Ilia, Edipsos – Attractions
Where Serenity Meets the Sea
Evia has many beautiful places and interesting attractions worth visiting. Here are some of them.
Evia has many beautiful places and interesting attractions worth visiting. Here are some of them.
Edipsos is the largest spa town in Greece, developed thanks to its hot thermal springs, suitable for treating many ailments.
There are approximately 60 springs in the area, with significant water flow and temperatures ranging from 34°C to 71.2°C. The sulfur baths of Edipsos are among the hottest in Europe. Their origin is linked to the large fault of the northern Evoikos Gulf. Utilization of the baths began in 1887.
Classification: Hyperthermal Cl-Na-Ca-K-Br-B medicinal mineral springs, locally strongly carbonated.
Therapeutic Indications: Chronic rheumatism, deforming arthritis, spondyloarthritis, neuritis, sciatica, lower back pain, post-traumatic stiffness and deformities, gynecological conditions.
On the southwest side of Mount Telethrion, 7 km from Ilia, lies the historic Monastery of Agios Georgios at an altitude of 400 meters, built in a breathtaking location. The view from the road is panoramic—Ilia appears like a painting from above. It is a 15th-century monastery, beautifully renovated, featuring an impressive carved wooden iconostasis, numerous relics preserved from barbarian invasions, and holy relics. According to tradition, the catacomb of Saint John the Baptist beneath the monastery predated it and was discovered after a vision experienced by a faithful shepherd, along with a miraculous icon.
Today, an icon of Saint John the Baptist exists on the intricately carved iconostasis. The catacomb is also known as “Discovery,” as a miraculous icon of Saint George was found there, and “Horse’s Hoofprint,” since it is still believed that Saint George the Rider appears or the sound of his horse’s hooves can be heard. It is said that years ago there was even a visible hoofprint.
Following the road toward Rovies, 5 km from Ilia, visitors encounter a newer monastery dedicated to Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, the first monastery of Saint Irene following the New (Julian) calendar. The monastery is built on a lush green slope above the children’s camps of the Metropolis of Chalkida and offers stunning views with a beautiful balcony over the Evoikos Gulf.
It is a dependency of the Monastery of Agios Georgios Ilion, with two internal chapels adorned with Byzantine iconography. In the monastery’s olive grove stands the old church of Archangel Michael (renovated).In addition to the main church of Saint Irene, there are two more chapels dedicated to Saint Onoufrios the Ascetic (celebrated on June 12) and Saint Job the Much-Suffering (celebrated on May 6), both featuring magnificent Byzantine frescoes.
A hidden treasure in Ilia, Evia. The Dafnokouki Waterfall, nestled among lush trees, rocks, and birdsong, is a paradise-like landscape with crystal-clear waters cascading into a small pool. A true treasure in the middle of nowhere.
If you love adventure and hiking, get organized and enjoy exploring.