Looking for a weekend getaway from Athens that feels far away but isn’t? The east coast of Evia is a little over two hours from Athens Airport by car, with no ferry and no flight. Here is a relaxed 2–3 day plan around Agioi Apostoloi, Petries and Kymi, built around what our guests at Norte Luxury Villas enjoy most.
Why Evia for a weekend from Athens
- Easy to reach: Evia is joined to the mainland by two bridges at Chalkida, so you simply drive. See our step-by-step guide on how to get from Athens Airport to Evia.
- Quiet beaches: the Aegean side of central Evia is far less crowded than the islands, even in August.
- Real Greek villages: fishing harbours, hillside towns and tavernas that cook for locals, not tour groups.
Day 1 (Friday or Saturday): arrive and slow down
Leave Athens in the morning to avoid traffic and stop in Chalkida to watch the famous changing currents under the old bridge. Continue across the island to the east coast and check in by mid-afternoon.
Spend the rest of the day doing as little as possible: a swim in your private pool, then a walk down to Stomio beach in Agioi Apostoloi, just a few minutes away. In the evening, choose a fish taverna by the small harbour of Agioi Apostoloi or Petries. Our guide to where to eat in Agioi Apostoloi and Petries lists our favourites.
Day 2: beaches, Kymi and sunset
Morning: pick a beach and arrive early, while the sea is at its calmest. The coastline around Agioi Apostoloi and Petries has long sandy stretches as well as small coves you reach on foot. Our guide to hidden beaches in Evia will help you choose.
Midday: drive north to Kymi, a traditional town on a hillside above the sea, famous across Greece for its figs. Walk through the old town with its stone mansions and visit the Folklore Museum.
Afternoon: head down to the harbour at Paralia Kymis for a long lunch of fresh fish and meze, then back to the villa for an afternoon in the pool.
Evening: a barbecue in your own garden, or dinner out in Petries. Try local dishes such as fresh grilled fish and figs from Kymi; our article on Greek food in Evia has more ideas.
Day 3 (optional): one more swim, then home
If you can stay a third day, you can do a longer trip, for example to Lake Dystos and its ancient acropolis or to the old town of Eretria on the way back to Athens. See day trips from Agioi Apostoloi for routes and timings. Otherwise, enjoy a last morning swim, a slow breakfast in the garden and drive back after lunch, avoiding the Sunday evening traffic into Athens.
Where to stay: a private villa instead of a hotel room
For a short break, a private villa saves time and gives you more space. At Norte you have:
- your own private pool and garden, with no shared sunbeds;
- a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue for relaxed evenings;
- two bedrooms plus a sofa bed, ideal for couples, families or a group of friends;
- Stomio beach within walking distance.
Read more in villa vs hotel in Greece, or browse our private pool villas in Evia.
Practical tips
- Car: you need one. Rent at Athens Airport or drive your own.
- Best time: May to October for swimming; spring and autumn are the quietest. See the best time to visit Evia.
- Minimum stay: our villas can be booked from two nights, perfect for a weekend.
- Book direct: booking on our website gives you the best available price.