INTRODUCTION

The Prefecture of Evia (pronounced Evia) belongs to the Region of Sterea Ellada (Central Greece) and includes the islands of Evia and Skyros, as well as part of the mainland (Aulis and Anthedona). Its coastline is 900 km long, it extends over an area of 3,900 sq.km. and has a population of approximately 210,000 inhabitants.

This geographical conglomeration, along with the two bridges that connect Chalkis to Sterea Ellada provide the Prefecture with its dual nature, as it is both island and mainland.

The name Euripos gains its etymology from eu (good) + ripe (flash), while Byzantine name Egripos was translated by the Venetians into Negroponte.

The town is built along both sides of the narrow straits, hugging the two shores with typical neoclassical buildings, as well as multi-storey buildings, providing the illusion that a swiftly flowing river runs through the town.

It was the important geographical position of Chalkis, striding the Euripos straits that connect the northern and the southern gulfs of Evia, providing a safe sea passage connecting the Maliac and Pagasitic Gulfs with the Saronic Gulf and the Southern Aegean Sea, that made the town a crossroads for ideas and civilisations, attractive to all invaders.