Located on the shores of the South Euboean Gulf, around 30 km southeast of Chalkida, Amarynthos is one of the largest seaside towns in central Evia. It combines a long waterfront lined with cafés and tavernas, a pleasant beach, important archaeological discoveries, and easy access to both the coast and the island’s mountainous interior.
Although many visitors come simply for a swim or a seafood lunch, Amarynthos has a history stretching back more than 7,000 years. It was one of the most important settlements in prehistoric Evia, later became famous throughout the ancient Greek world for the Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis, and continues to reveal significant archaeological discoveries today. This guide covers everything worth seeing, where to swim, nearby attractions, practical information, and tips for planning your visit.
Hi! I’m Dimi, tour guide and writer of this blog. I offer affordable, custom private tours (hiking or driving) around Evia. If you need any help exploring the best of the island, get in touch.
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Where Is Amarynthos?
Amarynthos lies on the central eastern shore of the South Euboean Gulf, about 30 km east of Chalkida, 11 km from Eretria, and 17 km west of Aliveri. Built on a broad coastal plain beneath the slopes of Mount Olympus (not to be confused with Greece’s highest mountain of the same name), it occupies one of the most convenient locations for exploring central Evia.
The town serves as a local commercial centre for the surrounding villages. Along the waterfront, you’ll find cafés, tavernas, shops, accommodation, and a long beach, while the countryside immediately behind the town quickly becomes agricultural before rising towards wooded hills and mountain villages.
History of Amarynthos
Human presence in the area dates back to the Neolithic period, between roughly 6000 and 3000 BC. During the Early Bronze Age, Amarynthos developed into one of the most important prehistoric settlements and ports in Evia, trading with the Cyclades and mainland Greece. Archaeological finds show continued prosperity throughout the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, and the settlement appears on Linear B tablets from Thebes under the name a-ma-ru-to, making it one of the oldest recorded place names on the island.
During antiquity, Amarynthos became closely associated with the worship of Artemis, who was honoured here as Amarysia or Amarynthia Artemis. Every year, the famous Amarysia festival attracted large processions from nearby Eretria to her sanctuary outside the town. Ancient writers, particularly Strabo, described the sanctuary, but its exact location remained unknown for centuries.
Beginning in the early 2000s, systematic excavations by the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece in collaboration with the Greek archaeological authorities finally identified the sanctuary east of the modern town. Since then, archaeologists have uncovered the temple, altar, monumental stoas, treasury-like buildings, inscriptions naming Artemis, and other structures that confirmed beyond doubt that this was the long-lost Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis. Excavations continue every summer, and new discoveries are still being made.
The ancient settlement itself was gradually abandoned during the Middle Ages as repeated pirate raids forced inhabitants inland. They established the hidden village of Vatheia in a deep ravine beneath Mount Kotylaio, better protected from attacks arriving by sea. During the late nineteenth century, people gradually returned to the coast, founding Kato Vatheia, which officially adopted the ancient name Amarynthos in 1911. Today’s Ano Vatheia preserves the earlier inland settlement established during those turbulent centuries.
Things to Do in Amarynthos
Stroll Along the Waterfront
The waterfront is the heart of Amarynthos. A broad promenade follows the shore, lined with cafés, tavernas, bakeries, and small shops, making it the town’s busiest area throughout the day. Fishing boats still use the harbour, giving the seafront a distinctly local feel rather than that of a purpose-built resort.
The promenade is especially pleasant in the evening, when both locals and visitors gather for a walk along the sea. Thanks to the town’s southwest-facing position across the South Euboean Gulf, sunsets are often one of the highlights of a visit.
Relax on Amarynthos Beach –📍map
The town’s main beach stretches for roughly half a kilometer just east of the waterfront and consists mainly of sand mixed with fine pebbles. The water is usually calm thanks to the sheltered position inside the South Euboean Gulf, making it a good choice for families and less confident swimmers.
The back of the beach is lined with tamarisk trees providing natural shade, while organised parts offer sunbeds, cafés, and easy access to restaurants only a short walk away. Although it becomes busy during weekends and August, it rarely feels overcrowded.
Visit the Hill of Palaiochora – 📍map
Just northeast of the modern town rises the low hill of Palaiochora, one of the most historically important places in Amarynthos. Archaeological excavations have revealed remains dating back to the Bronze Age, while the hill also offers one of the best viewpoints over the surrounding coastline.
At the summit stands the small Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, locally known as Panagitsa, dating to the 11th or 12th century. Much of its masonry incorporates architectural elements reused from ancient buildings nearby. On the way up, you’ll also pass the small Church of the Transfiguration.
Discover the Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis – 📍map
The Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis is by far the area’s most significant archaeological site. Ancient sources described it as one of the most important sanctuaries in Eretrian territory, where large annual processions celebrated the Amarysia festival in honour of Artemis. For centuries, however, nobody knew exactly where it stood.
That mystery was finally solved during archaeological investigations beginning in the early 2000s. Excavations uncovered the sanctuary roughly 1.5 km east of modern Amarynthos, revealing a large sacred complex centred around the Temple of Artemis and its altar. Surrounding them are monumental stoas, smaller sacred buildings known as oikoi, an impressive entrance dating to the 7th century BC, and a Roman monumental fountain built after the sanctuary’s destruction during the Mithridatic Wars. Inscriptions bearing the name of Artemis confirmed beyond doubt that this is the sanctuary described by ancient writers.
Excavations continue almost every summer, so much of the architecture remains protected beneath geotextile coverings when archaeologists are not working on the site. Even so, parts of the eastern stoa can still be seen from the road, while the nearby hill provides an excellent overview of the sanctuary and the surrounding plain.
