Activities in Southern Evia Begin at Petalioi Bay: A Complete Guide to the Area
Southern Evia activities begin at Petalioi Bay. Central and Southern Evia offer a spectacular gorge with waterfalls and natural pools, one of Greece’s top windsurfing destinations, a professional diving center, boat trips to private islands, and a Venetian fortress overlooking the entire landscape.
This article is the activity map I give to every client who visits for a property tour — because those who buy land here are not only buying a property; they are buying everything that surrounds it.
Southern Evia Activities at a Glance — What to Do in the Area
- Hiking & trekking: Dimosari Gorge, Mount Ochi trails
- Waterfalls & natural pools: Platanistos Waterfall, Skala Lenosia
- Water sports: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, and kayaking in Marmari
- Underwater experiences: Diving and snorkeling with the Dikles Diving Center
- Boat trips: Yacht and boat tours to the Petalioi Islands and hidden beaches
- History & culture: Castello Rosso, Dragon Houses, Montopoli Winery, Archaeological Museum
01. Hiking: One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Gorges Is Here
At the Foot of Mount Ochi: Dimosari Gorge
At the foothills of Mount Ochi lies Dimosari Gorge — a roughly 10 km trail considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Greece.
A stone-paved path descends from the Petrokanalo Pass, located at an altitude of 954 meters, following the river through forests of plane trees, oak trees, and wild pear trees. The route ends after approximately 4–5 hours of hiking at Kallianos Beach on the Aegean Sea.
Hikers can begin the route from the upper section and descend toward the sea, or start from the beach and climb upward — a route that also leads toward Mount Ochi and its famous landscapes.
2. Waterfalls & Natural Pools
Waterfalls & Natural Pools: Southern Evia’s Hidden Water Treasures
The waters of Southern Evia flow throughout the year — a rare feature in Greece. Deep inside Dimosari Gorge, near the village of Lenosai, lies Skala Lenosia: a series of small waterfalls and natural pools with crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing swim during the hike.
Further east, in the village of Platanistos, you’ll find the impressive Platanistos Waterfall, cascading through lush green vegetation and creating one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the region.
These are the kind of hidden spots that invite visitors to spend an entire day surrounded by nature, far away from the beaches.
3. Mount Ochi & the Dragon Houses
Mount Ochi & the Dragon Houses
Mount Ochi rises to a height of 1,398 meters and is located approximately 6 km from Karystos. The most popular hiking route begins from the village of Mili and takes around 3–4 hours to reach the summit.
At the top of the mountain stand the famous Dragon Houses (Drakospita) — mysterious megalithic structures built from enormous stone slabs. The stone lintel above the entrance alone weighs approximately 10 tons.
A thousands-year-old architectural mystery, standing dramatically at the very peak of Mount Ochi.
4. Marmari — Greece’s Water Sports Capital
Marmari, located about a 15-minute drive from Karystos, is considered one of the most reliable wind destinations in Greece. The steady northern winds and the sheltered sea between the coast and the Petalioi Islands have transformed Megali Ammos Beach into a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
During the summer, the winds blow almost every day, and during the Meltemi season, they can exceed 50 km/h.
Surf clubs and schools in Marmari offer lessons for all ages and skill levels, along with equipment rentals, SUP, and kayaking for calm morning adventures.
5. Beneath the Surface: Diving & Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters of Karystos are rich with underwater landscapes, including reefs, caves, and shipwrecks.
Dikelas Dive Center — a 5-star PADI diving center operating since 2007 — offers diving courses, daily boat dives to more than 25 diving sites, as well as freediving and snorkeling experiences for both beginners and experienced divers.
Boros Beach is especially popular for independent snorkeling. The waters remain calm even when the Meltemi winds are blowing — and, coincidentally, it is located directly below the plots we offer for sale.
6. Boat Trips to the Petalioi Islands & Hidden Beaches
Boat Trips to the Petalioi Islands & Hidden Beaches
Many of the most beautiful beaches along the eastern coast are accessible mainly by sea. Visitors can rent a boat or yacht from Karystos and sail to the Petalioi Islands — a small private archipelago featuring white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, accessible only by authorized boats.
A day spent on the water, exploring hidden bays and secluded beaches, is one of the experiences that leaves the strongest impression on our clients.
7. Beaches for Every Style
Beaches for Every Style
The area is rich in beaches, each with its own unique character:
- Bouros Beach — A mix of sand and small pebbles, with calm crystal-clear waters and an organized beach area located below the plots; perfect for snorkeling and families.
- Megali Ammos Beach — Wide and shallow in the morning, transforming into a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers in the afternoon.
- Psili Ammos Beach — The beloved town beach, offering around 600 meters of shallow sandy shoreline near Karystos, ideal for children.
- Archampoli Beach — A wild bay with silver sand and ancient ruins, accessible only by foot or by sea.
08. History, Taste & Culture
History, Taste & Culture
Above the town stands Castello Rosso — a 13th-century Venetian fortress offering panoramic views over the bay and the surrounding mountains.
Around 2 km from the town, you will find Montofoli Estate, a winery famous for its dessert wines. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and tasting in the historic cellar, which was once a church.
In the heart of the town, the Archaeological Museum of Karystos presents findings from Southern Evia, including discoveries unearthed at the famous Dragon Houses themselves.
Why This Matters for Those Buying Land Here
A destination that offers activities throughout the year — hiking, waterfalls, wind sports, sea adventures, and culture — creates rental demand beyond the traditional summer season and not only during two weeks in August.
This is exactly the difference between a seasonal vacation property and a year-round income-generating asset.
Plots in the Karystos area still start from around €60,000, before the expected growth from major development projects in the region.
Those who want to explore the investment potential of the area in greater depth are invited to read our guide:
“Southern Evia Is Awakening — And Land Is Still Within Reach.”
מהי הפעילות המומלצת ביותר בדרום אוויה?
קניון דימוסארי נחשב לאחד ממסלולי הטרק היפים ביוון — מסלול של כ-10 ק"מ שנמשך כ-4–5 שעות הליכה, מלווה מפלים ובריכות טבעיות ומסתיים בחוף קאליאנו שעל הים האגאי.
מתי הכי טוב לגלוש רוח במרמארי?
בקיץ נושבות הרוחות הצפוניות במרמארי בכל יום, ובחודשי האטסיאן הן חוצות 50 קמ"ש — מה שהופך את חוף מגאלי אמוס ליעד עולמי לגלישת רוח וגלישת עפיפונים.
איפה אפשר לצלול או לשנורקל בדרום אוויה?
מרכז הצלילה דיקלס — מרכז PADI 5 כוכבים הפועל מ-2007 — מציע קורסים וצלילות סירה יומיות ליותר מ-25 אתרי צלילה. חוף בורוס מצוין במיוחד לסנורקלינג עצמאי, כי המים נשארים רגועים גם כשרוח המלטמי מנשבת.
למה כדאי לקנות קרקע באזור קריסטוס, דרום אוויה?
כי זה יעד עם פעילויות בדרום אוויה בכל עונה — טרקים, מפלים, רוח, ים ותרבות — מה שמייצר ביקוש להשכרה גם מחוץ לחודשי הקיץ. מגרשים באזור עדיין מתחילים בכ-60,000 יורו, לפני ההמראה של הפרויקטים הגדולים.
