Perched on the central-eastern coast of Evia, Kymi is a captivating destination overlooking the vast Aegean Sea. The town, home to around 2,500 residents, is split into the hillside settlement of Kymi proper and its coastal counterpart, Paralia Kymis (Kymi Beach). While the beachside area is known for its lively port, organized beach, and seafront tavernas, the main town sits at an elevation of 213 meters, offering panoramic sea views.
Kymi boasts a storied past, dating back to prehistoric times. It holds a significant place in Greek history as the founder of the colony of Cumae in Italy’s Campania region during the 8th century BC. This pioneering Greek settlement introduced the Greek alphabet to Italy, which later evolved into the Latin script used today. Kymi is also the birthplace of Georgios Papanikolaou, the globally recognized physician who developed the Pap test, revolutionizing cervical cancer detection.
Today, Kymi is an excellent destination for those looking to blend a beach holiday with historical exploration, hiking, and scenic drives through central Evia’s rugged landscapes.
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How to Get to Kymi
By car: The fastest way to reach Kymi from Athens is via ferry from Oropos to Eretria, followed by a drive to Kymi. Drive from Athens to Oropos (approximately 1 hour), take the ferry to Eretria (25 minutes), then drive another 1.5 hours to Kymi.
If you haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
By bus: You can also reach Kymi by bus. At the time of writing, three buses for Kymi depart daily from Athens’ Liosion Terminal (location) at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00. Check the bus company’s website for updated timetables.
By Boat: Kymi’s port is well-organized with power and water facilities for sailboats, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the Aegean. The commercial port also provides regular ferry connections to Skyros, facilitating easy travel between the two destinations.
Where to Stay in Kymi
- Avra Hotel – A comfortable and modern hotel in a prime location near Kymi Beach. It offers spacious rooms, excellent sea views, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for both families and couples.
- Ankypy Studios – A great budget-friendly option, these self-catering studios provide a cozy stay with kitchenettes, private balconies, and easy access to both the town and the beach.
- Mpalkoni tou Aigaiou – Father’s House – This charming guesthouse, perched on a hillside, boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean. With its traditional decor and peaceful setting, it’s perfect for a quiet getaway.
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What to Do in Kymi
Beaches
Kymi Beach and Platana Beach are the town’s most accessible and well-organized spots, offering golden sands, calm waters, and beachfront tavernas. Nearby, Soutsini Beach is rugged and great for snorkeling, while Thapsa Beach impresses with its turquoise waters and remote setting. Mourteri Beach is long and family-friendly, Kalogiros and Stomio are peaceful, and Metochi and Chiliadou to the north offer shaded sands and dramatic cliffs, popular with campers.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Moni Sotiros)
Located 4 km north of Kymi, this women’s monastery was founded in 1643 in a dramatic setting 250 meters above the Aegean, with views of Skyros. The large complex, resembling a fortress, features four wings and a defensive tower once built by monks. At its center stands the church of the Transfiguration, adorned with an ornate wooden iconostasis and rare portable icons. A highlight is the gold-embroidered epitaphios of the Deposition. The monastery played an active role in the Greek War of Independence, suffering destruction by Ottoman forces but later restored in 1847. During World War II, it became a refuge for resistance fighters and Allied soldiers fleeing to the Middle East. (location)
Agios Georgios Castle
Perched on a steep rock north of Kymi, above the village of Chili and the Monastery of Sotiras, Agios Georgios Castle is a Byzantine-era fortress of uncertain origin, later reinforced in the 13th century. Its strategic location allowed it to serve as a beacon station, transmitting fire signals to Skyros, the Sporades, Mount Athos, and inland Evia. The castle was renovated by the Frankish knight Licario, who ruled Evia under the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. Today, it lies in ruins, with sections of its walls, remnants of square towers, and a water cistern still visible. The natural rugged terrain provided additional fortification. The castle takes its name from the small church of Agios Georgios once within its walls, later rebuilt by nuns from the nearby monastery. (location)
Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Oxylithos
This Byzantine church features well-preserved 13th-century frescoes depicting Christ’s life. The church is central to local religious celebrations on August 15th. (location)
Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou’s House
Although not open to the public, the restored neoclassical house of Georgios Papanikolaou stands as a tribute to the pioneering scientist who changed the course of medical history. (location)
The House with the Arches
A distinctive architectural landmark in Kymi, the House with the Arches stands out with its elegant red and white arched façade. Nestled in a picturesque setting, it reflects the traditional neoclassical influences found in the town. (location)
Museums and Archaeological Sites
Kymi Folklore Museum
Housed in a neoclassical building, this museum displays 19th-century textiles, traditional costumes, and relics from the Balkan Wars. It also features a reconstructed traditional Kymi household. (location)
Archaeological Sites of Viglatouri Hill
This site near Oxylithos contains ancient pottery and tools, shedding light on Evia’s prehistoric past. Excavations have revealed settlements dating back to the Neolithic and Mycenaean eras. (location)
Potamia Archaeological Site
9 km south of Kymi, this archaeological site has revealed Mycenaean-era tombs, offering insight into the region’s ancient burial practices. Excavations have uncovered pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts, suggesting a once-thriving settlement with strong trade connections. (location)
Outdoor Activities and Natural Wonders
Hiking to the Mill of Santas
A scenic 1.5-hour trail from Andronianoi leads to 19th-century watermills and a stunning waterfall, surrounded by walnut and plane trees. (location)
Rock Climbing at Manikia
Manikia, a world-renowned climbing site, offers over 800 routes across 35 sectors, making it a haven for climbers of all levels. (location)
Manikiatis Waterfall
A hidden natural treasure, this 25-meter waterfall is reached via a picturesque trail through lush vegetation. The natural pools at the base offer a refreshing swim. (location)
Therapeutic Springs of Choneftiko
Just 1 km from Kymi, these iron-rich springs have been used since antiquity for their healing properties. The site remains free to visit. (location)
Where to Eat in Kymi
In the Upper Town
- Mouria 1923 – A historic taverna known for its authentic Greek dishes, warm atmosphere, and charming courtyard setting.