Visit the Folklore Museum –📍map
The town’s Folklore Museum offers a glimpse into everyday life before tourism transformed the area. Created through the initiative of the local women’s association, it displays household objects, agricultural and livestock tools, traditional costumes, woven textiles, and examples of craftsmanship produced on hand-operated looms.
Although small, it provides useful context for understanding the rural traditions that shaped the surrounding villages for centuries.
See the Macedonian Tomb of Vlychos
Around 1 km west of the town centre, at Vlychos, lies a Macedonian-style chamber tomb dating to the Hellenistic period. Discovered in 1897, the almost square burial chamber preserves two stone funerary couches and ranks among the most important ancient funerary monuments in the area.
Visit the Church of the Annunciation –📍map
Dominating the centre of town is the Church of the Annunciation (Evangelismos of the Theotokos), a striking stone-built church constructed in the Byzantine style. Its white marble iconostasis and richly decorated interior make it one of Amarynthos’ most notable modern landmarks.
Hike to the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos –📍map
High on the slopes of Mount Kotylaio, at around 500 metres above sea level, stands the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos. Dating to the 12th century, it is surrounded by forest and preserves valuable Byzantine frescoes. Combined with the drive or hike through the mountain scenery, it makes an excellent excursion for visitors wishing to explore beyond the coast.
Beaches Near Amarynthos
Besides the town beach, Amarynthos provides easy access to several other swimming spots along the South Euboean Gulf. Just east of town, Galazia Nera (📍map) offers a quieter alternative with clear water and a more relaxed atmosphere, while within a short drive you can also reach the beaches of Akti Nireos, Eretria, and Aliveri. Their close proximity makes Amarynthos a convenient base for exploring much of the central South Euboean coastline.
Places to Visit near Amarynthos
One of Amarynthos’ greatest advantages is its central location. Within half an hour, you can reach archaeological sites, traditional villages, beaches, and mountain landscapes.
Eretria
Only about 11 km west, Eretria is one of Evia’s most important historic towns. Its ancient theatre, archaeological museum, harbour, and waterfront make it the most obvious day trip from Amarynthos. Many of the finds from the Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Eretria, making it a worthwhile complement to visiting the sanctuary itself.
👉 Read more: Eretria: Ancient Glory and Seaside Escape on Evia Island
Ano Vatheia
Around 3 km inland lies Ano Vatheia, the original settlement established during the Middle Ages when coastal inhabitants sought protection from pirate attacks. Built beneath Mount Kotylaio, it preserves a quieter atmosphere than the modern seaside town and contains several Byzantine churches and traces of the area’s long history.
Gymno
The village of Gymno sits among vineyards and olive groves south of Amarynthos. It is known for its Venetian tower, traditional tavernas, local wine, and meat dishes, making it a pleasant stop while exploring the inland part of the municipality.
Skoteini Plateau
If you’re looking for cooler temperatures during summer, the Skoteini Plateau offers a completely different landscape from the coast. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, it is popular for hiking and scenic drives.
Mount Olympus
The nearby Mount Olympus dominates the landscape behind Amarynthos. Its network of roads and walking routes leads through forests, small chapels, viewpoints, and traditional villages, providing excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring central Evia’s mountainous interior.
👉 Read more: Hiking Mount Olympus on Evia Island
Festivals and Local Traditions
One of the best-known summer events in Amarynthos is the Varkaroles, traditionally held on a Sunday during the first week of August. During the celebration, local musicians perform traditional Greek and island songs aboard a fishing boat while spectators gather along the waterfront. The evening usually concludes with a fireworks display over the sea.
The town’s ancient heritage also survives through the memory of the Amarysia festival, one of the most important religious celebrations of ancient Eretria. Each year, worshippers processed from Eretria to the Sanctuary of Amarysia Artemis, following what ancient writers described as the sacred road connecting the two sites.
How to Get to Amarynthos
Amarynthos is about 30 km southeast of Chalkida and roughly 110 km from central Athens. By car, the journey from Athens usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, either via the bridge at Chalkida or by taking the ferry between Oropos and Eretria before continuing east along the coast.
If you’re planning a road trip on Evia and haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
Regular intercity buses also connect Athens with Amarynthos, usually via Chalkida or Eretria, making the town accessible without a car. Once there, the centre is easily explored on foot, although having your own vehicle is useful for visiting nearby beaches, archaeological sites, and mountain villages.
Parking is generally straightforward, with plenty of free spaces available along the waterfront and throughout the town outside the busiest summer weekends.
Where to Stay in Amarynthos
Amarynthos offers a good range of accommodation, including beachfront hotels, family-run guesthouses, apartments, and holiday rentals. Most places are concentrated along the seafront, allowing easy walking access to the beach, restaurants, and cafés.
If you’re planning to explore central Evia rather than remain in one resort, Amarynthos makes an excellent base thanks to its central location between Chalkida, Eretria, Aliveri, and the island’s mountainous interior.
Recommended places to stay:
- Hotel: Porto Evia Boutique Hotel – Beachfront hotel with a swimming pool, sea views, and an excellent location within walking distance of the waterfront.
- Comfort: Jeannet’s Beach House – A modern, spacious apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for couples, families, and longer stays.
- Budget: Apartments in Amarynthos – Affordable self-catering apartments close to the beach, restaurants, and shops.
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Practical Information
Amarynthos can be visited throughout the year, although late spring to early autumn offers the best conditions for swimming and outdoor activities. July and August are the busiest months, while June and September generally provide warm weather with fewer crowds.
The town has supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations, bakeries, and most everyday services visitors may need. Thanks to its combination of accommodation, dining, beaches, and central location, it works equally well as a day trip from Chalkida or Athens or as a base for exploring the wider region of central Evia.
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Photos
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