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    Chalkida

    Discover Chalkida, the city of bridges and tides, full of history, sea views, and vibrant local life.

    Chalkida, the capital of Evia, is a seaside city just one hour from Athens, famous for the unique tidal phenomenon of the Euripus Strait and its iconic bridge connecting the island to the mainland. With scenic waterfront promenades, a medieval castle, neoclassical mansions, and lively nightlife, it blends culture, sea, and a modern urban character. The nearby beaches, seafood tavernas, and cafés by the water make Chalkida an ideal year-round destination for short escapes, offering relaxation, culture, and authentic local experiences close to the capital.

    Highlights

    The Euripus Tides

    Stand on the old bridge above the Euripus Strait and watch the famous “waters of Chalkida” phenomenon, where the current reverses direction every six hours—one of the city’s most fascinating natural sights.

    Walk to the Lighthouse

    After Papathanasiou Beach, follow the coastal path toward Kaki Kefali. The walk runs alongside the sea and ends at a small park near the lighthouse, offering benches, kiosks, and panoramic views over the Evian Gulf.

    Karababa Castle

    This Venetian castle, dating back to 1204, still preserves large sections of its walls. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views over the Euripus Strait and the city of Chalkida.

    For Ouzo & Meze

    Fresh fish, shellfish, tsipouro, ouzo, and sea breeze await you in Nea Artaki to the north and Nea Lampsakos to the south. There are also excellent local spots within the city, known mainly to locals, serving top-quality seafood and ouzo.

    By the Seafront

    A stroll along Chalkida’s central seaside promenade is a must. Along the way, you’ll encounter elegant neoclassical buildings, museums, and uninterrupted views of the sea that define the city’s unique character.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    Sea, flavors, and vibrant life just one hour from Athens

    Chalkida lies on the western edge of Evia and is connected to mainland Greece by the Euripus Bridge. Known for its rare tidal phenomenon and strategic location between island and mainland, it combines island charm with urban elegance. With its seaside atmosphere, lively pace, and rich cultural heritage, Chalkida is ideal for short escapes from Athens, offering history, coastal experiences, and excellent gastronomy in a friendly, accessible setting.

    Gastronomy – Local Flavors You Must Try

    Chalkida is renowned for its seafood, with ouzeries and fish tavernas lining the waterfront. Be sure to try grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, fried calamari, and local meats from tavernas in the surrounding countryside. Pair your meal with Evia wine or tsipouro and finish with spoon sweets or loukoumades. The city’s meze bars and restaurants also offer creative cuisine that highlights Evian products, blending tradition with contemporary gastronomy.

    Best Time to Visit

    Thanks to its close distance from Athens, Chalkida is a popular destination year-round, especially for short getaways. The city is particularly charming in spring and autumn, when the mild climate and pleasant temperatures create ideal conditions for walks, sightseeing, and seaside dining.

    How to get around in Chalkida

    Transportation options to/from the airport

    Access to the city is by road and is easy from both Northern and Southern Greece, either by private car or by KTEL bus. From Athens, reach the city via the Athens–Lamia national road. From Thessaloniki, travel by road via the Thessaloniki–Athens national road.

    Public Transportation

    Choose to travel by your private car, by urban bus services, or by taxi.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    By car from Athens via the Athens–Lamia National Road (about 1 hour) or by train from Larissis Station.

    The Euripus Bridge, Karababa Castle, Kanithos area, and nearby beaches.

    Yes. Agios Minas, Lefkandi, Alyki, and Vathi are among the most popular nearby beaches.

    Absolutely. Its short distance from Athens makes it perfect for a day excursion.

    Seafood by the harbor, ouzo with meze, local cheeses, and fresh fish with views of the Euripus Bridge.

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    They said about us...

