Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kárystos
KÁRYSTOS
is a delightfully old-fashioned, thoroughly Greek resort, strung out
along a broad bay flanked by good (if often windy) beaches. It's a quiet place -
even in August, when thousands of Greeks descend, they're a fairly staid crowd
- but its attractions grow on you; graceful Neoclassical buildings in the centre,
endearingly old-fashioned shops and tavernas, and a magnificent setting. On the
main town
beach
, west of the centre, there are beach bars, sunbeds and kayak
rental; further out this way, and around the bay to the east, there are plenty of
empty patches of sand.
Though a place of some importance in antiquity, mentioned by Homer and a rival of
Athens, there's very little trace now of this history: only a fenced-in
Roman heroön
or
mausoleum, a block from the water at the corner of Kotsíka and Sakhtoúri, and the
thirteenth-century, waterfront
Boúrtzi
(locked except for special events), all that's left of
once-extensive fortifications. Just uphill from this small Venetian tower, a small but
well-explained
archeological museum
(Tues-Sun 8.30am-3pm; €2) displays statues,
temple carvings and votive objects from the region.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
10
KÁRYSTOS
By bus
The bus station is on Amerikís to the east of the
Town Hall, about three blocks in and one east from central,
waterfront Platía Amalías. Departures to Halkídha (2 daily,
3hr), Marmári (4 daily, 30min) and Néa Stýra (3 daily, 1hr).
Taxis
There's a taxi office (
T
22240 26500) on Platía Amalías.
Services
The post office and ATMs lie within sight of Platía
Amalías.
Travel agency
There's no tourist office, but helpful South
Evia Tours at Platía Amalías 7 (
T
22240 26200,
W
eviatravel.gr) sells ferry tickets, rents cars and bikes,
finds lodging, arranges excursions and also has a shop
selling souvenirs, maps and foreign newspapers.
Useful websites
W
southevia.gr and
W
in-karystos.gr.
ACCOMMODATION
Ì
Galaxy
Odysséos 1
T
22240 22600,
W
galaxy
hotelkaristos.com.
Big old hotel at the western end of the
waterfront with a friendly, family atmosphere. The rooms
are gradually being upgraded with stylish furnishings and
new bathrooms; g
et on
e of the new ones with a view and
it's excellent value.
€50
Karystion
Kriezótou 3
T
22240 22391,
W
karystion
.gr.
A lovely spot on a quiet, pine-covered promontory
with direct access to the adjacent beach. The rather old-
fashioned rooms are not quite what the modern ext
erio
r
and public areas would lead you to expect, though.
€70
EATING, DRINKING AND NIGHTLIFE
Seafront Kriezótou is lined with cafés and touristy tavernas, though you'll generally find better value away from the front.
Theohári Kótsíka, one of the lanes leading inland from here to parallel Sakhtoúri, just to the west of the platía, has several
psistariés
and takeaway kebab places, as does I. Kótsika, between Platía Amalías and the Town Hall.
Aeriko
West beach
T
22240 22365.
Lounge bar behind
the beach and a beach bar area on it; probably the best of a
selection of bar/clubs behind the beach here. Live music
and club nights in summer.
Daily all day till late.
Ì
Cavo D'oro
Paródos Sakhtoúri
T
22240 22326.
Despite the name, this is an absolutely traditional Greek
taverna, always busy, serving the likes of cheese-stuffed
peppers, home-made tzatziki and goat in tomoto sauce.
There's no menu, so choose from the bubbling pots or raw
ingredients in the kitchen. You'll find it in the first alley off
the waterfront west of the square.
Lunch & dinner; closed
Tues & 4.30-7pm.
Hovolo
Kriezótou 118.
Elegant café on the waterfront
serving coffee and sweets by day, wine by the glass and
beer at night; somewhat pricey, but offset by the delicious
traditional snacks that come with each drink.
Daily all day
till late.
Marinos
Kriezótou 106
T
22240 24126.
Water front
taverna with an enticing display of fish out front, sold by
the kilo at reasonable prices. Also all the usual meat and
traditional dishes, including good stuffed vegetables.
Daily
lunch & dinner.
To Kyma
Káto Aetós
T
22240 23365.
Big seaside
restaurant 2km east of town, with a terrace above the water
and another further up; popular weekend excursion for big
parties so it's safest to book.
Fri-Sun lunch & dinner.
