Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
3 days / 2 nights · History, archaeology, sea, walks
Calcide, Greece
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
3 days / 2 nights · History, archaeology, sea, walks
The itinerary starts in the heart of Chalcis, between the movable bridge over the Euripus Strait, churches and historic buildings, so you can explore the main sights of the center on foot. The second day is dedicated to Karababa Fortress and the coast, with a seaside stop reachable by car or taxi. The third day takes you to Eretria, an important archaeological center about 25 km away, to be visited by rental car or KTEL buses, checking the updated schedules. Admission fees and transport are indicative: opening hours, prices and connections may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
Day 1 · Walking · 1.1 km · 14 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Explore the historic center on foot and admire the famous strait from different viewpoints.
10:00
Walk along the seafront and across the Euripus Bridge
Start from the seafront and cross the Euripus Bridge to watch the channel that separates Evia from the mainland. The strait’s current is known for reversing direction, though the timing varies: the stop is free, and about 45 minutes are enough to get your bearings and take photos.
The bridge is a thoroughfare: pay attention to traffic and do not stop in crossing areas.
11:00
Church of Agia Paraskevi
Reach the church on foot from the bridge in a few minutes and set aside about 30–45 minutes for the interior and architectural details. Admission is usually free; avoid visiting during services and check on site for any restrictions.
To enter, choose respectful clothing and check the opening hours posted at the entrance.
12:00
Red House of Chalkis
Continue along the promenade to see this distinctive historic seafront residence from the outside. The exterior visit is free and takes about 20 minutes; it works well as a photo stop before lunch.
The building may host activities or exhibitions: interior access is not guaranteed.
12:45
Lunch in the center of Chalkida
Choose a taverna in the central streets to taste fish, meze, or Greek daily dishes. Budget approximately 12–25 € per person, depending on your choice and drinks, and about an hour for the meal.
Ask the price of fish sold by weight before ordering.
14:15
Emir Zade Mosque
Walk to the old mosque, a testimony to the city’s Ottoman history, and admire it from the outside and in any areas that may be open to the public. Allow 20–30 minutes; access may depend on works, events, or cultural use of the spaces.
Consider the exterior visit free and check locally for any exhibitions or interior visits.
15:00
Archaeological Museum of Chalkis
Spend about an hour at the museum to put into context the finds unearthed in Chalkida and the Evia area. Admission may be free or reduced according to current regulations; plan for roughly 0–10 € and check opening hours and tickets before you go.
The opening hours of archaeological museums may change depending on the season and day of the week.
18:00
Aperitif and dinner on the waterfront
Head back toward the seafront for an evening walk and choose a place overlooking the canal. For an aperitif and a simple dinner, budget around 18–35 € per person; the central stretch is easy to walk.
The bridge area is especially atmospheric at sunset, but the tables closest to the water may be in demand.
Get to know fortified Chalkida and carve out a few hours by the sea without going too far from the city.
09:30
Transfer to Karababa
Cross the bridge and head up toward the fortress hill, about 10–15 minutes by car or taxi from the center; on foot, the climb takes longer. Allow around 5–15 € for the taxi, depending on your starting point and traffic, or check whether parking is available nearby.
In the summer heat, it’s better to arrive in the morning and bring water.
10:00
Karababa Castle
Visit the fortified complex and walk along the ramparts to appreciate its commanding position over the strait and the gulf. Plan on 60–90 minutes; admission may be free or require a nominal ticket of 0–5 €, to be confirmed on site.
Comfortable shoes: some surfaces are uneven and sun exposure is significant.
11:45
Scenic viewpoint and return toward the sea
Before leaving the hill, stop at the accessible lookout points to take in the bridge and the coast from the north. Set aside about 30 minutes for the break; then reach Asteria by car or taxi, usually in about ten minutes.
Do not cross barriers or enter areas marked as private or inaccessible.
12:30
Asteria Beach
Take a break on the stretch of coast near the center, ideal for a quick swim or a stroll by the water. Beach access is generally free; sunbeds and an umbrella, if available, may cost about 10–25 € per set.
