Visit Kymi Evias in Central Greece and indulge in the magic of a “balcony to the Aegean Sea”.
Kymi (Κύμη), located in central Evia (or Euboea) and along the Aegean shore, is a relatively unknown and picturesque tourist destination. It is positioned on a mountainside and overlooks the central Aegean, earning the nickname “balcony to the Aegean Sea”. It is a former marine city with a lengthy history that is reflected in its modern settlement, albeit the fact that its connection to the sea is not as strong as it previously was. The city has plenty to offer visitors, and in this article, we only discuss attractions that are specific to the city itself.
A short history of Kymi
Strabo provides proof of the existence of a city in antiquity with the name Kymi. He stated that the city of Kymi (Cuma) in Campania, Italy, was named after Kymi in Evia. Newer academics, however, contest the ancient city’s existence. The city first appeared in the present-day region in the 18th century. Following the establishment of the Greek state, Kymi became a major Greek maritime hub, with 400 sailing ships in 1854. With 4,400 residents in 1889, it was Evia’s second-largest settlement after Chalkida.
The Kymi commercial fleet went extinct in 1930 after motorised ships took the place of the sailing ships. Nowadays, agriculture is the primary occupation of the locals. Figs are a unique native product of the region. The local cooperative smokes and dries the figs with sulphur, giving them a unique hue and sour flavour.
If you wish to understand more about the city’s history, you should visit Kymi’s Folklore Museum. The museum opened in 1981 and is the largest in Evia. It has almost 1,600 artefacts in its collection. These things include traditional clothes and apparel, fabrics, embroidery, metal and ceramic objects, and works of art by local artisans.
The main square of Kymi
Every tour of Kymi begins at the city’s main square, known as Papanikolaou Square (Πλατεία Παπανικολάου). The square serves as the hub of the city’s business and social activities. The traditional cafes surrounding the plaza coexist with the modern ones, forming a gathering spot at all hours of the day.
The metropolitan church, dedicated to Saint Athanasius (Άγιος Αθανάσιος) and erected in 1932, stands out in the middle. In addition to the remarkable frescoes, the church contains the wooden carved iconostasis of the previous church on this location. This iconostasis dates back to 1869 and features ornate elements in Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Byzantine styles. The church also has various icons, including four by Fotis Kontoglou. Finally, an interesting and curious building on the square is the old inn, which is linked to the raised side of the square by a little bridge.
George Papanikolaou, the world-renowned Greek physician, biologist, and researcher, grew up in a house located just one street away from the square in Kymi. His family is commemorated by an inscription displaying his name on the exterior of the building, which is a typical example of the mansions found in the area.
The old houses of Kymi
A walk through the streets surrounding the main square reveals Kymi’s aristocratic and wealthier past. You come across a sequence of stunning residences and mansions. Some were constructed in the 19th century by Epirus craftsmen. These structures are typically large or public. The smaller ones, intended for less prominent inhabitants of the area, were evidently constructed by local builders. These building’s corners and openings are made of the same material, but with no particular distinctive shaping, and they form a single surface with the masonry.
Along with these buildings, neoclassical houses would be developed during the 19th and early 20th century. There are buildings that are often two or three floors tall, owned by large families with strong ties to the capital or, at the very least, Chalkida, and are generally plain with no excessive aspects. Of course, the elevation and plan show neoclassical symmetry, and the roof is hipped.
According to Wikipedia, one of the most prominent houses is at 17 Agias Triadas Street. This house has been recognised as a work of art due to its exceptional traditional stone-built, tiled-roofed house built in 1873. Another is the two-storey structure on Paralia Avenue and Kosti Palama, which is a representative example of local architecture from the late 19th century, with interesting morphological and structural components.
Panagia Liaoutsianissa
The majestic Church of the Assumption of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) was built in 1849 in the settlement of Liaoutsianissa (Λιαουτσιάνισσα). It was created in an innovative style using native yellow-red stone. Its iconostasis was created by Ioannis Chalepas (father of Yannoulis Chalepas) and eight other Tinian sculptors. Since 1965, the holy church has been registered as a monument. The Virgin Mary’s icon came in Kymi from the East, followed by a myth reminiscent of the finding of other miraculous icons in Greece.
According to legend, a shipwreck caused a vast amount of timber to wash up on Mavra Litharia’s beach. Every night, the people observed a light floating, but when they approached it, it disappeared. During the day, many people visited this place to collect wood from the wreckage. Two servants from more prosperous families also attended. When they started selecting wood, they came across the icon of the Virgin Mary. The icon was subsequently transferred to Kymi’s Saint Athanasius Church. However, at night, the icon magically left Saint Athanasius and landed at the current location of the church.
