Chalkida.
Flight from TLV
2h 9m
Best season
מאי–ספט
Avg temp
23°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
זהה לת״א ברוב השנה
Language
יוונית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי התיירות
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום במרחב שנגן
Safety
יעד בטוח ונוח למשפחות; בטיילת ובחופים מומלץ לשמור על חפצים אישיים ולהיזהר מחציית כבישים
Overview
🇬🇷Chalkida
🇬🇷Greece
Chalkida, the capital of Evia and about 75 minutes from Athens Airport, offers an accessible Greek seaside break that still feels refreshingly local. Along the Euripus waterfront, visitors watch the famous tidal currents reverse beneath the Old Bridge before heading to the bars and restaurants around Aggelis and Fragkelis streets. Days are spent at Alykes and Daliani beaches or exploring central Evia’s coves and villages, while evenings bring everyone back to the lively promenade. It is an excellent choice for couples and families, or as a relaxed stop between Athens and northern Evia, with no ferry required.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Chalkida
Each area and who it suits best.
Chalkida Center and Waterfront
The area around Avanton Street, Agora Square, and the Euripus waterfront puts cafés, bars, and the famous reversing currents by the Old Bridge within easy reach. Hotels such as Lucy Hotel and Paliria Hotel place you directly by the water and within walking distance of restaurants and Averof Street. The trade-off is summer-evening noise, difficult parking, and urban beaches that are less attractive than those outside the center.
Kanithos
Kanithos lies north of the Old Bridge beneath Karababa Castle, with residential streets, views over the strait, and walkable access to central Chalkida. It is a comfortable base for families wanting an apartment, parking, and supermarkets without giving up evening walks on the waterfront. The climb toward the castle is noticeable, and there are fewer hotels and bars than in central Chalkida.
Agios Minas
The Agios Minas strip, about a 10-minute drive north of the center, offers relatively shallow water, tavernas, and holiday apartments well suited to Israeli families. Brown Beach Chalkida is the area's standout hotel, with pools and direct sea access. Evenings are very quiet, so anyone wanting bars and shopping will need a car or taxi into town.
Lefkandi
Lefkandi sits about 15 minutes south of Chalkida, with a long seafront, calm water, and small properties such as Philoxenia Hotel. Meals and accommodation are often cheaper than in the center, with easy parking near the beach and the Xeropolis archaeological site. Without a car it can feel isolated, and evening entertainment is largely limited to local tavernas and cafés.
Eretria
Eretria, about 25 minutes south of Chalkida, is a resort town in its own right, with an archaeological site, waterfront, beaches, and resorts such as Amaronda Resort & Spa and Negroponte Resort Eretria. It suits travelers wanting a pool, half board, and relaxed days without entering the city every evening. Its distance from Chalkida limits spontaneity, and the better resorts become considerably more expensive in July and August.
Nea Artaki
Nea Artaki lies about 10 kilometers north of Chalkida, with a fishing harbor, a local promenade, and convenient access to Dafni and Politika beaches. Apartments near the seafront provide more space and fewer crowds than the center, while the harbor is especially pleasant at sunset. It is not a nightlife or luxury choice, and a car is nearly essential for reaching beaches and sights.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Chalkida
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
15°
6°
Cool
פבר
14°
5°
Cool
מרץ
19°
9°
Recommended
אפר
22°
11°
Excellent
מאי
26°
15°
Excellent
יונ
33°
21°
Hot
יול
36°
24°
Hot
אוג
34°
23°
Hot
ספט
30°
19°
Excellent
אוק
25°
15°
Excellent
נוב
21°
11°
Recommended
דצמ
16°
8°
Recommended
Most pleasant weather: אפר · מאי · ספט · אוק
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. July and August are the peak months thanks to Israel’s school holiday, warm water and lively waterfront and beaches. May, June and September offer milder weather, better value and fewer crowds, with September particularly appealing around the Israeli holiday season.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Chalkida · Open-Meteo
This week in Chalkida
Measured in Chalkida
23°
Partly cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Chalkida
On the map
Chalkida on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
What's nearby
Suggested plan
A perfect Chalkida itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Euripus Strait and the City
Begin on the Chalkida waterfront and at the Old Bridge, where the Euripus currents reverse direction in a phenomenon that puzzled even Aristotle; timing varies, so check the local schedule posted by the bridge. Continue via Averof Street and Agora Square to the Archaeological Museum of Arethousa, then choose lunch according to your dietary standards without assuming any kitchen is kosher. Before sunset, climb to Karababa Castle in Kanithos for a full view over the city and strait. Return to the waterfront and the bars around the bridge for the liveliest evening atmosphere.
