Car Hire Amarynthos — Explore Evia at Your Own Pace
Amarynthos sits on the western coast of Evia, Greece's second-largest island and one of its least touristed. The town is a working coastal settlement with a long beach, a harbour and a relaxed pace that feels far removed from the busier Cycladic islands. If you are staying here, a hire car is close to essential. Evia is large, its public transport is aimed at locals rather than visitors, and many of the island's best beaches, mountain villages and archaeological sites are inaccessible without your own vehicle.
Most visitors reach Evia by ferry from the mainland. The closest mainland port to Amarynthos is Arkitsa, from where regular ferries cross to Aidipsos on Evia's north coast. From there, you drive south along the island's main road to reach Amarynthos. The alternative is to drive across the bridge at Chalkida, Evia's main town, and then follow the coast road south. Either way, allow extra time for the ferry queue in summer and for the winding coastal road. There is no airport on Evia; the nearest is Athens International, from where you drive or take a bus to the ferry ports.
Central Greece — Evia
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Athens International Airport (ATH)
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Coastal and inland mountain routes
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Compact cars for village lanes and beach access
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Why visitors hire a car in Amarynthos
Evia is not a small island. From Amarynthos, a car lets you reach the thermal springs at Aidipsos, the mountain village of Steni with its forest trails, and the more remote beaches of the east coast. Without a car you are effectively limited to the immediate town and whatever the local bus can reach, which is not much. For families, anyone planning to eat out in different villages, or travellers who want to see the island's interior, a hire car transforms the trip from constrained to open.
What to know before booking
Evia sees far fewer international visitors than islands like Crete or Rhodes, which means less competition for cars but also smaller fleets. Book ahead if you are travelling in July or August, when Athenians flock to the island for weekends. A compact or economy car is the best choice: fuel-efficient, easy to park at beachside spots and better suited to the narrow roads in older villages. Check whether your accommodation has parking, as some older properties in Amarynthos have limited space.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Amarynthos is the kind of place that makes you slow down. The seafront is a line of cafes and small shops, the beach is long and mostly empty outside August, and the harbour smells of diesel and grilled octopus in equal measure. It is not polished, but it is real.
With a car, Evia reveals itself. You can drive north to Aidipsos for a morning soak in the hot springs, then inland to Steni for a lunch of wild greens and local cheese under the plane trees. Or you might head south to Eretria to wander through the ruins of the ancient city before a swim at the beach below the archaeological site.
The island's scale surprises people. Evia is larger than Rhodes, yet most foreign visitors never come here. That means empty beaches, unspoilt mountain villages and tavernas where the menu is still written on a chalkboard. It also means you need a car. The bus network is designed for locals commuting to Chalkida, not for tourists exploring the island.
By the end of your stay you will have a different sense of what Greece can be. Not the whitewashed Cycladic postcard, but something greener, rougher and more self-contained. A hire car is what makes that version of Greece accessible.
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
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Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Mainland connection and collection
Most visitors collect a car on the mainland and drive onto the ferry, or arrange for a supplier to meet them at the ferry port. Confirm your voucher carefully: some mainland suppliers do not permit their vehicles on ferries, while others require advance notice. If you are collecting on Evia itself, options are more limited and may involve a delivery fee.
Driving on Evia
The main north-south road is paved and well-maintained. East-coast and inland roads are narrower, with occasional poor surfaces and tight corners through villages. Drive carefully, especially in wet weather, and watch for livestock on rural roads. Beach parking at organised strips fills early on summer weekends.
Returning your vehicle
If you are returning the car on the mainland after taking it off the island, confirm the ferry schedule in advance and allow extra time for the crossing and the drive to the return office. Keep all ferry tickets and fuel receipts until the return is confirmed.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece.
Build a realistic first journey
North to Aidipsos and the thermal springs
The drive north takes you along the coast to Aidipsos, a town famous for its hot springs and spa culture. The road is straightforward and the town has a long waterfront with cafes and tavernas. A compact car handles the route comfortably.
Inland to Steni and the Dirfys mountains
Turn inland from the coast to climb towards Steni and the Dirfys mountain range. The village is a popular weekend destination for Athenians, with cooler temperatures, forest trails and traditional tavernas. The road is winding but scenic; allow extra time and watch for oncoming traffic around bends.
South to Eretria and Chalkida
The drive south to Eretria takes you past ancient sites and coastal wetlands. Eretria itself has an archaeological museum and a harbour with ferries to the mainland. Continue to Chalkida for a larger town with restaurants, shopping and the famous tidal bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a hire car on the ferry to Evia?
Some suppliers allow this; others do not. Check the terms on your voucher before booking. If ferry travel is not permitted, you will need to collect the car on the island or use a separate vehicle for the crossing.
Is a small car enough for Evia?
Yes. A compact car is ideal for Evia's villages and beach parking. The main roads are fine for any vehicle, but the narrow lanes and tight parking in older settlements favour a smaller car.
Do I need an international driving permit?
If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. EU licences are accepted as standard.
What about fuel stations?
Fuel is available in Amarynthos, Chalkida and along the main road. Inland and on the east coast, stations are sparse. Keep the tank above half when exploring remote areas.
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