Where To Eat, Sleep And Shop In Chic Chalkida On The Island Of Evia

Chalkida is the cultured, elegant capital city of Evia, Greece’s second-largest island. Once a major power in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, Evia is now a chic retreat from crowded Athens and is connected to the mainland by a bridge making it easily reachable by car in about one and a half hours.

Chalkida captivates visitors with its rapidly changing sea currents that have been dubbed the ‘crazy waters’ phenomenon. The city is also scattered with the remains of temples and relics, incongruously lying alongside cafes, boutique shops and local fish tavernas. If you have an eye for beauty, here’s how to have a design-oriented stay.

Where To Shop In Chalkida

Akanthos Ceramics, founded by Natasha and Antonis, is a pottery and ceramics studio with a creative vision steeped in the history of Evia and Greece. The products of Akanthos, named for its relation to the Greek flower, are all inspired by Ancient Greece, nature and culture. You can find everything from tableware to lighting fixtures and jewellery, and the shop also offers ceramic lessons and workshops.

11 Papadimitriou, Chalkida

For Your Eyes Only is a small fashion boutique, launched in 2023 by businesswoman Maria Kamperi. It specializes in Greek designers, stocking the likes of La Chaine, Sac Jeans and Mersevi Clothes. There is also a small selection of home goods such as candles and incense.

Aggelatou 18, Chalkída, Greece 34100

For more home decor, flowers, candles and potted plants, drop by Terra Alba Flower Shop. If you are looking to plan an event whilst in Chalkida, they also arrange beautiful floral table settings for weddings and private parties.

Φαρμακιδου 6, Chalkída, Greece 34100

Where To Eat In Chalkida

Grocery 1922, or Pantopolio 1922, is a family owned store and restaurant established over 100 years ago. The interior of the small shop transports you back in time and it sells traditional products of Greek producers. In the leafy courtyard outside, you can try Greek dishes crammed with fresh ingredients and paired with local wines.

Vaki 19, Chalcis 341 00

For more of an international cuisine, Raval, set above the ocean on a dock, serves a fresh seafood-themed menu inspired by Greek, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Aesthetes will enjoy the natural colour palette, mood lighting and plenty of plantlife. This restaurant bar turns into a nightclub later on with cocktails and scenic sea views.

Kαραολή και Δημητρίου 1, Chalkís, Evvoia, Greece

Things To Do In Chalkida

Have a beach day at Asteria Plage, which is always pretty with crocheted umbrellas and long lines of blue-wood sun loungers. It is a good spot to swim, play a game of beach volleyball or read a book on your sunbed. The Plage has a restaurant and bar, serving drinks and a Mediterranean-European-Greek menu at lunch and dinner, with vegetarian options also available.

Archiepiskopou Makariou 13, Xirovrisi 00, Greece

The Red House, a historic landmark built in 1884 on the coast, is situated on the quay on the north side of the city beach and is the perfect spot for a promenade walk and coffee break. The building has been restored with an iconic facade and stunning interiors.

Dim. Karaoli, Chalkida 341 00, Greece

Where To Stay: Brown Beach Chalkida

Four-star beachside resort Brown Beach Chalkida lies four kilometers from the Chalkida old bridge and Chalkida’s town centre on the coast of Agios Minas beach. There’s a swimming pool and pool bar, an Italian Trattoria overlooking the sea, tennis courts, a gym and a spa and wellness centre.

Brown Beach Chalkida is a beach-front retreat suitable for both couples and families. The Blue Stories centre on-site provides guests with activities suitable for the whole family, including a floating aqua park, canoes, pedal boats, sups and diving gear, which guests can use for free for one hour per day, or hire for longer periods.