Some of Evia’s most fascinating archaeological sites are the famous Drakospita located at various locations throughout the southern region of the island.
The area of Almyropotamos is one of Greece’s most important Paleolithic sites.
The hill where this church lies was supposedly part of Mount Velouchi, but was separated in prehistoric times. There is a great view of Karpenissi from here.
The only surviving ancient chestnut forest throughout all of southern Evia is located within Mt. Ochi’s range just south of its peak of Profitis Ilias. It’s an enchanting place to explore under a canopy of old, twisty branches and a thick blanket of leaves. The forest covers an area of around 60 hectares and is particularly picturesque to traverse through during autumn.
It should come as no surprise that southern Evia’s largest gorge is also one of its most important natural environments. Much of this has to do with the fact that the gorge is Ochi’s largest drainage basin, collecting the majority of water that flows down from its peaks. Rare tree varieties such as yew and whitebeam flourish here, alongside holly, oak, chestnut, hornbeam, plane heath, ash and olive trees. Arborea and briar bushes grow throughout Demosaris as well. Evia’s famed mountain tea (Sideritis euboica) grows in abundance here, and beautiful orchids such as dactylorhiza (Dactylorhiza saccifera) paint the gorge with a variety of colours.
This small mountain range lies northeast of Mt. Ochi and borders Evia’s Aegean coast. While it may be smaller than its famous neighbor, the mountains of Cavo d’ Oro are also home to an incredibly valuable range of flora which supports a delicate ecosystem. Markedly more lush than Mt. Ochi, Cavo d’ Oro is full of strawberry trees, oaks and planes. Endemic wildflowers can also be found here such as Inula subfloccosa , Armeria johnsenii and Stachys euboica.
Aside from being one of southern Evia’s most beautiful areas, the gorge of Agios Dimitrios is also known for its rich variety of flowers and trees, which grow in abundance thanks to its many springs and streams that flow year-round. Plane and oak trees cover a large portion of the gorge, while the beautiful rare sawfly orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera) and the common Malcolmia macrocalyx scyria can also be found in bloom throughout the area.
Southern Evia is natural paradise full of mountains, forests, rivers and lush valleys, all of which support a diverse range of plant species. Many of rare and endangered flora can be found within the many gorges of the region including Demosaris, Agios Georgios and Archampoli.The remoteness of Mt. Ochi has made it an invaluable refuge full of lush vegetation which attracts feeds a large number of migratory birds each year.
This church in the neighbourhood of Agia Kyriaki in Karystos was built with marble and stone from a nearby ancient temple not far from the church. A few metres from the main church lies a small chapel of Agia Ierousalim.