Chalkida is the capital of Evia, the second largest island of Greece. The blue color of the sea, the taverns and cafes on the beach road of Chalkida contrast with the imposing picturesque green scenery of the village of Steni. Steni is located on the southern slopes of Mount Dirfys, in pine and chestnut forests. In winter, about a meter of snow falls in the area, creating an idyllic winter landscape. In spring and summer, you will be spellbound by the aromas of the herbs that grow in the area. That is why we gave this name to the path, “‘THE PATH OF AROMAS AND COLORS”.
The city of Chalkida is only 80km away from Athens. Because of its geographic position the city has a great history and remained a crossroad of ideas and culture, over the centuries. Today, Chalkida is the commercial center of the island, built on both sides of Evripos bridge. It is an ideal destination for short breaks, especially for the people who live in Athens, and everyone could have easy and quick access to the city thanks to its modern cable bridge.
Half an hour away from Chalkida-following the route of Artaki village you reach the beautiful village of Steni. Steni village is in the outskirts of Dirfis mountain the highest mountain of the Evia Island. The village it is known for its rich nature, its springs and delicious food. Although Steni is famous for its dense snow fall during the winter season, it is an interesting destination for all seasons of the year.
Through the historical monuments of Chalkida you travel back in time.
Our first stop is the medieval basilica of Agia Paraskevi which stands at the center of the Castro district in Chalkida.It was built in the byzantine times and was reconstructed by venetians. The interior of the temple reveals the collaboration between French ,Italian and Greek artists.
We continue our tour to the archaeological museum of Arethousa which is hosted in the old spirit factory of the early 20th century called Arethousa.
The exhibits of the museum reflects the religious, economical and cultural identity of Evia and Skyros island, from the prehistoric era until the establishment of the Greek modern state.
Our next stop is the fortress of Karababa Sultan, who gave his name to the castle, as he was buried in it. The Ottomans built this castle in 1684.Nowdays, Karababa castle become a museum into where Arabic funerary dedications and inscriptions, shows us its interesting history.
A walk by the Evripos bridge in Chalkida will relax you and give you the opportunity to admire the architecture of the buildings near the seaside. One of them is the famous «Red house». The «Red House» of the Mallios family is located on the north side of the beach in Chalkida. It was built in 1884 by the French architect Fleggis. It belongs to the Municipality of Chalkida. Nowadays, «The Red House» is used for cultural events.
We continue our cultural journey, through the Biomechanical Festival (organized every summer by the Theater team of Chalkida in Avlida, a town near Chalkida). Many theatrical performances are presented there, as well as musical events, with artists from all over the world. Of particular interest is the place where the festival takes place, the old quarry in the area «Vathi» of Avlida, which has been abandoned for years and nowdays has been transformed into a place of artistic expression and creation.
Chalkida offers many activities to its visitors, such as water sports, beach volley, mountain climbing, horse riding and hiking in the countryside. You can also swim in its crystal clear beaches such as Kourendi beach, St. Minas, Souvala and the famous beach of Alykes just 7 Km. away from Chalkida.
Chalkida is also Known as the city of «creasy waters», because of a unicque phenomenon, the swift change direction of sea waters, every six hours. During each change of direction, the water stops moving for about seven minutes. It is interesting to observe this phenomenon.
The famous Greek writer Giannis Skaribas wrote for the city of Chalkida, (his homeland) «The roads are broken, the south wind is blowing and me all alone saying: What a city»!
Half an hour away from Chalkida, following the route through Artaki village, you will reach the beautiful village of Steni. The springs of the gurgling water coming down from the mountain and the rich vegetation compose a beautiful scenery.
The chapel of Saint Kiriaki in Kambia village near Steni will impress you as the interior of the temple rests in a rock and the scenery creates a mysterious atmosphere.
Another sight you should visit, is the Aesthetic Forest of Steni, which is one of the nineteen aesthetics forest in Greece and it comes under the heading of the European ecological network “Natura”. The forest covers an area of 500 hectares and attracts nature are lovers from all over the world. It is ideal place for climbing , mountaineering, walking and hiking. Moreover, you can take part to the Dirfis Marathon road race that takes place in spring.
Do not miss to visit “Agali” gorge. The path is walkable even by small children.
If you are interested in exploring the varieties of mushrooms and herbs, you can attend masterclasses from experts, in the nature of the mountain Dirfis, which is full of herbs and mushrooms.
«The path of aromas and colors» is related to cultural and environmental sustainability. The reuse of old industrial buildings in Chalkida, such as the archaeological museum “Arethoussa” housed in the old spirit factory with the same name , the “Red House” of the Malliou family, which is now used as a place for art and cultural events, the old quarry in Vathi- Avlida where it has been transformed into a place for art and culture, by hosting the Biomechanical festival every summer, but also the monuments that exist in the city and still reveal its history, have established the city of Chalkida as a tourist destination of cultural interest.
In the village of Steni, the continuation of traditional arts such as wood carving and weaving by the locals, the harvesting and trade of medicinal plants and mushrooms, as well as the rich vegetation of the area make the place of Steni and mountain Dirfis a tourist destination of cultural and environmental interest, for all seasons of the year.
Dirfis Mountain. Photo by discovergreece.com
River in Steni village. Photo by iefimerida.gr
An alley in Steni village. Photo by kathimerini.gr
Chalkida seaside.
The city of Chalkida
Evripos bridge. Chalkida
“Karidokourambiedes” a traditional sweet from Chalkida.
Materials
- 300 gr. powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1tea-cup of butter
- 1 coffee-cup of ouzo
- 3 vanilla pods
- 1 egg
- 1 kg of flour for all purposes
- 1 glass of roasted walnuts
- A little powdered sugar for sprinkling
Execution:
Beat the butter in the mixer and slowly add the sugar.
Add the rest of the ingredients and knead. We create different designs and place them in a buttered pan.
Bake the walnut kourabiedes for about 20 minutes in 250 degrees Celsius. When they are baked, sprinkle them with sugar.