Chalcis (Chalkida), built on the Euripo Strait, is the most important center and capital of Evia. It is a modern city that stands out for its several restaurants, typical taverns and nightlife. Also called the city of the sacred Arethusa spring, Chalcis owes the etymological root of its name to the noun "chalkòs" (=bronze) and to the artisan metalworking workshops that were located in this area. The oldest written testimony on the existence of Chalcis (Chalkida) comes from Homer's epic poems, in particular from the Iliad (Book II, 536-541) where the city is mentioned in the list of ships of the Achaean fleet.
The sea in the narrow channel that divides the capital of the island of Evia resembles a river. The current always flows compactly in the same direction and changes suddenly from North to South and vice versa every 6 hours. Since ancient times, experts and scientists have tried to give a rational response to this strange phenomenon. Almost under the effect of a magical spell during the lunar month there are two moments called Crazy Waters (for 3 days) which the water of this stretch of sea goes crazy and the current continues to change direction up to 14 times during the day!
Don't miss a visit to the retractable bridge that connects this canal: inaugurated in 1962, it is one of a kind, considered a miracle of technology at the time. It is opened only once a day at midnight for 30 minutes, allowing the romantic passage of larger boats and sailing boats.