Viotia is mountainous, wild and sparsely populated compared to the rest of the country. Nature, therefore, is everywhere.
Known for its signature sweet wine, the Montofoli Estate has been an important site of culture dating back to antiquity. Several artefacts were found throughout the area and can now be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Karystos.
Since antiquity, Evia has carried on its proud legacy of winemaking. The island is home to several well-known Greek brands, and several small-scale producers operate at the local level.
As a bridge between mainland Greece and the Aegean as well as its large number of remote areas within the region, southern Evia is an extremely important haven for a large variety of wildlife. Lake Dystos, the large number of gorges and ranges of Mt. Ochi and Cavo d’ Oro are all microcosms of species, many of which are rare and endangered.
This small fortification built with large stone slabs sits at the entrance of the Manikiatis Gorge just above the small hamlet of Vrysi. Researchers have also discovered ruins at this site which date back to the Hellenistic period.
Built by the Venetians around 1205 AD, this castle commands a privileged spot overlooking the village of Psachnon. Parts of its walls, ramparts and the foundations of towers still remain today, though most of the castle was destroyed by the Turks in 1470.
Located outside the picturesque seaside village of Kymi, the remnants of this medieval castle lie next to the Monastery of the Transfiguration.
The Frankish fortification known as “Potiri Castle” gets its name from its cylindrical shape (Potiri means glass in Greek). Originally built by the Byzantines, it was overtaken by the Franks in 1205.
Complete with multi-sided towers, ramparts and an interior church, the castle of Karababas is an excellent record in itself of Halkida’s history over the past 300 years. The structure was originally built at the end of the 17th century on behalf of the Turks. Its builder however, was a Venetian deserter and the castle has elements of both Venetian and Turkish architectural heritage. It stands on the Greek mainland directly across from Halkida and offers visitors amazing views over both the northern and southern halves of Evia’s Gulf.
Rising abruptly from the otherwise flat Lilandia plains, the Castle of Fila towers over the modern-day town of the same name.