Aliveri, a town of about 5,000 residents, sits on the southern coast of central Evia. Unlike many of Evia’s purely touristic destinations, Aliveri stands out for its industrial past and ongoing transformation. Historically a center of lignite mining, the town once played a crucial role in Greece’s energy production. Today, Aliveri is home to the island’s largest electricity plant, while remnants of its mining heritage can still be explored.
The town center is located 1 km from the sea, but its coastal district, Karavos, provides visitors with beaches, cafés, and traditional taverns. While industry has historically hindered Aliveri’s tourism growth, recent efforts are reshaping the area into a destination worth stopping for—especially if you’re traveling between Chalkida and South Evia or Kymi. Aliveri offers a blend of history, industrial heritage, and coastal beauty, making it an intriguing place to explore.
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How to Get to Aliveri
The fastest way to reach Aliveri from Athens is via the Oropos-Eretria ferry and then driving eastward for about 40 minutes. If driving directly from Athens, you can take the Athens-Chalkida National Road, continue south via the Chalkida-Aliveri highway, and reach Aliveri in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If you haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
For public transport, KTEL buses from Athens to Aliveri depart from Liosion Bus Station (location), offering a convenient route with a travel time of approximately two hours. Check the bus company’s official site for the timetable.
Where to Stay in Aliveri
If you’re looking for accommodation in Aliveri, here are some excellent options within the town:
- Maria GuesthHouse – A cozy and modern apartment offering a comfortable stay with great amenities and a scenic view.
- Kappa House – A stylish and well-equipped holiday home, ideal for families or groups looking for a relaxing stay.
- Melia Aliveri – A contemporary apartment with a bright and welcoming ambiance, perfect for a short or long visit.
For more accommodation options, consider staying in Akti Nireos, a coastal area near Aliveri known for its beachside hotels and guesthouses. It’s a great choice if you prefer to be closer to the sea
Explore more options in the surrounding area or beyond using on the interactive map below:
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What to Do in Aliveri
Explore the Town Center
The heart of Aliveri, about 1 km from the coast, is home to charming cafés, traditional shops, and a lively local market. It’s a great spot to experience everyday life in Aliveri while enjoying a coffee or shopping for local products.
Relax on the Beaches
Aliveri’s coastal district, Karavos, offers scenic waterfront views, cafés, taverns, and beaches. The Panagitsa Beach, just outside Karavos, is a popular spot for swimming. West of Aliveri, beaches like Kampos, Pontiki, and Kalami provide more secluded options near Akti Nireos.
Visit Rizokastro Castle
A Frankish fortress from the 13th-14th century, Rizokastro stands atop a 170-meter hill between Aliveri’s two major industrial sites. Originally built to guard the nearby strait, its fortified walls and central tower remain well-preserved. During the Greek War of Independence (1821), it was used by Greek fighters led by Nikolaos Kriezotis to detain Ottoman prisoners. (location)
DEI Factory and Venetian Tower
Among the industrial chimneys of DEI, you’ll find the Venetian Tower of Matsoukela. Additionally, remnants of the ancient port city of Porthmos—now mostly lost under DEΙ’s structures—include a partially visible Roman bathhouse and an excavated necropolis. (location)
AGET-Hercules Cement Factory
Once a major industrial site in Aliveri, the AGET Heracles cement factory played a key role in Greece’s post-war reconstruction and economic growth. Established in the mid-20th century, the plant was a key employer in the region, producing cement for both domestic and international markets. However, as industrial decline and economic shifts took their toll, the factory eventually ceased operations, leaving behind an imposing but silent complex. (location)
DEI Lignite Mining Museum
This museum highlights Aliveri’s rich mining history and industrial archaeology. Exhibits include tools, machinery, and documents, with guided tours providing insight into the town’s once-thriving lignite mining industry. The museum currently opens only with appointments on +302223081191. (location)
Visit the Mycenaean Tholos Tomb
Located 2 km north of Katakalos village this is one of Evia’s best-preserved Mycenaean burial sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s Bronze Age past. (location)
Platoma Hill
Just west outside Aliveri, this hill features a prehistoric settlement site and an ancient rock-cut tomb with unique water channels.
Ancient Marble Quarry
Located north of the Aliveri-Velos road, this Roman-era quarry showcases carved rock formations and an unfinished column.
Medieval Churches
- Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Panagitsa): A Byzantine-era church dating back to 1393, featuring an austere basilica structure and architectural fragments from antiquity embedded in its walls. (location)
- Church of Saint Nicholas: A 17th-century chapel with faded frescoes and a stone iconostasis, located within the courtyard of the Church of Saint George. (location)
Spyropoulos Family Distillery
This family-run distillery is known for producing ouzo and tsipouro, two of Greece’s iconic spirits. A visit offers insights into the distillation process and a chance to sample their products. (location)
Local Festivals
Experience traditional events like the Kamara Festival (Easter Monday), Agia Marina Fair (July 17), and Panigiri of Agia Zoni in Lata (August 31).
Where to Eat in Aliveri
In Karavos:
- Psistaria Ouzeri Saleas – A traditional grill house serving fresh seafood and meats.
- Piazza Karavos – A cozy spot for pizza and Mediterranean dishes with a sea view.
In the Town Center:
- Kafe Ouzeri Petrakis – A great place for meze and traditional ouzo pairings.
- Melponostimies (Melpo’s) – A bakery offering local sweets and savory treats.
For Drinks and a Beachside Vibe:
- Baluse Seascape All Day Bar – Ideal for coffee, cocktails, and enjoying the sea breeze.
History of Aliveri
Aliveri is believed to have been built on the site of two ancient cities, Tamynai and Porthmos, which worshipped Apollo Tamynaios. Its modern name is thought to derive from Ali Ver, a Turkish landowner.
Lignite mining began in 1873 but was halted in 1897 due to flooding. It resumed after WWI and was fully operated by DEH from 1951 until the 1980s, when reserves were depleted. A tragic 1968 accident killed seven workers, marking a dark chapter in the town’s mining history.
During WWII, Aliveri’s industrial and commercial significance made it a strategic target for Axis forces. Post-war, development surged with the establishment of DEI’s power plant and the now-defunct AGET-Hercules cement factory.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Eretria (30 min) – Ancient ruins and a seaside town with vibrant tavernas.
- Kymi (40 min) – A picturesque coastal town with stunning views.
- Dystos Lake (20 min) – A serene wetland ideal for birdwatching.
- Avlonari (20 min) – A traditional village known for its medieval towers and charming streets.
Video
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Aliveri in higher resolution.