- 2
Day 2
Agios Minas and the Northern Beaches
Leave before 9:30 a.m. for Agios Minas to secure parking and a front-row spot by the water before visitors arrive from Athens. Spend the morning on the beach or, when available, purchase a day pass for a local hotel's pool and beachfront. In the afternoon continue to Nea Artaki harbor, then to Dafni or Politika Beach for another swim in a quieter, more local setting. Watch sunset from Nea Artaki's harbor before returning to Chalkida.
- 3
Day 3
Eretria and the Ancient Past
Drive about 25 minutes to Eretria and arrive when the archaeological site opens, before the heat, to see the ancient theater, mosaic houses, and remains of the city. Continue to the nearby Archaeological Museum, then stroll along Eretria's harbor and promenade. Have a packed picnic or eat along the waterfront according to your kosher requirements, followed by downtime at the town beach or a resort beach offering day access. Return toward Chalkida in the evening, stopping in Lefkandi for coffee by the sea.
- 4
Day 4
Mount Dirfys and Steni Village
A car is required today: depart by 8:30 a.m. for Steni Dirfys, about 40 minutes from Chalkida, as the road climbs through forests and past springs. Take a short walk in the Steni forest area and visit the shaded village square; experienced hikers can continue on a marked Mount Dirfys trail, but should not attempt the summit without proper equipment and a weather check. Eat food you brought or select something suitable at one of the tavernas around the square. On the way back, stop in Artaki or at a local winery only if a visit has been arranged in advance, then finish with a quiet evening in central Chalkida.
- 5
Day 5
Wild Chiliadou Beach
Leave by 8 a.m. for Chiliadou, one of central Evia's most dramatic beaches, reached via a winding mountain drive of roughly 90 minutes from Chalkida. Cliffs and forest frame the beach, and the water becomes deep relatively quickly, so families with small children should choose a calm-sea day and remain in the organized section; a remote part is also known as a naturist area. Bring water, beach shoes, shade, and food because services are limited outside peak season. Return before dark and stop at viewpoints between villages rather than driving the winding roads at night.
- 6
Day 6
Limni and a Farewell to Evia
If your flight is late or you have an extra night, drive north to Limni, a picturesque coastal town about 75 minutes from Chalkida. Walk around the harbor and up its sloping streets, then continue to Osios David Monastery or Drymona Waterfalls only if driving times allow, bringing modest clothing for the monastery. Stop for a picnic overlooking the Gulf of Evia or a simple meal that fits your kosher requirements. Return to Chalkida for one final waterfront walk and another look at the currents before heading to Athens.
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Budget
How much does Chalkida cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪550-1,500 (to Athens)
4–5-night package
₪1,900-3,600 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪280-520 per room
Five-star hotel nightly
₪650-1,300 per room
Restaurant meal
₪55-110 per person
Local beer
₪15-25
Coffee
₪9-16
Short taxi ride
₪20-40
Rental car daily
₪140-300 (before fuel)
Beach sunbeds
₪25-70 (per pair)
Daily budget per person
₪300-650 (excluding hotel)
Family, five nights
₪8,500-15,500 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Chalkida
Getting around
From the airport
The nearest airport is Athens, roughly 95 kilometers from Chalkida. A direct taxi or private transfer normally takes 75–100 minutes and costs about ₪400–600 per vehicle; it can be prebooked or requested through Uber, which dispatches licensed taxis in Athens, or FREENOW. By public transport, take the X93 airport bus to KTEL Liosion Station, around 60–90 minutes and ₪25, followed by a KTEL bus to Chalkida, around 75–90 minutes and ₪35–50. It is also possible to reach central Athens by train or metro and continue by rail to Chalkida, but luggage and connections make this a slow journey of roughly three hours.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary for a weekend focused on central Chalkida: the waterfront, Old Bridge, market, restaurants, and Karababa Castle are walkable or a short taxi ride away. It is strongly recommended for families staying at resorts, anyone based in Agios Minas, Lefkandi, Eretria, or Nea Artaki, and travelers planning to visit Steni Dirfys, Chiliadou Beach, or Limni. Younger groups coming mainly for bars can skip it, but a genuine beach-hopping trip will be limited without one.
