LUXURIOUS HOUSE LOCATED AT A QUIET SPOT OVER A HILL OVERLOOKING A PICTURESQUE VILLAGE. CONSISTING OF THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHROOMS (ONE ENSUITE) LARGE SITIING ROOM AND DINNING ROOM, SEPERATE KITCHEN, MARVELOUS GARDEN , SEPERATE GARAGE AND BARBEQUE. The house is situated near the old village of Zarka, a valley of abandoned houses - all tradition style with stone walls and stone tiled roofs - which were left to crumble. Now many of the ruins with their small plots of land have been bought and restored to provide holiday homes. Some of the owners are British, some Athenians, and they have all rebuilt the houses, in the traditional style. On the far side lies the new village of Zarka, a typical rural settlement consisting of some small supermarkets, a bakery, tavernas and bars, café, pharmacy and a church. The nearest hospital is situated at Aliveri, a village next to Zarka, aproximately twenty minutes drive from us. Administratively Zarka is part of the municipality of Dystos. The village retains a remarkable peacefulness and a gentle pace of life that could allow our visitors to get in touch with the originality of village life and cuisine. The nearest beach is some 4 kilometers (40 minute walk - 5 minute drive) along a road to the east (Aegean) coast. This coast is spectacular in its ruggedness with mountain slopes sliced and sculpted by the sea. There are some truly fantastic walks through wild marquis landscape punctuated by sheltered coves and bays with sand and pebble beaches. These beaches are less frequented than those on the west coast and offer good snorkeling. Most beaches have tavernas serving simple but delicious food. On the west side of the island the hills slope more gently down to the long, flat sandy beaches (the nearest about 15 minutes drive). This side of the island attracts more tourists in the summer, but Evia is remarkably undeveloped compared to the well know Greek islands. The nearest market town is Aliveri, 20 minutes drive to the north-west. This has a range of shops, banks, bars and cafes (including an internet café), and a harbour with several tavernas. 40 kilomentres to the north-east is Kimi, a charming hill town with a pleasant harbour below, where the ferry to Skyros is located. 20 minutes drive south of Zarka is the delightful seaside village of Nea Styra, where the ferry from the mainland arrives. Nea Styra has a charming beach, several hotels, some small supermarkets, cash point, a range of tavernas and restaurants and a play area and outdoor cinema for children. Further south, towards the southern end of the island, is the attractive coastal town of Karistos, overlooked by a large Lombardian fortress and by Mount Ochi (1404 metres). At the top of Ochi is the best preserved of the 12 Dragon houses of South Evia - the mysterious and impressive prehistoric buildings - other fine examples are found near Nea Styra. Running from the far slope of Ochi to the Aegean sea is a spectacular gorge (one of several on Evia). Here, an ancient stone paved track runs alongside a tumbling stream amid beautiful surroundings which remain cool and green throughout the year. This area is renown for its wildlife and in particular a wide variety of plants. An hour's drive north from Zarka takes you to the island's capital, Chalkida, which marks the mid point between southern and northern Evia. Just south of Chalkida lies Eretria, well known for it's archaeological sites and museum. Evia is fortunate among Greek islands in having a bridge connection to the mainland (as well as several ferry links) so that it remains accessible all year round. The bridge spans the Strait of Evripos at Chalkida, the strait being famous for the reversal in direction of its tidal flow every six hours. There are available two taxis at the village that work by appointment and public transport is also available (info at : http://www.ktelevias.gr, phone number:14505) For more information about Evia we suggest looking at the following links: Euboea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Euboea (Evia): The second largest island in Greece Evia, Euboea, Greece, Greek islands Euboa-Sporades - General Information Southern Euboea Exploration Project