|
 |
| The Valley |
 |
| Distos Lake near Zarka
– Evia |
 |
| A beach in the area |
 |
| Dragon House – Mount Ochi
|
 |
| Dimosaris Gorge |
 |
| Dimosari Gorge |
 |
| Photo Gallery |
|
The Zarka Centre's main central structure
is a large circular hall of 12 meters diameter with adjoining
rooms for catering, therapy work, library, toilets and changing
rooms. With over a hundred square meters of floor space the
hall can be used for activities such as seminars, meetings,
lectures, dance, music, yoga and art classes. The design and
construction of this building ensure it is useable any time
of year. Set in an old olive grove on top of the hill, the
hall is surrounded by landscaped gardens centered around a
swimming pool built into an outcrop of natural rock.
The Centre is situated at the edge of 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
and provide shelter to sheep and goats. 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, more
or less, in the traditional style. These charming cottages
and villas provide a varied range of accommodation for our
guests.
The valley retains a remarkable peacefulness and a gentle
pace of life that resonates with the tinkling of sheep bells
and the distant pulsing of wind generators. Running north
to south it is sheltered from the mainly easterly Aegean winds.
On the far side of the valley lies the new village of Zarka,
a typical rural settlement consisting mainly of more recent
homes, some small supermarkets, a bakery, tavernas and bars,
a café, and a church. Administratively Zarka is part of the
municipality of Dystos.
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 - but you need transport. Some 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, 30 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.
Northern Evia is generally greener than the south, with a
little more tourism. It has many interesting towns and villages,
good beaches, monasteries and museums. Highlights include
the petrified forest and mammals at Agia Anna and the spa
town of Loutra Aedipsou with it's many hot springs, in which
Hercules was said to have recovered his strength between
feats!
For more information about Evia we suggest looking at the
following links:
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}