fbpx

The town of Kymi

  • Kymi Evia

    Located in the eastern part of northern Evia just 180 km from Athens, it is a tempting destination

The town of Kymi

Kymi (or ‘Kimi’) is a coastal town and a former municipality (7,112 inhabitants in 2011) in the island of Evia, Greece, named after an ancient Greek place of the same name. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Kimi-Aliveri, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 167.616 km2. The ancient Euboean Kyme is mentioned as a harbor town related to the more prominent poleis of Chalkis and Eretria in antiquity. Together with these, it is sometimes named as the founding metropolis of the homonymous Kymē (Cumae) in Italy, an important early Euboean colony, which was probably named after it. The beautiful town of Kimi is built on the eastern part of the prefecture of Evia and it boasts the most important artificial harbor of the prefecture. It is amphitheatrically built in a verdant green environment with plenty of water, surrounded by traditional settlements, caves, forests, and beaches, which create an idyllic landscape. Kymi is built on a privileged spot, 200m above the sea level, offering a panoramic view to the Aegean. For this reason, it is proudly called the “Balcony to the Aegean”. The traditional architecture and the unique natural environment, in combination with the blue waters along its coasts, make Kymi a strong pole of attraction for thousands of visitors. Kymi is the birthplace of great personalities, such the great benefactor of humanity, Doctor George. N. Papanikolaou (the creator of of Pap test), the etcher Dimitrios Galanis, the hero of Balkan wars Ioannis Velissarios and others. Kimi used to be called Koumi. Some believe its name comes from the ancient word Komi (= small town), while others believe it comes from the word “kyma” (=wave). Many historians believe that Kymi was the metropolis (mother-town) of the first Greek colony in Italy, Neapolis (in the location of modern Naples). The location of ancient Kymi was close to the place where a Venetian castle stands today, about one hour’s walk from the modern town of Kymi. In the area of Kymi you can find many splendid sandy beaches where you can enjoy swimming. These include the beaches of Kimi and Soutsini with the caves carved by the waves in the steep rocks, a good place for underwater fishing, and the beach of Stomio. You can spend time of tranquillity and relaxation on the beautiful beach of Platana with fine pebble, the long sandy beaches of Ai Giorgi and Mourteri, the bays of Tsilaro and Thapsa with fine pebble and the beach of Metochi. Clean sandy beaches with crystal clear waters where you can also enjoy your favorite water sports. The verdant green natural environment of Kymi and the blue color of the sky and the sea, in combination to the cultural tradition and the hospitality of its people, will make your holiday in Kymi a unique experience. The natural environment of Kymi exhibits a great variety of fauna and flora, as well as a high number of natural habitats and important natural landscapes. The traditional villages, the rich cultural background, as well as the hospitality of people, have played a major role in the tourist development of the area. In Kymi you can find many hotels, rooms for rent, as well as restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy the special local dishes. During the summer months, there is a rich nightlife in the bars and clubs of the area. The unique road from Paralia to Kimi, first constructed one and a half century ago, was recently approved as a racing route in the official Greek car-racing championship. Kymi is a pole of attraction, as it has developed alternative forms of tourism and especially sea tourism.