Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
7 days / 6 nights · Thermal springs, beaches, villages, nature
Istiea - Aedipsos, Greece
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
7 days / 6 nights · Thermal springs, beaches, villages, nature
The itinerary focuses on northern Evia: it begins in Istiaea and the historic port of Orei, devotes a day to the springs and seafront of Aedipsos, and continues along the coasts of the Aegean Sea and the Euboean Gulf. The final days are set aside for the Lichada peninsula, the villages of Gialtra and Ilia, and the inland landscapes of Rovies, Drimona and Limni. A rental car is the most practical option, because public transport is limited and the mountain roads take longer than the distance on the map might suggest. Opening hours for thermal baths, monasteries and boat services may vary by season: it is advisable to check them before departure.
Day 1 · Walking · 10.3 km · 119 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Get your bearings in the region and discover the center of Istiea and the coastal heritage of Orei.
09:30
Walk in the center of Istiea
Spend the morning in the center of Istiea, which is also useful for shopping and planning the next few days. From here, Orei and the nearby beaches are just a few minutes' drive away; allow about 20 minutes for the transfer to the coast.
Park on a side street and bring cash for small purchases.
11:00
Kanatadika Beach
Head to Kanatadika Beach for an initial break by the sea, with time for a walk along the shore and a swim if conditions are favorable. Access to the beach is free; any sunbeds and refreshments are paid separately, typically €5–15 per person.
Service availability may change outside the peak season.
13:00
Lunch in Istiea
Head back into town for a tavern lunch and try simple Greek dishes such as salad, grilled vegetables, and the catch of the day. A casual meal typically costs around €12–22 per person, with drinks either included or not depending on the venue.
Ask for the fish price by weight before ordering it.
15:00
Byzantine Tower of Orei and the Bull of Orei
Continue by car to Orei, about 15–20 minutes from Istiea, and reach on foot the Byzantine tower and the famous ancient marble bull displayed on the seafront. These are outdoor stops: take in the tower’s masonry and the carved details of the statue, without expecting a museum with a ticket office.
The two attractions are close together; allow 45–60 minutes in total.
17:00
Orei Harbor and evening stroll
End the day at the harbor, among fishing boats, cafés, and taverns overlooking the water. A drink usually costs €3–6; for a fish dinner, budget about €20–35 per person, depending on your choice.
The late-afternoon light is ideal for photographing the seafront.
Explore the thermal heart of Loutra Edipsou, alternating cultural stops with moments of wellness.
09:00
Stroll along the Edipsos seafront
Start with the coastal promenade and admire the historic spa buildings and the gulf-facing waterfront. The center is compact and easy to explore on foot; leave the car in a permitted parking area and allow about 30–45 minutes for the initial walk.
Wear shoes with non-slip soles: near the springs, some surfaces may be wet.
10:00
Edipsos thermal springs
Follow the coast to the springs and watch where the hot water emerges and mixes with the sea. Some areas are freely accessible, while facilities and treatments have their own costs and rules: budget around €0–20 for a simple experience and check on site.
Avoid entering unmarked spots and do not stand under unstable rocks.
11:30
Loutra Edipsou: thermal break
Spend an hour or more at the baths, choosing an open facility suited to your needs. Rates vary widely among public baths, pools, and treatments; plan on roughly €5–30, not including high-end spa services.
Check opening hours, water temperature, and accessibility for the service you choose in advance.
13:30
Lunch in the thermal center
Stop at a tavern in the center, easily reached on foot from the baths. For a full lunch, expect around €12–22 per person; a coffee or soft drink at the bar may cost around €3–6.
In high season, it’s wise to book if you want to have lunch on the seafront.
16:00
Cave of Sylla and the church of Agios Panteleimon
Visit the cave associated with the Roman thermal tradition from the outside and continue on to the church of Agios Panteleimon. The stops are close together and require little walking; access to the religious interiors depends on opening hours and services.
To enter the church, wear respectful clothing and check whether any services are taking place.
Enjoying the eastern coast of Evia by choosing different beaches and leaving time to relax.
