Car hire Euboea

Introduction

Euboea (also called Evvia, with the accent on the first syllable) is the second largest island of Greece, only Crete is larger. Although it is an island, Euboea has more of the character of the Greek mainland. Once it has possibly been part of that mainland, but it has been separated due to an earthquake afterwards.

The nature of Euboea is extremely varied with forests, valleys, waterfalls and mountains. In the winter there are even skiing possibilities on the island.

Population

The island has more than 200,000 inhabitants. One quarter lives in the capital Chalkida.

Location

Euboea lies east of the Greek mainland and is separated from it by the Strait of Euripus. This strait is only forty kilometers wide at its narrowest point and therefore the smallest strait in the world. The island has an elongated shape: more than 150 kilometers long and a width variety from 6 up to 40 kilometers. The highest mountains are the Dirfys (1745 m), the Ochi (1394 m) and the Pyxaria (1341 m).

Economy

Euboea's source of income is mainly agriculture. There are vineyards and citrus fruits, grain and cotton are cultivated. The fishing industry still has an important role in the economy; they fish for sardine. Marble is extracted near Karystos and there are also brown coal mines on the east-coast.

Tourism is not very important, although many Greeks spend their holidays on Euboea. They are attracted by the healing wells in the north.

Airports

There is no airport in Euboea. The closest airport is the international airport of Athens.

Public transport

There is a reasonable bus connection along the main road of the island, from Kárystos in the south-east, via the capital Chalkida to Loutrá Edhipsoú in the north-west. Furthermore there is a train connection with the Greek mainland.

Traffic and parking

Because of the dimension of Euboea, a rental car is the ideal transportation to explore the island. Outside the main roads you will only find unpaved roads which can be narrow and curvy. Make sure you drive carefully on these roads. Not only to see unexpected curves or approaching traffic on time, but also to prevent damage to your rental car due to lose stones. To find a parking space for your rental car is not a problem in Euboea, with the possible exception of the city center of Chalkida.

Hotels

Euboea has a large hotel offer. Most accommodations can be found in Marmari, Eretria en Chalkida. In general it is not necessary to reserve an accommodation in advance, but many times you can have an interesting discount if you book your room online.

External sources

For more information about Euboea, we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Euboea
• The Island of Evia (English and Greek)