STYRA

An historic area located on the south-western side of southern Evia between Halkida and Karystos. The old Styra (Palais Styra) village is located on a hillside overlooking the newer seaside resort of Nea Styra (Stira), which is about 4km away and has a ferry connection to Agia Marina, N.E. of Athens. Styra is a charming and unspoilt village with a lovely square dominated by its church. The village will benefit from a bypass and the road improvements being carried out on the main spine road in the southern part of the island leading to Karystos. Nea Styra is a popular Greek holiday resort with its beach in the centre and accessibility to the attractions in the area.

In between the two towns there used to be the ancient city of Styra which is referred to in Homer's "Illiad". A few kilometres away on the road to Karystos are the Drakospita (Dragon Houses), a megalithic monument dating back some 4,500 years which is similar to Stonehenge and those found in the Philippines . For walkers the Charakas canyon from Mount Ochi provides an interesting and challenging 3 hour plus hike.

Facilities:
Around the central square are situated the small supermarkets, shops, tavernas, café and petrol filling station. ATM facilities are also available. Nea Styra has a wider choice of amenities including a number of hotels along the sea front to cater for tourists. There are a number of historic monuments, and sandy beaches within 30 minutes drive, the closest beach being just over 5 minutes drive.

How to get there:
Take the Ferry that links, Agia Marina - Nea Styra which is about a 45 minute journey. There is also a scenic route by road via Halkida about 95 km away