Set on a crescent-shaped bay in southern Evia, directly across from the port of Rafina, Marmari is one of those rare places that manages to feel both completely Greek and strangely tropical. With its panoramic views of the Petalioi Islands, whitewashed houses, and proximity to spectacular beaches and mountains, Marmari feels worlds away—yet it’s barely an hour from mainland Attica by ferry.
What was once a humble fishing village with a handful of stonecutters and seasonal workers has quietly become a summer destination for Greeks and, increasingly, northern Europeans seeking something less crowded than the Cyclades but no less beautiful. With steady winds that draw windsurfers from across Europe and a coastline dotted with secluded coves, Marmari has slowly made a name for itself—without ever losing its understated charm.
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.
Affiliation disclosure: By purchasing goods or services via the links contained in this post, I may be earning a small commission from the seller's profit, without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
How to Get to Marmari
The easiest and fastest way to reach Marmari is by ferry from the port of Rafina, located about 30 km east of central Athens and easily accessible by car or bus. The ferry crossing takes approximately one hour and brings you directly to Marmari’s harbor. The ticket costs €12. At least three routes per day run year-round (up to five on summer weekends), making it easy to also visit on a day trip. Once, we made it all the way to the Dragon House at the top of Mount Ochi and back to Athens in a single day. You can check current schedules and book tickets here.
You don’t need a car once you’re in Marmari, but if you’re planning to explore the more remote beaches or hike the nearby mountain trails, driving gives you flexibility. If you’re coming from Chalkida, the capital of Evia, Marmari is about 113 kilometers southeast (around a two-hour drive via Styra and Karystos).
If you haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
Where to Stay in Marmari
Marmari has a growing number of accommodation options, ranging from classic seaside hotels to quiet self-catering homes. Here are three solid picks, depending on the kind of stay you’re after:
- Traditional Summer House in Marmari – A charming, no-frills house in a quiet corner of the village, this is a great choice if you want something cozy and authentic. It’s within walking distance of the beach and local tavernas, and well-suited for a slower-paced holiday.
- Marmari Bay Hotel – One of the village’s best-known hotels, Marmari Bay offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool with panoramic views, and a restaurant terrace overlooking the harbor. It’s a great all-round option, especially if you want easy access to both the beach and the town center.
- Villa Marmari – This stylish holiday home is ideal if you’re after a more private setting. Set just outside the village, it offers a peaceful stay with a garden, terrace, and full kitchen—perfect for families or couples who prefer self-catering and extra space.
Explore more options on the convenient map below:
Stay22 is a handy tool that lets you search for and compare stays and experiences across multiple platforms on the same neat, interactive map. Hover over the listings to see the details. Click on the top-right settings icon to adjust your preferences; switch between hotels, experiences, or restaurants; and activate clever map overlays displaying information like transit lines or concentrations of sights. Click on the Show List button for the listings to appear in a list format. Booking via this map, I will be earning a small cut of the platform's profit without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
What to Do in Marmari
While the surrounding beaches and landscapes often steal the spotlight, Marmari itself is worth taking time to explore. The waterfront promenade is the heart of the village, especially in the evenings when the road turns pedestrian-only and families, cyclists, and couples take leisurely strolls past cafés and tavernas. In its midst, you find the Church of Saint George, a local landmark with a peaceful courtyard and typical island-style architecture. Behind the port, there’s a small but pleasant beach with calm waters, ideal for a quick swim if you don’t feel like venturing far.
Swim and Kite-Surf at Megali Ammos Beach
Marmari’s crown jewel is Megali Ammos, a breathtaking beach known for its ever-changing shape. This long, golden sandbar stretches into the sea and shifts slightly each summer with the northern winds, forming a striking, curved “tongue” of sand that has become iconic. It gained international attention in 2020 after appearing in a Greek National Tourism campaign—and for good reason. The water is shallow and bright turquoise, perfect for swimming or just lounging under the sun.
But Megali Ammos is more than just a pretty face. Thanks to the strong Meltemi winds, it’s also a top destination for windsurfing and kite-surfing, with dedicated schools operating on-site. If you’re curious to try, check out Kitegreece. The beach is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and occasional sunset DJ sets that make it come alive at night. The beach is located here, about 2 km south of Marmari.