09:00
Transfer to Pefki
Leave Istiea or Aedipsos early and drive to Pefki; allow about 30–45 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic. Once you arrive, find a proper parking spot near the waterfront and make sure you have water and sunscreen.
Public transport can be infrequent: check the timetables if you do not have a car.
10:00
Pefki Beach
Spend the morning on Pefki’s long beach, ideal for a quiet stop and a swim when the sea is calm. Access is free; for an umbrella and sunbeds, expect roughly €8–18 for two people, if available.
The coast is exposed to wind: check sea conditions before going into the water.
12:30
Lunch on the Pefki waterfront
Choose a taverna or a seaside spot and take a break during the hottest hours. A casual lunch generally costs €12–22 per person; a simple salad or snack can bring the cost down.
Ask whether the fish is fresh from the day and what the price is before ordering.
15:00
Gouvon Beach
Head to Gouvon Beach with a short drive and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing. The beach is a good alternative for a change of scenery compared with the more popular stretch at Pefki; do not assume there will be facilities or natural shade.
Bring water and an umbrella if you are traveling outside peak season.
17:30
Artemisio Beach and return
Make one last stop at Artemisio Beach for a walk along the shore and a short swim, then head back to base at a relaxed pace. Allow about 30–45 minutes of driving to return toward Istiea and check your fuel before leaving the coast.
Do not drive too fast on the side roads, which can be narrow or winding.
Reach the village of Agios Georgios and visit the Lichadonisia archipelago on a boat trip.
08:30
Departure for Agios Georgios Lichada
Allow about 45–60 minutes by car from Aedipsos, along local roads that require careful driving. Arrive early at the boarding point to find the operator, confirm the return, and check that the excursion will still go ahead despite wind and waves.
Book in high season and ask about duration, safety equipment, and cancellation policy.
10:00
Boarding and sailing to Lichadonisia
Take a boat excursion to this group of islets, known for its clear waters and volcanic landscapes. The price is seasonal and depends on duration and service: use €15–35 per person as an indicative reference and confirm the cost before boarding.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag for your phone and documents.
11:00
Stop at Kavos Beach
If the boat itinerary allows, stop at Kavos Beach to swim and relax on the shore. Access may depend on the operator and sea conditions; do not stray from the agreed meeting point and respect the return time.
The beach may have limited or no facilities: bring everything you need with you.
14:00
Return and lunch in Agios Georgios
After the boat trip, have lunch in the village or nearby, choosing an available taverna. Budget around €15–25 per person for a full meal and leave some flexibility in your schedule for any delays to the boat.
Keep some cash with you: not all small businesses accept cards.
16:30
Village stroll and return
Spend a little time in Agios Georgios Lichada before heading back to base, without adding detours if you’re tired. The route requires attention, especially at dusk, when visibility on rural roads decreases.
If the sea is rough and the excursion is canceled, use the day to explore the Lichada coast at a leisurely pace.
Discover the springs of Gialtra and relax on Ilia beach, on the Euboean Gulf side.
09:00
Transfer to Gialtra
Leave Aedipsos and reach the Gialtra area along the coastal road; allow about 25–40 minutes, depending on the exact destination and road conditions. The springs and access points are not always marked as an organized spa facility.
Ask the accommodation or local residents for up-to-date directions before taking side roads.
10:00
Gialtra Thermal Springs
Explore the spring area and consider bathing only in accessible and safe spots. The experience can be simple and free, but facilities and access vary; bring a towel, sandals, and drinking water.
Do not immerse yourself in pools or streams without signs, and be careful of the high temperatures.
12:00
Stop in the village of Gialtra
Pause for a drink or a snack and take advantage of the break to rest from the sun. A coffee and a snack cost roughly €5–12; for a full lunch, budget around €12–22 per person.
The choice of places to eat may be more limited outside peak season.
14:00
Transfer and swim at Ilia Beach
Reach Ilia Beach with a transfer that may take about 30–45 minutes, taking the curves and speed limits into account. The beach offers a peaceful setting for swimming and relaxing; access is free, while any paid facilities depend on the season.
