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Evia
The island of Evia that is the second largest in Greece,
after Crete. Long and narrow, it stretches over the Aegean Sea, very
close alongside the shores of Mainland Greece, separated from it by
the Gulf of Euboea and the famous Evripos Straits.
Excavations, undertaken in 1891, reveal many monuments and statues.
Interesting objects for the visitor to see are the ancient baths,
the remains of the Temple of Dafniforos Apollo, the Palaestra with
its fine mosaic and the ancient theatre, which was a main reason for
the city being a subterranean passage for use by the actors. The
archaeological museum in the town contains notable exhibits such as
the headless statue of the goddess Athena, the relief of Dionysus,
the abduction of Antiope by Theseus and others.
The Byzantine basilica of Agia Paraskevi, located within the
compound of the mediaeval fortress, contains coats of arms and
inscriptions of the 14th century.
A main highway and ferry-boats from several terminals form the links
with this island space which is a center of attraction for those
seeking natural beauty and scenic variety.
There are large fertile valleys and wooded mountainsides where
mountain climbers can enjoy themselves as much as those opting,
instead, for the attractions of the sea shores with their excellent
sandy beaches, organized bathing facilities and charming secluded
coves.
Modern life thrives alongside splendidly preserved tradition. There
are picturesque country fairs where genuine local customs survive.
Halkida, the island's capital, is accessible from a fork on the main
Athens - Lamia highway. A swing bridge carries traffic across the
narrow Evripos Straits with their tidal currents.
Nearby are the Byzantine churches of Metamorphosis and Kimissis
Theotokou. At Vlihos there is a Macedonian grave. Ano Vathia is a
quaint village with its Byzantine Church of Zoodochos Pighi and the
monastery of Agios Nikolaos.
In the same district stands the church of Agios Nikolaos which
contains well preserved Byzantine frescoes. At Aliveri there is a
major electric power station.
The modern town has several hotels and the city is famous for its
fish specialties Restaurants. Halkida is the ideal starting point
for an exploration of the whole island.
South-ward the road leads to Eretria which, in ancient times, was
the second most important city on the island, after Halkida.
Continuing South along the coastal road, on the shores of the Gulf
of Evia, one comes upon the township of Amarinthos which has a fine
beach, tranquil surroundings and plenty of attractive fish
specialties to offer. The road from Halkida to Eretria passes by the
fine Malakonta beach which has ample facilities for tourists and
passes through the village of Vassiliko which possesses distinctive
local colour and a Venetian tower. Close by are the seaside
settlements of Lefkanti and Kambos. Following along the foothills of
Mt. Skliro, the road leads into the town of Aliveri with its
spreading plain, its old tower and church of Agios Loukas are worth
a visit.
The ancestral homes of several renowned seafarers still stand in the
town of Halkida. In the museum there are finds dating back to
prehistoric, archaic, classic and Hellenistic times.
Edipsos has to be one of the most amazing resorts in the world when
it comes to healing mineral baths. There are more than eighty
individual springs with waters ranging from 28 to 86 degrees
centigrade, which can be quite hot. These springs are said to be
effective in curing problems such as rheumatoid and inflammatory
arthritis, degenerative arthritis, spondylo-arthritis, myalgia,
neuralgia, lumbago, neuritis, backaches, tendonitis, vessel
diseases, diseases of the endocrine cycle and post traumatic
inflammation. A number of gynecological complaints can be remedied
such as salpingitis, endometritis infertility, and ovarian
deficiency. They also say it can cure men's potency problems.
The Greek national Tourism Organization has built brand new spa
facilities for state-of-the-art hydrotherapy, with 84 individual
baths equipped for hydro massage, an indoor pool for kinesitherapy
and special bathing and shower installations for treatment of the
limbs, slipped disk and cervical spine syndrome.
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