KAMENA VOURLA, … both mountain and sea.

If you have had your fill of swimming at the beaches of north Euboean Gulf, just head to the mountains…  The wonderful Knimida and Kalidromo mountains are waiting for you to drive their fascinating routes and feel the fresh breath of pure nature in this charming, well known, but yet unexplored destination.

First impressions

Built on the shore of the north Euboean gulf, where the steep Knimida mountain leans towards the sea, at the location of the ancient Locrians’ city of Thronio, Kamena Vourla is nowadays one of the best known spas in Greece, internationally known for its radium hot springs.  Although the new plotting of the National Highway may bypasses the town, it provides quick access to several neighbouring mountainous areas.

Nearby beaches

Swimming is allowed along the entire shore of Kamena Vourla. There are organized beaches that provide all amenities. A bit to the north lies the shallow beach of Kenourgio, which is ideal for children. To the south of the dorp, lies the best beach of the area, Asproneri. You will find almost the same scenery at Kopelia beach, with planes placing their roots in sea water.

Hot springs

The hot springs of Kamena Vourla are thermo-metallic and due to their high content in natural metals, salts and radon, count amongst the most important hot springs of Europe! They are advantageous for kidney, liver, and peptic diseases, chronic rheumatism, etc. The facilities are modern, perfectly organized, with special pools for sulphurous and sodium treatments. Most efficacious are also the springs of “Milos Koniaviti” and “Kalindika” nearby (Info +30 22350 22982, & +30 22350 22245).

Lihadonisia

You reach your hands and touch them… The small Lihadonisia islands are located very close to the shore of Kamena Vourla and are perfect for swimming in calm waters. Closer to the shore of Fthiotida lies Stroggyli island with its characteristic light-house as well as the oblong Monolia island with the church of St. George.

In the background, the northern point of Euboea is palely outlined, completing the Mediterranean character of the area www.lichadonisia.com.

Ancient Kalidromo mountain

Kalidromo mountain (1399 m altitude) delimits its presence between the plain and the waters of the Malian gulf. It became known from the Persian Wars. At the time, the sea extended almost up to the feet of the mountain leaving a small passage free that was the only communication point between the north and the south of Greece. During the Battle of Thermopylae, in 480 BC- Ephialtis, the traitor, led the Persian army through the forest of Kalidromo thus surrounding the 300 Spartan and 700 Thespian warriors. On the National Highway lies the modern monument in the honor of the heroic ancient Greek defenders.

Outdoor activities

The area is good for adventure sports (hiking, flying fox, canyoning) in Knimida and Kalidromo, as well as for organized excursions to Lihadonisia https://inaction.guide/ 

Don’t miss

View from above

Climbing the asphalt road will take you to the Monastery of Metamorfosi Sotira (4 km ) which boasts an exquisite view (400 m altitude). The church (12^th century) – a three-aisle Basilica without a dome – was built using materials from an ancient temple. From here, the road continues to the village of Karya, which is built at a height of 800 m. on the southern firred slopes of Knimida Mountain (13 km from Kamena Vourla).

The castle of Mendenitsa

From the national highway, you will reach Mendenitsa mountainous village to visit the medieval Frankish castle. It was built after the first fall of Constantinople by the knights of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. At its position pre-existed fortification works of the Hellenistic period.

Copyright photo: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

Copyright text: Germaine Alexakis/ Views Of Greece

“Views Of Greece” travel photojournalism – Discover the real Greece with the experts

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• 300 spartans
• hot springs
• kamena vourla
• thermopylae