Check sea conditions and choose an entry point suited to your swimming ability.
17:30
Evening stroll along the Ilia waterfront
Wrap up with a walk by the water and a simple dinner nearby or back in Aedipsos. Budget around €15–25 per person for dinner and allow some time for the return trip.
After sunset, use lights and be cautious on poorly lit roads.
Explore the hills of northern Evia with cultural and natural stops, adapting the route to trail conditions.
08:30
Departure toward the Monastery of Saint David
Leave early and drive inland, allowing for longer travel times than the straight-line distance suggests: the roads are winding and may take 45–70 minutes from Aedipsos. Before setting off, check visiting hours and road conditions, especially after heavy rain.
Fill up with fuel and bring water: services are less frequent than along the coast.
10:00
Monastery of Saint David the Elder
Visit the monastery with respectful attire and keep a discreet demeanor in religious spaces. Entry may be free or require a donation; access and opening hours depend on the monastic community and celebrations.
Do not photograph people or indoor spaces without permission.
11:30
Kerasia Petrified Forest
Continue toward the Kerasia petrified forest area, where fossil remains and traces of the ancient landscape can be observed. Visits and signage may be limited: check locally and do not collect or move any finds.
Wear closed-toe shoes and do not rely on navigation on unmarked trails.
13:00
Packed lunch or a stop in the village
Plan a simple lunch, preferably by buying water and supplies before heading up into the inland areas. A packed meal can cost €8–15 per person; if you find an open taverna, expect around €12–22.
Do not leave litter and do not light fires, especially in the dry season.
15:00
Drimonas Waterfalls
Reach the falls and follow only the trail sections that are open and in safe condition; walking time varies depending on where you park and the route that is passable. After rain, the ground can be slippery, while in summer the water flow may be reduced.
Use hiking shoes and skip the descent if the trail is wet or unstable.
End the trip between the shoreline of Rovies, the center of Limni, and the peaceful Galataki Monastery.
09:00
Rovies Beach
Start the day with a short stop on the shoreline of Rovies, reachable by car from Aedipsos in about 30–40 minutes. The beach is suitable for a morning walk or a swim; access is free and facilities depend on the season.
Check the wind and bring water if you plan to stay a long time.
11:00
Transfer and visit Limni
Continue to Limni, allowing about 20–30 minutes of driving. Stroll through the village streets and along the seafront, taking in the harbor and traditional houses; visiting the town center is free.
Parking may be easier on the streets just off the seafront.
13:00
Lunch in the center of Limni
Choose a taverna or café near the harbor and try local specialties, vegetables, and fish depending on availability. A full lunch costs roughly €12–25 per person; check for any extra charges for bread or cover charge.
In summer, book ahead or eat early to avoid waiting.
15:00
Kochyli Beach
Head to Kochyli Beach for a quieter swim break, checking on site the access conditions and available facilities. Allow about 10–20 minutes by car from the center of Limni and leave enough time to return to the monastery.
Bring shade and water if the beach has no refreshments.
17:00
Monastery of Galataki and return
End with the Monastery of Galataki, reachable from Limni via a road that requires careful driving. Check opening hours in advance and respect the visiting rules; if it is closed, enjoy the views from accessible spots without entering private areas.
Plan your return before dark and check your fuel for the trip to your next destination.
| Accommodation, 6 nights in a shared double room (per person) | €210–540 |
| Meals and drinks for 7 days | €175–350 |
| Car rental and fuel (per-person share, shared car) | €140–300 |
| Boat excursion to Lichadonisia | €15–35 |
| Thermal baths, sun loungers, and small entry/activity fees | €10–90 |
| Estimated total per person, excluding travel to Evia and ferries | €550–1.315 |
Greece uses the euro (€), so no currency exchange is needed for travelers from Italy. All amounts are indicative estimates per person and may vary depending on season, availability, accommodation category, meal choices and which services are actually open; they do not include travel to reach the island or the ferry to Evia.

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