Perched at 85 m above the Aegean and offering sweeping views across to Skiathos and Skopelos, the village of Vasilika and its seaside extension Psaropouli deliver a rare dual pleasure: mountain tranquillity and beachside charm. With fewer than 400 permanent residents, it’s a place of stone houses, warm hospitality, and family-run tavernas. Come summer, crystal-clear waters, pebble-and-sand shores, and lively beach energy bring this corner of North Evia alive.
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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How to Get There
Vasilika stands about 90 km from Chalkida (a ~1.5-hour drive via Mantoudi → Agia Anna) and 32 km from Istiaia, perched on North Evia’s Aegean coast. The seaside hamlet, Psaropouli, lies just 2.5 km below the village, linked by winding mountain roads that descend to a 4–5 km long beach.
Psaropouli also has a small port that can accommodate small sailboats. It was one of the stops in Evia’s Regatta in 2019, when I had the chance to race as part of a friend’s crew. The village had organized a special evening with music and traditional dances for the occasion—a genuinely fun time to be there.
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.
Where to Stay in Vasilika & Psaropouli
If you’re planning a summer escape to Vasilika and Psaropouli, you’ll find several cozy and well-kept places to stay right by the sea. Here are two standout options:
- Agkyra Studios—Just steps from the beach in Psaropouli, Agkyra Studios offers simple, clean, and functional accommodations surrounded by greenery. Each unit features a kitchenette, making it a good choice if you prefer to cook a few meals during your stay. The setting is peaceful, ideal if you’re looking to unwind without distractions.
- Hotel Orama—A relaxed beachfront hotel with direct sea views and a breezy, laid-back atmosphere. Orama has spacious rooms with balconies and serves breakfast outdoors under pine trees. It’s particularly convenient if you want to be within walking distance of both the sea and the beachside tavernas.
Explore more options on the convenient map below:
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What to See & Do in Vasilika & Psaropouli
Hike Vasilika Hill
Wander through the picturesque village streets, admire traditional stone homes, and absorb views of the Euboean hills and the Aegean below.
Swim & Relax at Psaropouli Beach
The main beach stretches four to five kilometers, with a mix of pebble and sand, and waters that shift from turquoise to deep blue depending on the light. Whether you seek a solo sunbathing spot or beach bar atmosphere with umbrellas and loungers, it caters to both.
- Don’t miss the “black rock” with the roadside icon shrine—a local highlight.
- Book a boat trip to Skiathos and Skopelos from the small harbor during summer.
Visit neighboring beaches
Just a 7-minute drive west sits Ellinika Beach, a family-friendly sandy cove guarding the tiny islet of Agios Nikolaos (“Saint Nicholas”) in its bay. Though watch your step—sea urchins are known to lurk near the islet.
History and Name Origins of Vasilika & Ellinika
The stories of Vasilika and its seaside sibling Ellinika are steeped in the salty winds of the Aegean and the haze of ancient wars. According to local lore, these two neighboring villages owe their names to a defining moment in Greek–Persian history—the legendary Naval Battle of Artemisium in 480 BCE.
During this clash, part of the larger Greco-Persian conflict, Persian and Greek fleets are said to have anchored in adjacent bays. The “royal ships” of the Persians (ta vasilika) supposedly found safe harbor in the bay near today’s Vasilika, while the Greek vessels (ta ellinika) took shelter just next door—in what is now known as Ellinika. Hence, the names: Vasilika, referencing the Persian fleet’s royal status, and Ellinika, meaning “Greek” in Greek, marking the resistance force.
Though historians still debate the precise locations of these fleets, the legend is powerful in shaping local identity. Even the landscape lends credibility to the tale: the two coastal plains curve toward one another like a frozen naval standoff.
This maritime myth, passed down through generations, continues to resonate, especially when standing on the shores of these villages and gazing across the channel toward the Sporades. Whether truth, folklore, or a blend of both, the etymology ties the present-day tranquility of Vasilika and Ellinika to a much stormier past.
Where to Eat & Drink
Most of the dining and drinking action in Vasilika happens around the small port of Psaropouli, where you’ll find a laid-back promenade dotted with classic seaside establishments. Here are some recommendations.
- For seafood: O Thalassinos – Located right on the Psaropouli waterfront, this is a beloved meze-taverna and ouzeri. Under tamarisk trees and by the sea breeze, you’ll find generous platters of fresh fish and seafood meze, paired naturally with ouzo or tsipouro—a perfect spot for casual lunches or seaside evenings.
- For drinks and snacks: Ippokampos – Just steps off the main road from the beach, this place serves up coffees, pizzas, and quick snacks during the day and transforms into a relaxed bar at night. It’s ideal for a mid-afternoon break or an evening drink after a dip in the sea—easy, unfussy, and friendly.
- In the upper village of Vasilika: Veranta Tavern – With breezy views over the valley and mountain air, it’s the best place for hearty grilled meats, traditional casseroles, and a relaxed evening out of the seaside heat.
Places to Visit nearby
- Ellinika Beach – Sandy, shallow, great for kids, with an islet hosting the chapel of Agios Nikolaos.
- Agia Anna, Pefki, Ahiladi, Gouves – Neighboring coastal hamlets worth exploring for scenic variety and authentic village cafés.
- Metaxa WWII Bunker – A hidden hillside relic from WWII, offering a glimpse into wartime history and sweeping valley views.
- Xiron Oros & Drymonas Waterfall – Towering above Vasilika, Xiron Oros offers sweeping mountain views, while a short drive away, the shaded trail to Drymonas Waterfall rewards you with a tranquil forest cascade.
Video
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Vasilika and Psaropouli in higher resolution.