    Mahaboobulla Khan
    2026-09-17
    Dear Ms. Priya, Ms. Zoi and team
    Greetings !
    I would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for Ms. Zoi Stefanidou of MAZI Travel & Events, Athens, whom we were introduced to by Ms. Priya Rupani of Marc Asia Representations, Mumbai, India.
    What began as our first transaction on 18 June turned into nearly 90 days of continuous coordination. Throughout this period, Ms. Zoi handled every change, amendments, emails, calls and WhatsApp messages with patience and professionalism. Irrespective of the business volume involved, she gave our requirements her full attention and responded whenever we needed assistance.
    Her support during the Greece visa process deserves special mention. After our clients' visas were refused on their first application, Ms. Zoi personally assisted with follow-ups with the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, including calls and emails. MAZI Travel also issued an official supporting letter with their credentials without asking us for any advance or deposit, placing their trust in us despite this being our first transaction.
    That support made a real difference. All three visas were subsequently granted. It saved our clients from losing approximately INR 4,34,000 { Euro 47,780} on non-refundable, non-changeable air tickets and, more importantly, allowed them to fulfil their long-awaited dream of visiting Santorini.
    The support did not stop once the visas were issued. Ms. Zoi remained in touch with us almost daily during the clients' stay to ensure that transfers and sightseeing arrangements operated smoothly. Her availability gave us the confidence to support our clients from India and deliver the level of service they expected.
    Once the visas were granted, we naturally went back to Ms. Zoi and entrusted MAZI Travel with the complete ground arrangements for our clients in Santorini. She offered us excellent rates without compromising on the quality of services or inclusions. All airport transfers, sightseeing and activities were arranged through a reliable local ground operator, giving us confidence that our clients were in good hands.
    One incident particularly reflects her commitment. Because of poor phone connectivity, our clients missed calls from the local service provider and were unable to join their scheduled full-day wine tasting tour. Ms. Zoi immediately worked on an alternative and confirmed the tour for the following day without any additional charge. She also arranged an excellent local ground operator for the transfers and sightseeing.
    I am taking the time to write this because the professionalism and personal attention shown by Ms. Priya Rupani, Ms. Zoi Stefanidou and Mr. Sri M genuinely deserve recognition. They did not treat this as merely another booking. They stood with us through the visa uncertainty, numerous amendments and the clients' actual travel until the services were completed.
    Our experience has given us the confidence not only to continue working with MAZI Travel & Events Group and Marc Asia Representations, but also to recommend them within our travel industry network.
    We will gladly promote Greece as a destination and vouch for MAZI Travel & Events Group and Marc Asia Representations among our travel industry colleagues and partners.
    Thank you, Ms. Priya, Ms. Zoi and Mr. Sri M, for the trust, patience and professional support extended to us throughout this journey. We look forward to sending many more travellers and groups to Greece together.
    Thanking you,
    Sincerely
    Mahaboobulla Khan - CEO.
    2025-11-11
    Voyage Fit Cyclades
    Oui nous avons très satisfaits de votre accompagnement et support . Le voyage et les hôtels étaient super! Vous pouvez publier notre avis sur votre site !
    FIT Atenas
    2026-06-22
    FIT Atenas
    El cliente ya he llegado a Portugal y nos hay llamado a dar feedback de su visita/traslado.
    Hay ido todo muy bien, tanto el motorista como la guia fueren muy amables y el servicio fue muy bueno.
    Gracias por todo y hasta una próxima.
    École française
    2025-12-11
    École française
    Je n'ai pas encore eu l'occasion de vous remercier pour ce voyage. Le voyage et les hôtels étaient super !Nous n'avons pas été mouillés et nous avons eu tout ce que nous souhaitions. Nous avons organisé des jeux de type olympique au stade.Tout était parfait.La visite du Parlement était fantastique. Les élèves sont ravis et vous remercient.
    Verhoeve group
    2026-06-09
    Athens 4 days Group Tour from Germany

    Thank you very much for the group to Athens! They had a great time. They were very enthusiastic about the trip & guide Jason. he swimming/beach stop after Corinth was a big plus. They enjoyed the nature as addition to the city and culture. Always good to add that when visiting Corinth.

    The location of the hotel was very good, so a bus transfer in the evening was not always necessary. They could have easily come back via the metro to the hotel. That would have saved us real money.

    Thanks again and looking forward to all the coming groups!

    Group De Lange
    2026-04-30
    Τοur to Greece
    Group De Lange returned from Greece and they were very happy with the tour. Iris was a great guide, programme went very smooth, first driver was very nice. Group is very satisfied about the tour.
     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
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