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Greece: Evia & the Sporades

Overview

Nearest Airports – Athens, Skiathos and Skyros (international).

The island of Evia (pop. 165,000), the second-largest in Greece after Crete, lies just off the coast of mainland Greece – to which it’s joined by a suspension bridge – north of Athens. The main town, Halkída, is a big industrial centre and port and is of little interest to visitors. There are some beautiful villages in the centre and north of the island, including Stení, the starting point for the climb to the top of Mount Dirfys (1,743m/5,718ft), Evia’s highest mountain. The south of the island has a number of resorts, although they’re generally more popular with Greeks than foreigners. There are some good beaches to the north and east. Property prices vary hugely from ?30,000 for a village ruin to over ?1 million for a luxury villa. Rental potential is good, particularly if you cater for the Greek market.

The Sporades lie to the north and east of Evia and are a collection of 11 islands, of which four are inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros.

Alonnisos (pop 2,700) is a green island and the least developed of the four, with many natural harbours (no mooring fees). The surrounding waters are a ‘marine conservation park’ with some of the cleanest waters in the Aegean – a paradise for divers. This is a quiet, peaceful island with little nightlife and a reputation for excellent food. The island isn’t easy to get to and only has one road. There’s a shortage of building land, but available plots range from €60,000 to over €100,000 and a new two-bedroom house costs from €150,000.

Skiathos (pop 6,160) is one of Greece’s most attractive islands with an abundance of dense woods, rugged mountains, golden-sand beaches, azure seas and enchanting villages – many believe it’s the most beautiful island in the Aegean. Koukounaries Bay in the south-west lays claim to one of the best beaches. It’s a popular (and busy) tourist destination and home to a relatively large expatriate population, although it’s also one of Greece’s most expensive islands. The property market is somewhat limited and prices start at €160,000 for apartments, €250,000 for townhouses and €280,000 for small villas.

Skopelos (pop 4,700) is extensively cultivated and less developed due to its pebbly beaches, although the island is popular with hikers. The capital, Skopelos Town, is one of the prettiest towns in the Aegean and the island is more of a retreat than a resort – not for nothing are there more than 125 churches! There’s a good choice of property on the island, with prices starting at €70,000 for a traditional house and €50,000 for a 100m2 plot in town with permission to build up to 160m2.

Skyros (pop 2,600) is different from the other Sporades islands and more reminiscent of the Cyclades in its architecture. Its capital, Skyros Town, boasts some extremely attractive traditional architecture. The north of the island is green and fertile, while the south is generally barren. Skyros is home to many artists and offers numerous holiday courses ranging from cooking to Reiki. This creative island isn’t easy to get to and the airport has no flights from the UK.

Communications in the region vary considerably, although as would be expected, Evia has good road and rail connections with the mainland, and regular local bus and ferry services. Skiathos and Skyros both have international airports, although flights are infrequent outside the summer tourist season. There’s a regular ferry service between the islands and the mainland in summer, but this is much reduced in winter. Although there are bus services on the islands, private transport is often essential.

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Greece” 3rd Edition, Joanna Styles.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on buying a home in Greece can be found in “Buying a Home in Greece” 3rd edition, by Joanna Styles.

For extensive information about buying a property in Greece, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net

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