The church is only open when a ceremony is being held, so it is not very easy to find it open.
Chili
Just 5 km from the centre of Kymi, and through an asphalt road, you find yourself in the fishing village of Chili (Χίλη). This is a unique settlement on the edge of Evia with a few traditional houses and some newly built ones, that gaze majestically at the vastness of the Aegean Sea.
Below the fishermen’s huts, there are spaces where they pull their boats to protect them from harsh weather. Also on the rocks, you can observe various devices used by the people to hoist the boats and nets. The small village does not appear to be thriving, and the older houses have an air of neglect. However, the faint sense of decay and the colour of rust generate intriguing and memorable images.
The beaches of Kymi
Kymi, because to its proximity to the sea, boasts a number of very good beaches. Limanaki (Λιμανάκι), Platana (Πλατάνα), and Soutsini (Σουτσίνι) beaches are located directly below the city, before and after the port, and provide various facilities. In fact, due to its location, the beach of Soutsini is not easily affected by the weather and hence attracts a large number of people during the summer, particularly when there are strong winds. Stomio (Στόμιο), the first beach you see when arriving from Chalkida, is also a nice option. The beach has a beach bar but is exposed to northerly winds.
Mourteri (Μουρτερή), located around 25 kilometres from Kymi, is one of Evia’s largest beaches. You can enjoy your coffee and swim with your own equipment or by using the services of the beach bars. The beach’s rich blue colours are spectacular, although swimming is difficult when there are northerly winds. Finally, although it is not in the same municipality, the beach of Korasida (Κορασίδα), 30 kilometres from the Kymi’s centre, is a must-see. It is one of Evia’s most beautiful beaches, and it is easily accessible via an asphalt road. It is unorganised, yet there are taverns with various conveniences. The white stones of Korasida, along with its deep blue waters, are an unforgettable sight.
Baklava and other culinary delights
Aside from the monuments and natural beauty, Kymi surely has some culinary marvels. Besides the dried figs described earlier, two other traditional products worth trying are amygdalota (marzipan) and baklava. Kymi’s marzipans are baked in the oven. They resemble three-dimensional stars rather than round or bite-sized treats like those seen elsewhere in Greece. On the other hand, Kymi’s baklava is the most polished traditional delicacy. One hundred thin sheets of pastry are combined with fresh butter and filled with almonds or walnuts. If you want something light, go with almond baklava; if you want something heavier and more flavourful, go with walnut. You can try the best amygdalota and baklava in Kymi at the Diethnes (Διεθνές) cafe-pastry shop and the Sideraki St. Sisters (Αφες Στ. Σιδεράκη) cafe-workshop, both located on the main square.
Kymi also has some exceptional taverns serving quality local and Greek cuisine. Among them in Kymi, we recommend the tavern Mouria 1923 (Μουριά 1923) for its delicious and high-quality food, excellent service, and nicely decorated space. Kapitsalio (Καπιτσαλιό) also offers generous quantities and delicious Greek cuisine. Finally, the greatest place to get fresh seafood near the sea is the Psaras (Ψαράς) tavern in Platana.
Where to stay
While Kymi has many wonderful lodging alternatives, we recommend one as the best option for visiting the area. The 3-star Villa Serafeim hotel is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Kymi in Evia, featuring a sunbathing terrace and an outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel features Wi-Fi, provided throughout the property. All of the air-conditioned rooms are complete with a TV as well as a coffee maker and fridge, and some of them include a balcony and a terrace. Guests can make use of a walk-in shower and a separate toilet, along with hair dryers and bath sheets. The views of the Aegean Sea from the hotel are breathtaking. The hotel is located 4 km from the port of Kymi.
A balcony to the Aegean Sea
Kymi is an outstanding destination. It has a strong maritime heritage, gorgeous buildings, and delicious food, and it is positioned in a unique setting. Its location allows for a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, and the combination of sea and land makes it an attractive resort throughout the year. At the same time, it can be your base for exploring the surrounding area. Also, the only ship that connects the beautiful island of Skyros with mainland Greece departs daily from its port.
In fact, combining Kymi and Skyros in one trip provides a unique and remarkable experience in which you will visit two of Greece’s most beautiful, pristine, and magnificent destinations. This journey not only allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of both locations but also offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, from swimming to enjoying the local cuisine. With stunning landscapes and warm hospitality awaiting you, this adventure promises to be a memorable one.