Read more about Megali Ammos:
Megali Ammos, Evia: Greece’s Top Kitesurf Beach near Athens
Sail Around the Petalioi Islands
Off the coast of Marmari lies a cluster of ten small islands known as the Petalioi, sometimes referred to as the “Seychelles of Greece.” These privately owned islets feature pine forests, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches that feel utterly untouched. While access to the interiors is restricted, the beaches are public, and you can swim, snorkel, or explore by boat or kayak.
Local fishermen offer boat rides from Marmari’s harbor to the Petalioi during the summer. Keep your eyes peeled—these islands have hosted royalty, celebrities, and jet-setters for over a century, from Paloma Picasso to Winston Churchill. Today, however, their beaches are yours to enjoy.
Marmari also features a small public port for sailors exploring the Euboic Gulf, which was listed by National Geographic as one of the top 10 sailing destinations worldwide. You can read here the story of one of my own sailing trips from Chalkida to Marmari.
Hike the Dimosaris Gorge
Just inland from Marmari rises Mount Ochi, a rugged and forested peak that hides one of Evia’s natural wonders: the Dimosaris Gorge. This lush, shady ravine starts high on the mountain and winds its way down to the Aegean Sea, finishing at the remote Kallianos Beach.
The full hike is about 10 kilometers (starting from Petrokanalo at 954 meters altitude), and it’s not particularly difficult. If you’d rather sample a shorter section, start from the village of Lenoseoi and walk the old stone path known as Skala Lenoseon—a medieval route that was once the only connection between inland villages and the coast.
Whichever route you choose, expect waterfalls, cool pools, ancient trees, and complete immersion in one of the most verdant corners of southern Evia.
Read more:
Dimosaris Gorge to Kallianos Beach: Scenic Hike on South Evia
Where to Eat in Marmari
Despite its size, Marmari offers a satisfying range of dining spots that cater to both local flavors and casual cravings.
- Taverna To Spitiko – One of the most beloved tavernas in town, this place lives up to its name (“the little home”) with traditional Greek cooking and a welcoming, unfussy vibe. Expect classic dishes like grilled sardines, shrimp saganaki, and slow-cooked stews, served with hearty sides and house wine.
- To Gyradiko tou Liotsou – For a fast, satisfying bite, this no-frills grill is where to go. Their gyros—whether pork or chicken—are well-seasoned and wrapped just right, with crispy fries tucked inside. Great for takeaway, but there’s also seating if you want to eat on the spot.
- Pizza Litsa – This long-standing pizza joint is a hit with locals and visitors alike. The crusts are thin and crisp, the toppings generous, and the service warm. They also offer pasta and salads—easy comfort food after a long day in the sun.
- Sunset Café – As the name suggests, this is the place to watch the sun go down with a coffee or cocktail in hand. Right by the water, Sunset Café serves espresso, juices, light snacks, and sweets during the day, then shifts into a mellow evening spot for drinks.
A Brief History of Marmari
Though inhabited since antiquity due to its strategic harbor, Marmari as a modern village began to take shape in the 1920s. Migrants from the Argolida region and Laconia (particularly Vatika and Neapoli) came here seeking fishing and stoneworking opportunities. The area’s marble and slate deposits—still extracted today—played a crucial role in its early economy.
Tourism followed decades later. In the 1950s and 1960s, low-income Athenian families started spending their summers here. The village’s first hotel, the now well-known Marmari Bay, was built during this era. In the 21st century, Marmari has slowly attracted international visitors—especially from central Europe and Italy—and even hosts cultural festivals organized by the Municipality of Karystos each summer.
Places to Visit nearby
- Karystos: A lively town with a Venetian fortress, beach promenade, and ferry access to the Cyclades.
- Kallianos Beach: Where the Dimosaris Gorge meets the sea—wild, beautiful, and usually uncrowded.
- Agios Dimitrios Beach: A remote, dreamlike beach with a stream, stalactite cave, and dazzling water.
- Giannitsi Beach and Castle: Remote, scenic beach near the ruins of the Venetian castle of Fylagra.
- Archampolis Gorge: A hidden natural gorge ending in a secret beach accessible only by boat.
Video
Photos
View (and feel free to use) all my photographs from Marmari in higher resolution.
