Euboea (Evia): Greece’s second-largest island and its geography, history, and economy
Euboea (Evia) is the second-largest Greek island. Lying along the eastern Greek mainland, it has rugged interior mountains, fertile coastal plains, a long history from antiquity to modern industry, and key ports such as Chalkida.
Overview
Euboea (also spelled Evia) is a large Greek island lying close to the eastern coast of Greece. With an area of about 3,655 km² it is the second-largest island in the country after Crete. The island runs roughly parallel to the mainland and is separated from it by narrow straits, which has shaped its history, economy and transport links.
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Geography and landscape
Euboea stretches along the Aegean coast opposite regions such as Boeotia and Attica. Much of its coastline faces the Aegean Sea, while its interior is a mix of mountainous ridges, forested slopes and agricultural lowlands. The island’s varied terrain supports olive groves, vineyards and pine and oak woodlands, and provides scenic beaches and rocky headlands along long, indented shores.
History and cultural significance
Human presence on Euboea dates back to prehistoric times and the island played an active role in the classical Greek world: important ancient city-states were established along its coasts and communities from Euboea took part in maritime trade and colony-founding. Over centuries the island shared in the wider currents of Greek, Byzantine and later Ottoman history and today retains archaeological sites, classical ruins and traditional settlements that reflect that layered past.
Economy, uses and tourism
The island’s economy blends agriculture, forestry and modern industry with growing tourism. Coastal towns and resorts attract domestic and foreign visitors in summer for beaches, sailing and cultural tours. Inland areas support farming—especially olives, fruit and some grazing—and there are industrial centers where energy and mineral extraction have been developed in modern times.
Administration, transport and main towns
Administratively Euboea was long recognised as one of the country’s prefectural units (prefectures) and remains an important regional unit within Greece. The principal urban centre and island capital is Chalkida, a port town located where the island is closest to the mainland. Other notable towns include Eretria, Karystos and Aliveri. Road and ferry connections plus short bridges link the island to the Greek mainland, making it readily accessible from Athens and nearby regions.
Notable features and distinctions
- Close coastal alignment with the mainland gives Euboea a long, narrow shape and extensive shoreline.
- The narrow strait at Chalkida is famous for strong tidal currents that reverse direction several times a day — a local maritime curiosity.
- Rich archaeological remains and varied landscapes make Euboea a destination for both cultural tourism and outdoor activities.
For further reading on regional geography, transport and cultural sites see specialist guides and regional resources on Greek islands and coastal communities.
Name
Like most Greek islands, Euboea was formerly known by other names, for example as Μάκρις Makris, and Δολίχη Doliche, referring to the shape of the island, or as Ellopia, Aonia and Abantis after the tribes inhabiting it (see Abantes). The ancient and present name Εὔβοια is derived from εὖ 'good' and βοῦς 'cattle'. This gives the meaning 'land of well-fed cattle'.
In the Middle Ages, Byzantine authors used the names Chalkis and Euripos for the island (transferred from the name of the capital and the strait, respectively) in addition to Euboia. When the Venetians occupied the area in the 13th century, they called the island Negroponte.
Geography
Euboea is separated from the Greek mainland by the long Gulf of Euboea. It is believed that Euboea was originally part of the Greek mainland and was separated from it by an earthquake. Since the island lies near a fault line and, moreover, both Thucydides and Strabon report shaking of the northern part of the island, such a scenario is quite conceivable.
The strait between Euboea and the Greek mainland is called Euripos (Porthmós Evrípou) at Chalkida, where it is narrowest at only 40 metres. The unusually strong tidal changes at this point have attracted great interest since ancient times. The current changes its direction frequently and very suddenly, while its strength remains the same. The first bridge was built at this point in 410 BC, in the 21st year of the Peloponnesian War. The strait in the north - between the northern foothills of the island and the coast of Thessaly - is 2.4 kilometres wide at its narrowest point.
The largest mountains on the island are Dirphys (1745 m), Pyxaria (1341 m) in the northeast and Ochi (1394 m).
Besides the main town of Chalkida, there are a number of small towns: Karystos, Kymi, Psachna, Aliveri, Loutra Edipsou and Limni.
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AlegsaOnline.com Euboea (Evia): Greece’s second-largest island and its geography, history, and economy Leandro Alegsa
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