Things to do in Karystos

Sea & sun galore

If what you’re looking for is carefree fun, then Karystos is for you. Endless sparkling clean sandy shores, as well as small hidden coves are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kite-surfing, fishing, sailing or plain and simple seaside fun. Enjoy the water at Megali Ammos, Giannitsi, Archampoli and Agios Dimitrios. There are also short boat excursions and, if you like scuba diving, calm Karystos Gulf is made for observing aquatic life.

A distinctly neoclassical air

Karystos is indebted to the Bavarian engineer Mirbach, under commission from King Otto, for its impressive town planning. With neoclassical buildings, beautiful squares and wide streets, it lends itself to early evening strolls. Before that, dedicate an afternoon to seeing Bourgi, the 13th-century Venetian tower. Also, the extensive Giokaleio Foundation Library is well worth a visit, not least because it is home to the Archaeological Museum of Karystos, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric to Roman times.

After your cultural tour, a stroll along the harbour will be just the thing. Walk down to the seafront to one of the numerous restaurants or bars. As for your accommodation, you can choose between luxury hotels or rented rooms.

Mystic Mt Ohi

Mt Ohi rises behind Karystos. A mountain of exceptional beauty with rare fragrant flora and vivid land formations, it presents a delightful challenge for hikers. At its foot, you will see the imposing Castello Roso, built at the beginning of the 13th century. From Myli, a village with lush vegetation and running spring water, you can walk to the Roman Quarries or begin the ascent to the mysterious Drakospita (dragon houses), megalithic buildings dating from the 6th to the 2nd century BC. Legend says they were built by dragons.

The most impressive ‘drakospito’ of all is at the summit of Ohi. The stone lintel above its entrance weighs about 10 tonnes. The question of how it was raised and its purpose are mysteries. Once you’ve come up with a theory of your own, you can carry on hiking to the Dimosari Gorge, one of the most beautiful in Greece. In the heart of the gorge, the ponds and small waterfalls are an inviting prospect to cool off from your trek.

And Ohi has another surprise in store, especially for those with linguistic or anthropological interests – Adia village, where the older inhabitants still speak the language of whistles. It is a rare form of communication born out of the need of the villagers to talk to each other across mountaintops. The language is slowly disappearing, so you could be one of the last to hear it before it is consigned to the annals of history.

Spoilt for choice with all kinds of tasty treats

Gastronomically speaking, southern Evia stubbornly refuses to decide whether it belongs to mainland Greece or the Cyclades. And there’s only one winner of this culinary conflict… and that’s you. The outcome is unequivocally delicious! In the numerous tavernas of Karystos and the nearby villages you will sample seafood regarded as among the best in Greece. However, of equal reputation are the traditional goat casseroles, vegetable pies, cockerel in red sauce accompanied by kourkoubines (the local handmade pasta) as well the local cheese, traditionally associated with the mainland. Indulge yourself in its delectable dishes and raise a glass of ouzo or Karystos wine to a place for of unexpected treasures.

Source : www.discovergreece.com