Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Karystos
KARYSTOS · ITINERARY

Karystos (Evia, Central Greece, Greece) in 3 days – Complete itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · History, beaches, mountains, trekking

The itinerary starts at the port and the monuments of Karystos, with a visit to the Venetian castle during the cooler hours of the afternoon. The second day follows the coast toward Marmari, alternating a sandy beach, a stop at the port, and a return along the town waterfront. The third day is devoted to Ochi and the famous Drakospita, the Dragon Houses: it is the most demanding outing and should be planned carefully, especially regarding access, trail conditions, and weather. The rates and times indicated are approximate and may vary throughout the year.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
7.9 km · 113 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 493 m · 6 min
  2. 158 m · 2 min
  3. 7.3 km · 106 min

Day 1 – Port, historic center and Red Castle

09:30–20:00 Easy walks and a short climb

Discover the historical heritage of Karystos without straying too far from the center.

09:30

Walk to the port

Start along the waterfront and watch the activity of the fishing boats and sea links. Spend about 45 minutes on the walk and orient yourself among cafés, shops and useful services for the rest of the day; the visit is free.

In summer, bring water and a hat: shade is limited at the port.

10:30

Bourtzi of Karystos

Walk to the Venetian fortress on the edge of the port, one of the city's landmarks. Admire the walls and its defensive position over the sea; the exterior visit is normally free, while access to the interior spaces may depend on openings or local initiatives.

The stretch is short, but the surfaces can be uneven.

11:30

Archaeological Museum of Karystos

Spend about an hour exploring the archaeological collections linked to the region and the ancient history of southern Evia. Expect an indicative admission fee of €2–€5; check on site or before your visit for opening hours, which may change depending on the season and day of the week.

If the museum is closed, use the time for a stroll through the central streets.

13:00

Lunch in the center of Karystos

Stop at a taverna or a place near the center for a leisurely lunch. A simple meal can cost roughly €12–€22 per person, while shared dishes and fish can increase the bill.

Ask which daily specials are local and available.

17:00

Red Castle

Drive or take a taxi to the castle, usually with a short transfer from the center, and take the path up to the fortress remains at a leisurely pace. Allow about 1–2 hours for the walk, visit, and scenic stops; access is usually free, but the route is exposed and rocky.

Avoid the hottest hours and wear shoes with good grip.

Day 2 – Beaches and coastline between Karystos and Marmari

09:00–19:00 Relaxed, with travel by car

Alternate a day at the beach with a short visit to Marmari harbor.

09:00

Departure for Figia Beach

Reach the Marmari area by car, allowing about 20–30 minutes from Karystos depending on traffic and your starting point. Bring water and supplies with you: services on the beaches may be seasonal and not always available.

A car makes it easier to link the beaches; check locally on road conditions.

09:45

Morning at Figia Beach

Spend a couple of hours by the sea and on the beach, appreciated for its coastal scenery and open spaces. Access is free; any sunbeds, umbrellas, or refreshment stands may cost around €8–€20 for two people, if available.

Before entering the water, assess the wind and waves: the coastline can be exposed.

12:15

Walk to Marmari harbor

Head to the harbor for a break and a stroll among boats and cafés. If you want to eat here, expect roughly €12–€25 per person; ferry connections and schedules are subject to change and should not be taken for granted.

Check the ferry schedules if you plan to continue on to other destinations.

14:00

Lunch break and return to Karystos

After lunch, head back at a relaxed pace toward Karystos, allowing time for a coffee stop or to buy water and fruit. Allow about 20–30 minutes of driving between Marmari and the town, plus time needed for parking.

In high season, allow extra time for the stop and for traffic.

16:00

Swimming at Gallida Beach

Spend the afternoon at Gallida, a beach close to town that’s convenient for a few hours’ break after the transfer. Access is free; any beach services are seasonal and may have indicative prices of €8–€20 for two people.

Check on site whether services are available before relying on sun loungers or refreshments.

18:00

Final stop at Psili Ammos Beach

Wrap up the day with a walk or one last swim at Psili Ammos, reachable with a short trip from the central area. Stay for the late-afternoon light and head back into town before dinner; the beach has free access.

Bring a flashlight if you expect to stay until sunset.

Myli village and Mount Ochi
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 3

Myli village and Mount Ochi

07:30–18:00 Challenging, trekking and transfers

Visit the Drakospita and experience the mountain scenery of Ochi with proper preparation.

07:30

Departure from Karystos

Set off early with water, a packed lunch, sun protection, and layered clothing. For the mountain sections, consider a suitable vehicle or a guided excursion with a local guide: travel times and road conditions can change, and it’s not wise to rely on a low-clearance car without up-to-date information.

Check the weather and trail conditions before leaving Karystos.

08:15

Stop in Myli

Stop in the village for a short walk and to organize the excursion before heading up toward the mountain. Allow about 30–45 minutes; a coffee or a light breakfast may cost roughly €3–€8.

Do not assume shops and refreshment spots will be open early in the morning.

09:15

Approach to the Ochi trail

Continue to the agreed starting point for the trail or for access at higher elevation, following up-to-date local directions. Before setting off, check the terrain, signage, and estimated time: duration and difficulty depend on the chosen route and access on the day.

If you do not know the area, rely on a local guide instead of improvising detours.

10:30

Drakospita Ochi

Reach the distinctive stone structures known as dragon houses and observe their construction technique, slab roofing, and relationship with the mountain landscape. The site is outdoors and normally free of charge; plan a respectful visit and do not climb on the structures.

Do not remove stones and do not leave litter: the site is exposed and has no facilities.

12:00

Panorama of Mount Ochi

If conditions, time, and your preparation allow, continue to the panoramic viewpoints of Ochi; the summit and nearby stretches may require additional walking. Do not push on with the hike in strong wind, fog, or if you are tired: there is no admission fee, but transport and any guide should be budgeted for.

The mountain can be much colder and windier than the coast.

14:00

Packed lunch and return

Take a break in a sheltered spot, bringing everything you need because no services are guaranteed up there. Return along the route already planned and allow enough margin to reach Karystos before sunset.

Notify someone of the route and your expected return time.

Estimated budget

Accommodation for 2 nights, cost per person in a double room€45–€110
Meals and drinks for 3 days€75–€150
Rental car and fuel, cost per person if shared€70–€160
Entrance fees and small expenses€0–€15
Possible guide or support for the mountain hike€0–€80

Approximate estimate per person, excluding travel to reach Evia and any ferries; assumes shared accommodation and, if applicable, a shared car. The currency in Greece is the euro; if you convert from another currency, keep in mind that exchange rates fluctuate over time and any fees apply. Prices, services, and rates may change depending on season and availability.

Practical tips

  • To explore the beaches and reach the trailheads, a car is often more practical; always check the condition of the mountain roads.
  • The wind can quickly change the sea conditions and those on Ochi: check the forecast and adapt your plans without hesitation.
  • Bring water, a hat, and shoes with good grip; for the higher-altitude hike, add warm layers and a packed lunch.
  • Check the museum opening hours, ferry times, and any beach services in advance: they may vary or be seasonal.