Evia’s nondescript capital is not an obvious destination for tourists and Athenians alike. Its draw for us? Family-friendly attractions, relaxed seafood dining, and a lovely beach within an hour’s drive of Athens.
Last updated 15 June 2026
Gateway to Evia, Chalkida links Greece’s second-largest island to the mainland via two bridges spanning the narrow Evripos Strait. With its ease of access, why isn’t it more popular than it is?
Without the obviously breathtaking to draw souvenir-seeking crowds, it’s easily overlooked. While I wouldn’t recommend it as a priority for a first trip to Greece, it makes an good day trip from Athens or a worthwhile stopover en route to Mandoudi, where summer ferries depart for the Sporades.
Here are five of our favourite haunts and activities with the kids in Chalkida:
1. WATERSIDE PROMENADE WALKS (& EATS)
Built along the Evian Gulf, the city’s waterside promenade is perfect for slow family strolls and kiddie scoots. Start from the iconic 19th century Red House on the northern end, where an assembly of cafes boasting elevated sea views sit beside wide open spaces where giggling children play tag.
The walk towards the old bridge is lined with trendy cafés and touristy moussaka-touting tavernas on stand-up banners at the entrance. The better restaurants are found past the old bridge where it gets quieter on the waterfront. Tsafaki is a modern ouzerie we keep returning to, where Evia’s exceptional shellfish and seafood are the stars of the menu. Just a few doors down, Euvous steakhouse pairs beautifully executed meats with a parade of standout appetisers.
The old drawbridge connects the mainland to the island at the strait’s narrowest point. Linger long enough and you might notice the “crazy waters” that confounded Aristotle with water currents that change directions eight times a day.
Past the bridge, a 10-minute walk down, is outdoor beach bar and restaurant Asteria. Here, the self-consciously hip gather for cocktails and club beats, alongside families that hover around a fenced playground. This is a space for everyone.
2. THE (MINI) FUN PARK
Close to the city square is a mini fun park that’s just the right size – not too large so adults are not hounded into spending hours, but with a handful of attractions for a brief fill of fun. A mini bumper car ring and eighties-era amusement park aside, trampolines by the sea are perfectly positioned for a sunset bounce.
3. BISKOTOGLYCO SWEET BOUTIQUE
Beside the Byzantine Church of Agia Paraskevi on Avantes Square lies one of our favourite sweet stops in Chalkida. Here, traditional Greek desserts sit alongside contemporary creations, each layered with the kind of textures and flavours that are the stuff of cake dreams. But it’s the velvety soft serve and artisanal ice cream the girls make a beeline for every visit. From this central spot, you’re not far the city’s main pedestrian-only shopping street (Avanton). From the square, it’s only a short stroll to Avanton, the city’s main pedestrian shopping street. If you’re navigating by Google Maps, simply pin Zara and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the retail district. Nearby, Piato is well worth a meal. Its calm, Scandinavian-inspired interiors provide the backdrop for beautifully executed modern Greek cuisine, while an excellent burger ensures even the fussiest young diners leave happy.
4. ALYKES – ROCK POOLS & BEACH BARS
Better than most beaches around Athens—and typically less crowded, though you’ll still want to arrive early for a sunbed on summer weekends—Alykes became our regular escape for a cooling dip when we lived in the capital. Its soft, pale sand and luminous turquoise waters feel almost out of place on rugged, volcanic Evia, offering a striking contrast to the island’s darker, wilder coastline.
For families, it’s an especially easy beach day. A string of welcoming beach bars lines the shore, several with playgrounds and bouncy castles that happily occupy younger children while parents linger over another coffee or leisurely lunch.
Daluz is our favourite in a quieter corner at the far end, with a shallow seabed that stretches for a distance, and decent-for-a-beach-bar fare they can serve to your beach lounger. Alternatively, kick-back on grassy lawns of Ippokampus under the shade of mulberry and fig trees.
On the edge of Alykes’ sandy stretches are rocky outcrops that only became truly fascinating after we had children. Their easy-to-reach rock pools teem with marine life. Endless are the hours they spend watching shrimp and baby fish dart between rocks, collecting and releasing tiny hermit crabs, and dislodging rocks in search of crabs and slithering brittle stars.
5. SEASIDE SEAFOOD DINING
Seafood is a highlight in Greece. And in Evia, there’s more to get excited about. Home to varieties of shellfish only available in these parts, Greeks come to Chalkida to feast on exotic, fresh-caught delicacies. Paleologos is a seaside tavern where our meals stretch for hours, in part because the kids find joy in running in circles in the little garden behind.
In it’s largeness, Evia doesnt quite feel like an island. But twenty minutes out from Chalkida’s city is Nea Artaki with a distinct island vibe, and more seafood taverns to choose from.