Tips
In the center, use an organized car park and continue on foot because streets around Averof Street and the waterfront are narrow, often one-way, and parking fills after 7 p.m. Uber and FREENOW are most useful in Athens; in Chalkida, local taxis from waterfront ranks are more reliable, and hotels should arrange return pickups from remote beaches. The Old Sliding Bridge briefly closes to road traffic when vessels pass, so leave extra time before a train, flight, or restaurant reservation.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
There is currently no permanent Chabad House in Chalkida, Eretria, or the nearby beach areas, and no regular daily minyan for visitors. Chabad of Athens operates in the Psyrri area of central Athens and, with advance coordination, offers services, Shabbat meals, and assistance with kosher food, but it is about 80 kilometers from Chalkida. Shabbat-observant travelers should coordinate before leaving Athens and choose a central Chalkida hotel where daily needs can be handled on foot.
Kosher food
Chalkida has no certified kosher restaurant, so local tavernas should not be treated as kosher even when ordering fish or vegetarian dishes. Kosher-observant Israelis stock up in Athens through Chabad and kosher establishments such as Gostijo, then supplement with sealed products from large supermarkets including AB Vassilopoulos or Sklavenitis after checking certification. The practical solution is an apartment with a kitchen or a hotel willing to heat sealed meals by prior arrangement.
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Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Chalkida 🇬🇷
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום במרחב שנגן
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Chalkida
- 💳Cards are accepted almost everywhere in central Chalkida, but keep €30–50 in cash for parking, kiosks and loungers at Alykes, and always choose to be charged in euros rather than accepting terminal conversion to shekels.
- 🚗The drive from Athens Airport to Chalkida usually takes 75–90 minutes, and it is better to park before reaching the waterfront than to enter the narrow streets surrounding the Old Bridge.
- 🌊Check the Evripos current-change times with the local port authority on the same day, as the phenomenon does not occur at a fixed hour and may include periods of still water before the direction reverses.
- 🏨Couples without a car should stay near the waterfront and Old Bridge, while families prioritizing beach access and parking will be more comfortable around Drosia and Alykes, about 15 minutes from the center.
- 🪑In July and August, reserve loungers or a lunch table at the Alykes beach clubs for weekends, as Athenians arrive in large numbers from the morning.
- 🍸Chalkida itself has no casino, and local nightlife centers on the waterfront and Avanton Street; drinks start late and formal clothing is unnecessary.
- 🥗Chalkida has no permanent kosher restaurant or Chabad house, so kosher-observant travelers should stock up in Athens and book an apartment with a kitchen; Chabad Athens and the capital’s kosher restaurants are roughly 80 km away.
- ☀️Wind at Alykes can strengthen in the afternoon, so families with young children should swim in the morning and bring water shoes, hats and sunscreen even when the waterfront feels shaded.
- 📱A European eSIM works well in Chalkida and Drosia, but download an offline Evia map before continuing to remote beaches or mountain villages where coverage can weaken.
- 🧾At tavernas along the Evripos Strait, it is customary to round up or leave 5–10% for good service, but check whether bread and bottled water placed on the table have already been added to the bill.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Chalkida feels like the Greece Greeks actually live in: a lively coastal city rather than a tourist set, with tavernas full of local families and a waterfront that truly wakes up after sunset. I love starting at the viewpoint by Karababa Castle, walking down to the Old Evripos Bridge and watching the current change direction beneath my feet. Israelis fall for the combination of accessible beaches, good value and long evenings along Avanton Street, ending with warm loukoumades by the water."
Loves
My local secret is to reach Alykes Beach near Drosia at around 10:00 on a weekday, choose loungers at one of the beach clubs and only then settle in for coffee and lunch. The beach fills with young groups and families later in the day, while mornings tend to offer calmer water and a much more local atmosphere.
Skip
The common mistake is stopping in Chalkida for an hour on the way to northern Evia and assuming the waterfront by the bridge is the entire city. I would also avoid booking a boat trip from a casual street seller before checking the Evripos tide schedule and wind conditions.
