Location
Karystos
Karystos is the largest town and the administrative centre of the southern region of Evia. It is one of the oldest Greek settlements and according to one myth Karystos was the son of the gods Zeus and Filyra. On the other hand, the name may just be based on the Greek word for chestnuts, as many of them grow locally. There are many references to Karystos by ancient Greek writers, such as Homer and it has had a very varied and eventful history from the Dryopes in 3,500BC, the Bronze Age, through the Persian Wars, the Macedonian campaign, the Roman invasion, the Byzantine Empire and the Crusaders and Venetians, when the famous Castelorasso was built on the site of the ancient acropolis above the town. When Evia was finally liberated from four centuries of Turkish rule in 1833, the Greeks returned to build a new town which has been laid out in a comprehensive grid system.
These days the long, wide harbour frontage has many cafes, ouzerias and fish tavernas, with the well known Bourtzi fort at one end. As well as all the expected amenities and hotels there is an archaeological museum and a folklore museum. Karystos also has a hospital and English speaking vet. There are several fine beaches around the huge bay and the surrounding hillside villages are popular with a sizeable ex-pat community.
Karystos is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Dimosari Gorge and the fascinating, undiscovered and undeveloped mountain and coastal villages behind Mount Ochi. At 4586 feet, this is the second highest mountain on the island and said to be a favourite romantic meeting place of Zeus and Hera.
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