families and those arriving by ferry from Rafina

Marmari, about 12 km north of Karystos, is the settlement where the ferry from Rafina arrives, making it a natural starting point for many visitors. It has its own beach, quite large and organised, as well as a small harbour with fish tavernas. The atmosphere is more relaxed compared to the centre of Karystos, with less traffic and a more family-friendly character, which suits those who want quiet holidays by the sea without losing easy access to shops.

Advantages:

• Close to the ferry port
• Organised beach
• Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere

Disadvantages:

• A car is needed for Karystos
• Less nightlife

Recommended accommodations:

8. Marmari Bay Hotel
A hotel next to Marmari beach, with comfortable rooms and sea views. A practical choice for those arriving by ferry who want to avoid additional travel on the first night.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

9. Evia Hotel & Suites
A hotel with suites that cater to families, within walking distance of Marmari beach. The rooms are comfortable and the surrounding area is quiet, ideal for relaxation.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

10. Venus Beach Hotel -Evia Greece
A hotel with direct beach access, suitable for families with children. The rooms are functional and the location allows for daily strolls by the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 78€ per night

11. Castello Rosso Hotel
A hotel named after the nearby Venetian castle, with quiet rooms and good access to Marmari beach. Suitable for couples and small families.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

12. Anastasia Hotel & Suites Mediterranean Comfort
Suites with a Mediterranean aesthetic, spacious areas, and basic amenities for longer stays. A good choice for families who want more space than a simple room.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

3. Aetos and southern beaches, For those who want a quiet beach and contact with nature

South of Karystos, Aetos and the surrounding beaches offer a more secluded experience, with fewer crowds and wilder landscapes compared to the town. The area is known for Aetos Beach Bungalows, a cluster of accommodations built by the sea, ideal for those who want a holiday without much hustle and bustle around them. Access is only by car, but the reward is clear waters and tranquillity, something rare in recent years in many coastal destinations in Greece.

Advantages:

• Quiet, less touristy beach
• Clear waters
• Contact with nature

Disadvantages:

• Car essential
• Fewer dining options nearby

Recommended accommodations:

13. Aetos Beach Bungalows
Bungalows right next to Aetos beach, ideal for those who want to wake up to sea views and swim just a few steps from their room. A quiet option, away from the town's hustle.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

14. Sea Breeze Boutique
A small boutique accommodation with well-appointed rooms, suitable for couples seeking peace and sea views. A good starting point for excursions to the nearby southern beaches.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

15. Avra House
A house with a simple, friendly layout, suitable for groups or families who want autonomy and space away from the town's noise. Its location aids excursions to the southern beaches.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

16. Agalma - Holiday Home
A fully equipped holiday home, ideal for families who want to stay for several days. The space allows for independent living with the assurance of a full kitchen.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

4. Alykes and mountain villages, For surfers, kite surfers and those who want to be near Ochi

Alykes, just outside the town, is famous for its consistent winds, which make it one of the best spots in Greece for windsurfing and kite surfing, with schools operating in summer. At the same time, villages such as Zarakia, Myloi, and Platanisti at the foothills of Ochi offer an alternative base for those who prefer hiking and coolness over the beach. Accommodation here is more limited in number but suits travellers with a specific interest, either for sports or for nature and mountain trails.

Advantages:

• Ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing
• Close to Ochi trails
• More authentic experience

Disadvantages:

• Few accommodation options
• Far from the town's nightlife

Recommended accommodations:

17. Alykes
Accommodation near Alykes, an ideal reference point for those involved in windsurfing or kite surfing. Simple rooms, with easy access to the coast and the winds that make the area famous.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

18. Apollon Suites Karystos
Comfortable and well-located suites, suitable for couples who want a combination of peace and quiet with close access to the town and the area's mountain villages.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

19. Hotel Zeus Karystos
A hotel with a simple aesthetic and basic amenities, a good choice for those who want affordable accommodation with access to the mountain villages and Ochi trails.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book early for August. Karystos fills up in August due to holidays, so good accommodations sell out quickly.
• Consider the ferry from Rafina. If you don't want to drive the entire route, the ferry to Marmari is a practical alternative.
• Car for southern spots. Beaches like Aetos and the mountain villages are not well-served by foot or bus.
• Ask about winds if staying in Alykes. The area is excellent for sports but can be very windy, which doesn't suit everyone.
• Combine beach with hiking. A climb to Drakospito or the Dimi Gorge is worth half a day, ideally early in the morning due to the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Karystos from Athens?

By road, the distance is approximately 130 km via Chalkida, a journey of about two hours. Alternatively, there is a ferry boat from Rafina to Marmari, a journey of about one hour.

Which area is best for families with children?

Marmari is considered a good option, as it has an organised beach, a quiet atmosphere, and is close to shops and tavernas.

Do I need a car in Karystos?

For the town centre, it is not essential, but to visit Aetos, Alykes, or the mountain villages, a car makes a big difference.

When is the best time for holidays in Karystos?

From mid-May to late September, with June and September offering fewer crowds and better accommodation prices.

Is it worth staying near Alykes?

Yes, if you are interested in windsurfing or kite surfing, but the area has fewer accommodation options and is more remote from the town's nightlife.

What should I see besides the beaches?

Bourtzi Castle in the harbour, Drakospito on Ochi, and the Venetian Castello Rosso are among the spots worth visiting beyond the sea.

The conclusion

For a first visit and convenience, Karystos town centre is the most practical base. Families will be more comfortable in Marmari, while those seeking peace and contact with nature will prefer Aetos or the southern beaches. If your interest lies in water sports or hiking on Ochi, Alykes and the mountain villages offer a different but interesting option. In any case, southern Evia offers enough variety to find the accommodation that suits your holiday pace.

See also our guides for where to stay in Koroni and accommodation in Kymi.