Boutique pick
At 09:00 I start with coffee and bougatsa near Avanton Street, head up to Karababa Castle at 10:30 for the view, and spend the afternoon swimming at Alykes Beach. Around 18:30 we return to the hotel, then walk along the waterfront, time our Old Bridge crossing with the change of current and have dinner overlooking the Evripos Strait. The day ends at about 23:00 with a waterfront cocktail or warm loukoumades, just as the city fills with locals.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Chalkida
"We reached Karababa Castle right at sunset and had an incredible view over Chalkida and the strait. Later we had cocktails at Mostar beneath the Old Bridge and watched the current change direction right in front of us."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 3 nights · June
"The children spent hours in the shallow water at Alykes Beach while we enjoyed the loungers, music and easy atmosphere at Asteria Plage. That evening we followed Chalkida’s promenade to the Old Bridge and stopped for ice cream opposite the boats."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 4 nights · August
"We started the day at Alykes Beach in Drosia and stayed as the music and drinks picked up toward evening. At night we returned to central Chalkida for drinks at Mostar and found a lively young city without the crowds or prices of the famous islands."
Roi, Matan and Shahar, Beersheba
Friends · 3 nights · July
"We visited the Archaeological Museum of Arethousa, beautifully presented inside a restored industrial building, and then took an unhurried walk to the Old Bridge. Chalkida was exactly the stop we wanted between Athens and northern Evia: interesting, local and refreshingly unpretentious."
Dalia and Amos, Haifa
Older couple · 2 nights · September
FAQ
Common questions about Chalkida
Do Israelis need a visa for Chalkida?
No, Israeli passport holders can visit Greece and Chalkida visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Once the EU launches ETIAS, travelers will need to complete the online authorization before flying.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Chalkida, and how long does the journey take?
Chalkida has no airport, so travelers fly nonstop from Tel Aviv to Athens in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, followed by a 75 to 90-minute drive. It is one of Greece’s easiest seaside escapes without a domestic flight or ferry.
When is the best time to visit Chalkida, and when is peak season?
The best beach season in Chalkida runs from late May through September, peaking in July and August when Alykes and Aliki beaches are especially busy on weekends. June and September bring warm water, lighter crowds and better hotel prices, while a light layer is useful for breezy evenings along the Euripus Strait.
How many days should you spend in Chalkida, and what can you combine it with?
Two nights are enough for the promenade, the Old Bridge tidal phenomenon and a beach day, while three to four nights allow for a more relaxed break. Many Israeli travelers combine Chalkida with Athens, Delphi or northern Evia, including Limni and Agia Anna Beach.
How do you get around Chalkida, and is a car necessary?
Central Chalkida, the waterfront and the Old Bridge are highly walkable, with trains and buses from Athens plus local taxis. A rental car is worthwhile for Alykes Beach in Drosia, Eretria or northern Evia, although parking near the promenade can be difficult on summer evenings.
How much does a vacation in Chalkida cost?
A three-night Chalkida trip generally costs ₪1,800 to ₪3,800 per person sharing a double room, including flights to Athens, accommodation, transport and meals but excluding shopping. In July and August, a good waterfront hotel and rental car can push the total toward ₪4,500 per person.
Is Chalkida safe for Israeli travelers?
Chalkida is generally calm and relatively safe, including the waterfront and Old Bridge area after dark, though phones and wallets should be watched in crowded places. Avoid political demonstrations, leave no valuables visible in cars and check Israel’s official travel guidance before departure.
What should you not miss in Chalkida, and is it better for families or couples?
Chalkida essentials include watching the currents reverse beside the Old Bridge, climbing to Karababa Castle for the view and relaxing at organized, shallow Alykes Beach. Families appreciate the beach and level promenade, while couples tend to favor sunset at the castle, waterfront walks and drinks at Mostar beneath the bridge.
Does Chalkida have nightlife or a casino?
Chalkida has an enjoyable evening scene around the waterfront and Old Bridge, including cocktails at Mostar and seasonal beach clubs around Alykes, but it is not a Mykonos-style party destination. There is no operating casino in town; the nearest major option is Casino Mont Parnes near Athens, more than an hour away.
Are there kosher restaurants or a Chabad house in Chalkida?
Chalkida has no permanent kosher restaurant or Chabad house, so observant travelers should stock up in Athens, where Chabad and kosher dining are available, before driving north. Local supermarkets carry produce and some sealed imported products with recognized certification, making an apartment with a kitchenette the most practical choice.