The best things to do in Northern Evia: A Hidden Gem of Greece

Northern Evia blends scenic hills, waterfalls, soothing thermal springs, and easy coastal living, an all-season escape where regenerating pine forests and calm scenery invite a slower rhythm

Specifically Edipsos, has been known since antiquity for its mineral-rich waters; and it's the location where Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel has been based since 1897. Today, the area remains one of Greece's most quietly compelling destinations for nature and wellness. Its heritage runs deep: ancient thinkers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle praised the therapeutic springs and the region's unique microclimate, a legacy you can still feel in every season.

The best things to do in Northern Evia

From thermal springs and forest trails to quiet waterfront towns and summer islets, Northern Evia rewards every season. Use this guide to plan a winter-first escape, then build out spring, summer, and autumn days with ease.

Year-round highlights (all seasons)

  • Thermae Sylla beach. From the spa's charming pier, crystalline sea blends with warm thermal outflow, uniquely soothing in any season.

  • Cave of Sylla. A remarkably preserved Roman-era site named for General Sylla, who sought relief from arthritis here, an evocative window into the area's curative past.

  • Church of St. John the Russian. A renowned spiritual landmark that draws pilgrims from around the world seeking restoration.

Osios David Monastery. A historic and tranquil pilgrimage site near Drymona, with serene courtyards and shaded, regenerating woodland. Easy to pair with the waterfall for a reflective day out.


Winter first: thermal calm & hushed villages (Dec-Feb)

  • Soak & reset in Edipsos. Winter is made for thermal wellness: mineral baths, steam rituals, and calm seaside strolls. As the region's historic landmark, Thermae Sylla anchors a restorative stay where thermal soaks pair naturally with focused programmes, including thermal detox guidance and dedicated thermal spa treatments.

  • Limni in soft light. A small amphitheatre-style town on Northern Evia's west shore, with a neoclassical waterfront and a long seaside promenade made for unhurried winter strolls. Expect cosy cafés under plane trees, soft light for photography, and low-key culture at the small local museum and historic churches. Best explored on foot-park at the edge-and easy to pair with a forest walk at Drymona or a thermal day in Edipsos.
Planning a wellness break? Our winter wellness tips help you arrive and depart feeling your best.

Spring: light hikes, new landscapes & heritage (Mar-May)

  • Beginner-friendly walks. Short, well-marked paths around Drymona and the surrounding countryside make gentle introductions to the season, with sections through renewed greenery; extend your route at an easy pace as days warm.

  • Culture & coast. Pair village wanderings and modest archaeological stops with a seaside lunch as the landscape turns lush.

  • Recovery made easy. After time on the trails, a personalised session from our therapeutic massages menu can help mobility and reduce post-hike muscle fatigue.

Summer: beaches, boat days & the Lichadonisia islets (Jun-Sep)

Lichadonisia by boat. Low-lying islets, glass-clear shallows, snorkelling, and glass-bottom trips; expect a castaway feel and long swims. Departures typically run from Kavos Lichada (seasonal services may vary).

  • Pefki Beach for long swims. A broad, accessible shoreline with calm waters and simple seaside amenities, ideal for unhurried swims and relaxed afternoons.

  • Ellinika Beach. Clear, shallow waters and a low-key setting for easy swims and quiet sunbathing, close to slopes where the forest is gradually returning.

If you're combining sea days with spa time, our guide to spa holidays greece highlights ways to weave wellness into your sunshine plans.


Autumn: harvest flavours, cool swims & empty trails (Oct-Nov)

  • Shoulder-season swims. Calmer promenades in Limni or Rovies and kinder water temperatures invite unhurried dips.

  • Local produce. Mushrooms, herbs, and the start of olive season make it a rewarding moment for food lovers. It is the perfect time to go on Wine and Olive tasting tours at a slow and unhurried pace.

Long walks. Cooler days are ideal for linking village paths or sampling segments of longer island trails.

Getting there & around

  • Fastest from Athens: drive to Arkitsa and take the car ferry to Edipsos (a short crossing that keeps the journey relaxed). For practical planning, see our location page.

  • Northern access: Glyfa ↔ Agiokambos ferries serve the north coast-useful when touring mainland Central Greece.

  • By road via Chalkida: scenic but longer, ideal if you're exploring central or southern Evia en route.

Where wellness leads the way: Thermae Sylla, Edipsos

For over a century, Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel has shaped the area's wellness identity-built beside springs celebrated since antiquity and known across Europe today. Guests come for natural thermal waters, targeted programmes, expert bodywork and tailored exploration, then use Edipsos as a calm base to discover the coastline, forests, and villages.

Whether you're here for a winter reset, a spring hiking weekend, or summer island-hopping, this is where the most rewarding things to do in Northern Evia begin and end in balance.