- Oikogeneiakón – A cozy, family-run restaurant offering homemade Greek cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
- Castello Pizza Restaurant – A great spot for pizza lovers, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes.
At the Beach
- To Aigaio / Spanos – A seaside taverna specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Greek meze with stunning Aegean views.
- Skyros Seafood Restaurant – A top choice for seafood lovers, offering a variety of freshly caught fish and seafood dishes.
- Oneiropagida – A beachfront barbecue restaurant offering grilled meats, hearty portions, and a laid-back ambiance with sea views.
History of Kymi
The history of Kymi stretches deep into antiquity, its legacy intertwined with the very foundations of Western civilization. Perched on the Aegean’s rugged coast, the settlement that once thrived here played a pivotal role in Greek expansion, most notably as the mother city of Cumae in Italy, the first Greek colony in the West. Founded in the 8th century BC by settlers from Kymi and Chalkida, Cumae introduced the Greek alphabet to Italy, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into the Latin script.
Despite its historical significance, the existence of ancient Kymi remained a topic of debate for centuries. By the late 19th century, scholars questioned whether the city had truly existed, as references in ancient texts were sparse, and no definitive ruins had been found. It wasn’t until 1984 that excavations at Viglatouri Hill, near Oxylithos, revealed evidence of a settlement dating back to the Mycenaean and Geometric periods. This hill, offering a commanding view of the sea and fertile valleys below, yielded pottery, tools, and remnants of fortifications, affirming Kymi’s place in antiquity. The presence of Mycenaean tombs in nearby Potamia further strengthened the theory that the area had been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times.
Kymi’s prominence faded after the rise of neighboring cities like Chalkida and Eretria. It vanishes from historical records during the Classical period, and by the Byzantine era, it was reduced to a small settlement. The 7th and 8th centuries AD brought devastating invasions, leaving the area nearly abandoned. Yet, by the 15th century, refugees from Crete and other parts of Greece breathed new life into the town, establishing the foundations of modern Kymi. The town’s name persisted, linking the new settlement to its ancient past.
During the Ottoman era, Kymi evolved into a maritime hub, with a fleet of merchant ships navigating the Aegean. It played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence, providing ships, supplies, and fighters. In retaliation, Ottoman forces razed the town between 1821 and 1823, forcing many inhabitants to flee. But resilience defined Kymi’s people—by 1847, the town was rebuilt, its economy revived by shipbuilding and trade.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Kymi flourished, becoming one of Evia’s largest towns, second only to Chalkida. Its merchants exported wine, olive oil, and dried figs across Europe. However, the arrival of steamships and the decline of traditional sailing vessels marked the beginning of economic hardship. By the 1930s, Kymi’s maritime prominence faded, and many residents emigrated in search of new opportunities.
Today, Kymi remains a place where history whispers through its landscapes, from the ruins on Viglatouri Hill to the quiet port that once launched ships toward the unknown. It is a town shaped by seafarers, scholars, and fighters—its story a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and resilience.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Skyros – A short ferry ride from Kymi, Skyros is the southernmost island of the Sporades, known for its unspoiled beaches, whitewashed villages, and rich folklore. The island’s castle, monasteries, and scenic hiking trails make it an excellent day trip.
- Avlonari – A charming medieval village with a well-preserved Venetian tower, stone-paved alleys, and traditional houses. It’s an ideal spot to experience authentic rural Evia and visit its historic churches.
- Aliveri – A bustling town with a mix of modern conveniences and historical charm. It serves as a gateway to southern Evia and offers excellent seafood tavernas along its coastal promenade.
- Eretria – One of Greece’s most significant ancient cities, Eretria boasts an impressive archaeological site, including a well-preserved theater, temples, and a fascinating museum showcasing its rich past.
- Steni – Nestled on the slopes of Mount Dirfys, this picturesque mountain village is perfect for nature lovers. With lush forests, hiking trails, and traditional tavernas serving local delicacies, Steni offers a refreshing escape from the coast.
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Photos
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