The availability of beach services depends on the season and sea conditions.
14:00
Lunch in Chalcis
Head back toward the center or choose a waterfront spot for a relaxed lunch of Greek salad, meze, or fish. Budget roughly 15–30 € per person and about 75 minutes; consider a taxi or car to avoid walking in the sun.
If you order fresh fish, always ask the price and portion size before it is prepared.
16:00
Alykes Beach
Make your way to Alykes, about 8–10 km south of the center: the trip takes roughly 15–25 minutes by car or taxi, while local buses may run infrequently. Spend the afternoon here swimming and relaxing; access to the beach is generally free, with paid facilities and rentals depending on the season.
Check the return trip in advance if you're using public transport; otherwise, arrange a taxi.
19:00
Return and dinner in town
Head back to Chalcis and end the day with dinner in the center or along the seafront. The drive usually takes 15–25 minutes; for dinner, allow around 18–35 € per person, not including drinks or any fish priced by weight.
In peak season, booking a table can help you avoid waiting, especially on weekends.
Visit Eretria's main archaeological sites on a route concentrated in the same area.
09:00
Transfer from Chalcis to Eretria
Reach Eretria, about 25 km south, in 30–40 minutes by car; alternatively, take KTEL buses, checking stops, schedules, and return services in advance. Allow roughly 4–10 € per trip by bus or 25–45 € by taxi, with variations depending on time and service.
To visit multiple sites in a day, a car offers greater flexibility; don’t rely on outdated opening times.
09:45
Archaeological Museum of Eretria
Start at the museum to learn about the history of the ancient city and see artifacts from local excavations. Allow about an hour; admission may vary roughly from 0 to 10 € depending on rates and concessions, so check opening hours before visiting.
Bring water with you: the next archaeological site has exposed sunny stretches.
11:00
Ancient Theatre of Eretria
From the museum, continue on foot to the ancient theatre, spending 30–45 minutes exploring the structure and noting its position in relation to the city. Access may be regulated or included in the site ticket, with an approximate cost of 0–10 € depending on the current arrangements.
Do not climb on the structures or go beyond the barriers: some parts are fragile.
12:00
Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros
Reach the sanctuary, one of the most significant places in ancient Eretria, with a short walk through the archaeological area. Allow 30–45 minutes and factor in any access restrictions or a combined ticket, roughly 0–10 €.
The site may have access times or opening hours different from the museum: check the local signage.
13:00
Lunch in central Eretria
Stop at a tavern in the center or near the harbor for a meal before continuing your visits. A simple lunch costs roughly 12–25 € per person; set aside about an hour and consider a longer break on hot days.
Ask whether the fish is freshly caught that day and check the price of dishes sold by weight.
14:30
House of the Mosaics
Visit the remains of the ancient house and observe the layout of the rooms and the mosaics, if the area is accessible and in a condition fit for visiting. From the center, it is usually a 10–15 minute walk; allow 30–45 minutes and consider an approximate cost of 0–10 €, varying according to the admission policy.
Opening hours for individual monuments may vary: please confirm with the museum or tourist office.
16:00
Seaside promenade and return
End with a walk along the waterfront of Eretria and a coffee break before heading back to Chalkida in the late afternoon. A coffee typically costs around 2–5 €; allow 30–40 minutes for the drive back or check the most suitable KTEL service.
Leave some time for the transfer and check the last bus before starting your visits.
| Simple or mid-range accommodation, per person per night in a double room | 35–90 EUR |
| Meals and drinks, per person per day | 30–60 EUR |
| Local transport and transfer to Eretria | 15–55 EUR |
| Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites | 0–30 EUR |
| Beach, coffee and small expenses | 10–30 EUR |
Greece uses the euro (EUR), so no currency exchange is needed for those departing from Italy. Amounts are indicative estimates per person, excluding travel costs to reach Greece; fares, entrance fees, accommodation, and transport may vary depending on season, availability, and opening conditions. Before departure, check the updated opening hours of museums, archaeological sites, and KTEL buses.

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