Eretria

Evia

Ancient Eretria is the most important historical site on Evia, a city that at one time fought with Chalkida for dominance of the island, before Chalkida took power in the 7th century BC and Eretria was finally destroyed in 87BC.

Ancient Eretria on EviaAncient Eretria

The modern town of Eretria has unfortunately built up over large parts of the ruins of the ancient city, instead of being settled nearby as often happened, which allowed so many of Greece’s ancient cities to be explored and excavated. However, there is still much to enjoy, both ancient and modern, though the best finds from the site are in the Archaeological Museum in Chalkida.

The View from the Acropolis at EretriaThe View from the Acropolis

Eretria Archaeological Museum

There are more finds on display in Eretria’s own Archaeological Museum, including a fearsome Gorgon’s head retrieved from a 4th-century BC villa. Nearby is the House of Mosaics, whose key can be obtained from the museum, and this is a restoration of a 4th-century house from ancient Eretria with well-preserved floor mosaics. 

Also in this northwest corner of the town is a cluster of remains, including the theatre whose notable feature is a passageway under the stage that leads to the place out of which would suddenly appear the deus ex machina. This theatrical device is the unexpected event, which would often resolve a Greek drama, brought upon by the sudden appearance of the Gods who control our fate. 

Ancient Eretria on Evia in GreeceAncient Eretria

Other remains in this area include a gymnasium and the remnants of a palace. Above the theatre a short walk leads to the acropolis, with some remains of its walls and towers, but giving good views to the northwest over the Lelantine Plain, the fertile ground which was desired by both Eretria and Chalkida in ancient times.

The theatre at Ancient Eretria on Evia in GreeceThe Theatre

Modern Eretria

In the centre of the modern town can be seen the foundations of the Temple of Apollo, and the site of the agora. The modern town now sprawls along the coast as one of the island’s main resorts, given its proximity to Chalkida, but while the remains of the ancient city ought to be seen, the modern town is not the most appealing place to stay on Evia. There are far lovelier towns and resorts all around the island.

Our Pick of the Guides to Greece

Rough-Guide-Greece-2022.png

Other Evia pages

  • Evia or Euboea is the second largest Greek island and popular with Greek holidaymakers but off-the-beaten-track for overseas visitors.

    Evia (or Evvia or Euboea)

    Evia or Euboea is the second largest Greek island and popular with Greek holidaymakers but off-the-beaten-track for overseas visitors.

  • There are lots of pretty towns and villages to explore on Evia, and these are some of the places worth seeking out, including Karystos, Kymi, Steni and Prokopi.

    Exploring Evia

    There are lots of pretty towns and villages to explore on Evia, and these are some of the places worth seeking out, including Karystos, Kymi, Steni and Prokopi.

  • This drive exploring northern Evia takes you from the busy town and port of Chalkida, out along the coast road and up into the mountains.

    Driving in Northern Evia

    This drive exploring northern Evia takes you from the busy town and port of Chalkida, out along the coast road and up into the mountains.

  • The capital of Evia is Chalkida, or Chalkis, the industrial port which you drive into if crossing from the Greek the mainland over the Evripos Channel.

    Chalkida on Evia

    The capital of Evia is Chalkida, or Chalkis, the industrial port which you drive into if crossing from the Greek the mainland over the Evripos Channel.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Matala Beach Festival Revives Hippie Era on Crete

    The international Matala Beach Festival on Crete will transport attendees back to the famous hippie era with live music events, sports, and art activities for children. From July 5 to 7, people of all…

    Read More

  2. Birdwatching on Lesbos

    golden-eagle-pixabay.jpg
    For keen birdwatchers, birdwatching on Lesbos offers a chance to see over 300 species in diverse habitats on a key migratory route between Europe and Africa.

    Read More

  3. Athens City Festival this Week Features Music Events, Treasure Hunts, Museum Visits

    The Greek capital continues to celebrate spring with the 3rd This is Athens – City Festival, presenting a diverse program of events and activities, all with free admission. Throughout the weekend, the…

    Read More

  4. Survey: Athens a Bargain Destination for UK Travelers this Year

    British travelers seeking value for money in Europe this year will find it in Athens, according to the annual Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer. The Greek capital is once again among the T…

    Read More

  5. Jet2: Additional Capacity to Skiathos and Lesvos for Summer 2025

    UK tour operator Jet2holidays and leisure airline Jet2.com have expanded their summer 2025 program by adding 35,000 seats to various destinations, including two Greek islands.

    Read More

  6. Zakynthos’ Famous Shipwreck Beach Closed Again for the Summer

    Greek authorities have once again decided to keep one of the country’s most-visited beaches, Navagio on the island of Zakynthos, closed to the public due to safety risk.

    Read More

  7. Report: 4 Greek Islands Among Most Cheapest Holiday Destinations for Brits

    Kalymnos, Thassos, Lefkada and Skopelos have been identified as some of the most affordable destinations for British travelers booking package holidays this summer, according to a recent analysis by W…

    Read More

  8. Athens City Festival Continues with Free Events for All

    The 3rd This is Athens – City Festival is currently underway, showcasing a diverse array of entertainment events and creative activities suitable for families and adults. An initiative of the Athens D…

    Read More

  9. Technopolis: New 3-day Beer Festival Coming to Athens in May

    A new beer festival is coming to Athens and for three days will quench the thirst of beer lovers with well-known and rare labels from around the world as well as from Greek microbreweries. Lager? Pils…

    Read More

  10. Study: Athens Among Best Cities for Family Science Trips

    Athens is ranked as one of the top European cities for family science trips, according to a report by Ubuy, a global e-commerce platform. Ubuy’s new report reveals Europe’s top 20 cities where familie…

    Read More