Chalkida: The City of the Moving Waters
Chalkida is the gateway to the massive island of Evia and a city defined by its unique relationship with the sea. Known for the ‘crazy waters’ of the Euripus Strait, where the current changes direction every six hours, Chalkida is a vibrant, year-round destination. In 2026, it remains a favorite for weekend getaways from Athens, offering a blend of Ottoman history, industrial heritage, and some of the best seafood in Central Greece. It is a city of two sides—one on the mainland and one on the island—joined by two iconic bridges.
Things to know about Chalkida
Geographically, Chalkida is located at the narrowest point between mainland Greece and Evia. Historically, it was a powerful ancient city-state and a strategic prize for the Venetians and Ottomans. An ideal trip length is 2 days. It is famous for the ‘Euripus Phenomenon,’ its high-quality shellfish, and the Karababa Castle. It is the only place in Greece where you can experience a ‘city beach’ vibe just an hour away from the capital.
Top attractions in Chalkida
The Euripus Bridge (Old Bridge)
The social heart of the city is the sliding bridge. This is where everyone gathers to watch the phenomenon of the changing currents. It is a fascinating sight as the water churns and swirls, switching from North to South, a phenomenon that even Aristotle tried to solve.
Karababa Castle
Perched on the mainland side (the Kanithos hill), this 17th-century Ottoman fortress offers the best view of the city and the Euboean Gulf. It is a well-preserved castle with a small museum of stone carvings and beautiful paths for walking among the pines.
The Waterfront (Pezodromos)
The long pedestrian promenade of Chalkida is lined with cafes, bars, and traditional taverns. It is the place to be for the ‘Volta’ (evening stroll), especially during the summer months. It offers a lively atmosphere that reflects the city’s youthful energy.
The Red House (Kokkino Spiti)
The most iconic building in Chalkida, built in 1884 on the edge of the sea. This neoclassical masterpiece with its striking red color and unique architecture is the symbol of the city’s 19th-century wealth.
The Archaeological Museum of Chalkida
Housed in a beautiful building, this museum contains impressive finds from throughout Evia, including ancient sculptures, pottery, and gold jewelry. The exhibits on ancient Eretria are particularly significant.
Saint Paraskevi Church
A massive 13th-century Byzantine-Genoese basilica, it is one of the most important religious monuments on Evia. The architecture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles, reflecting the island’s medieval history.
The Emir Zade Mosque
A well-preserved Ottoman mosque in the center of the city. While no longer used for worship, it serves as a cultural space and a reminder of the city’s multicultural layers during the Ottoman occupation.
Alykes Beach
Located just across the high bridge on the island side, Alykes is the most popular beach in the region. It features fine sand, shallow turquoise water, and several trendy beach bars, making it the perfect ‘urban escape’ for swimming.
The High Bridge (Chalkida Bridge)
A modern engineering marvel, this cable-stayed bridge connects Evia to the mainland, allowing travelers to bypass the city center. It offers a spectacular view of the strait and is one of the longest bridges of its kind in Greece.
The Shellfish Gastronomy
Chalkida is legendary for its seafood, specifically its shellfish (crayfish, clams, and sea urchins) which are said to be the best in Greece due to the oxygen-rich moving waters of the Euripus. A meal at a waterfront ‘tsipouradiko’ is an essential experience.
Island-hopping from Chalkida
Chalkida is the primary entry point to Evia. From here, you can drive south to the port of Marmari (ferries to Rafina) or north to Edipsos (ferries to Arkitsa). While it is not a direct ferry hub for the Aegean, it is the best starting point for exploring the entire 180km length of Evia and its hidden beaches like Chiliadou and Mourteri.
