Culture and food in Karystos
Explore the landmarks, architecture, villages and food of Karystos and the surrounding area in South Evia.
Sources reviewed: 07/11/2026
The history of Karystos
From prehistory to the ancient city
The earliest traces of human activity in the area date to the Neolithic. Karystos grew into a city-state in southern Evia. Its bay and position on Aegean sea routes helped shape its development. The rooster appears on ancient coins as a symbol of the city.
Roman times · The marble of Myli
Quarries around Karystos produced the green and white marble known as cipollino. The sites near Myli connect the present-day town with the history of quarrying and working stone.
The medieval and Ottoman periods
Kokkinokastro overlooks the plain, while Bourtzi stands on the waterfront. The two landmarks show different points of defence, one inland and one at the harbour. The area passed through successive periods of Latin and Ottoman rule.
1833 and 1843 · A new town by the harbour
After the Ottomans withdrew in 1833, settlement shifted towards the shore. According to the Municipality of Karystos, construction of the new town began in 1843 under King Otto, following a plan by the Bavarian engineer Mirbach. Its broad streets and squares make this chapter visible on a walk through town.
The town and its benefactors
The municipality highlights the Kotsikas family and Nikolaos Giokalas for their contributions to public buildings. The Giokaleio, the Archaeological Museum and the neoclassical buildings in the centre make good stops on a walk through the town’s history.
Municipality of Karystos · History of the town (Greek) ↗ · National Documentation Centre · Ancient Karystia ↗ · South Karystia Environmental Protection Association · Historical overview (Greek) ↗
Castles, the museum and ancient sites
Kokkinokastro · Castello Rosso
This medieval castle stands on the lower slopes of Mount Ochi. Its position above the plain gives a sense of how the fortification overlooked the area. Check access before setting out and stay outside any fenced sections.
Bourtzi and the Archaeological Museum
Bourtzi is the Venetian tower on the waterfront. Pair a harbour walk with a visit to the Archaeological Museum in the Giokaleio, which displays finds from prehistory to Roman times. Confirm opening hours before visiting.
Archampoli
On the Kafireas side of South Evia, the remains of a fortified settlement connect ancient Karystia with mining and metalworking. A study of slag collected nearby found evidence of iron production. Check the route and access to the archaeological site separately before visiting.
Discover Greece · Karystos ↗ · National Documentation Centre · Ancient Karystia ↗ · Study of ancient metallurgy at Archampoli ↗
The architecture of Karystos
A walk from the harbour into town
Walk from Bourtzi towards the squares and broad streets. Look for the neoclassical buildings and the street plan associated with the Bavarian engineer Mirbach under King Otto. Notice how the streetscape changes as you leave the waterfront and head into town.
Stone, mountain landscapes and living traditions
Myli, the Roman quarries and Mount Ochi
Myli is a starting point for exploring the old quarries and the mountain landscape. Higher up is the Dragon House of Mount Ochi, a megalithic building whose purpose remains debated. The summit and Dimosari Gorge are separate outings. Check the route, weather and return options before planning either.
Antia and whistled speech
Whistled speech in Antia is associated with communicating across distances in the mountains. If residents have time to tell you about it, ask permission before recording.
At the Karystian table
Kourkoubines, pies and local produce
Ask for handmade kourkoubines pasta, local cheeses and greens pies. Cockerel in tomato sauce and slow cooked goat also feature in the local cuisine. At the harbour, ask what fish or seafood is available that day, and look for bottles from local wine producers if you are interested in wine.
Two ways to plan a visit
- For a town walk, start at Bourtzi, continue to the Giokaleio and the squares, and finish with a meal by the harbour.
- For a trip out of town, pair Myli with Kokkinokastro if conditions allow. Plan a separate outing for Mount Ochi, Archampoli or Dimosari Gorge.