Evia (North)
Edipsos as your base for two nights of thermal springs, the Lichadonisia day-trip, and the wild north Aegean coast.
Northern Evia is the Greece of mineral hot springs and forested coastlines — quieter than the south, more therapeutic than touristic. Edipsos has been a thermal-bath destination since Homer; today it's a faded resort town that's exactly the right kind of faded. Limni is a sleepy fishing village next door. North of Limni, the Lichadonisia islets give you turquoise water that looks Caribbean. And the seaside villages of Agia Anna, Pefki and Rovies give you the wilder, less-developed Aegean side. Three days is enough to bathe, swim, and drive the loop without rushing.
Getting there
North Evia is reached from Athens via Arkitsa (mainland) — drive 1h45 north, then a 40-minute ferry to Edipsos.
Read full route
Faster than going via the Chalkida bridge plus the long internal drive. Frequent crossings, takes cars.
Tip: Use the Arkitsa ferry, not the Chalkida bridge — saves 90 minutes and the Aegean crossing is part of the trip.
When to Visit
Northern Evia revolves around the Edipsos thermal springs (Greece's most famous spa baths) and the Lichadonisia islets. The springs work all year — even January is fine in the steaming pools while it rains outside. Beach season is June-September. The island took heavy fire damage in 2021; the north has recovered well, the forests are growing back.
3-day itinerary for Evia (North)
Day 1: Athens → Edipsos & the Springs
- 10:00 · Drive Athens → Arkitsa → Ferry → Edipsos
Drive 1h45 north to Arkitsa, then a 40-minute ferry crossing puts you in Edipsos. Faster than driving via the Chalkida bridge. - 13:30 · Lunch — Captain's Restaurant
Waterfront seafood in the heart of Edipsos. Order the fresh fish of the day — they grill it on charcoal in front of you. - 15:30 · Edipsos Thermal Springs
The free public springs (Cave of Sulla) flow into the sea — bring a swimsuit. Or pay €15-25 at Thermae Sylla or Galini hotels for a private hot pool. - 19:00 · Sunset stroll — Edipsos seafront
The promenade is lined with Belle Époque hotels and shaded cafés. Walk it slowly, end at one of the older kafeneia for ouzo.
Day 2: Lichadonisia & Limni
- 09:30 · Lichadonisia Day-Trip Boat
From Agios Georgios (15 min from Edipsos), boats run all day to the Lichadonisia islets. Turquoise water you don't expect this far north — Greece's answer to a Caribbean lagoon. - 14:00 · Lunch on the islets — Manolas
Beach taverna right where the boats anchor. Octopus, fried squid, Greek salad. Nothing fancy, exactly what you want after swimming. - 17:00 · Limni Village
Sleepy fishing village 30 minutes south of Edipsos. Stone houses, narrow lanes, working fishermen. Walk to Galataki Monastery (10 min drive) for the views. - 20:00 · Dinner — Iliopoulou (Limni)
Tiny family taverna at the harbour. Dinner on a tiny terrace looking at fishing boats. Order whatever the owner says was caught that morning. - 23:00 · Drive back to Edipsos
Long drive back across the north (about 45 minutes from Limni). Dark coastal road, mostly empty at this hour. The thermal town centre is quiet at night — perfect for one last late-night spring soak before bed.
Day 3: Agia Anna Coast & Departure
- 10:00 · Drive south to Agia Anna
1h15 south through pine forests on the wilder Aegean side. Stop at Pefki on the way — small fishing harbour with two good kafeneia. - 12:00 · Agia Anna Beach
1.5km of fine sand and cedar trees right next to the water. One of Evia's longest beaches, never crowded outside August. Few tavernas at the south end for lunch. - 16:00 · Drive back via Chalkida → Athens
From Agia Anna, the fastest way home is south through Chalkida (2h to Athens). The bridge crossing at sunset is a nice closing image.
Top beaches of Evia (North)
Agia Anna Beach
- Type
- sandy
- Length
- Depth
- Wind protection
- Facilities
Lichadonisia
- Type
- rocky
- Length
- Depth
- Wind protection
- Facilities
Pefki Beach
- Type
- sandy
- Length
- Depth
- Wind protection
- Facilities