Stéphane Rabenja
17/10/2025
Grèce-Centrale
Villages & Seaside: Galaxidi, Arachova, Limni and Karystos (Euboea)
Ellipse 1
17/10/2025

Looking for a Greek village where the sea meets the mountains? Between the Gulf of Corinth, Mount Parnassus and the far south of Euboea, four destinations sketch distinct lifestyles. This pragmatic overview covers atmosphere, access, seasons and price ranges, complemented by market observations based on inquiries recorded on Green‑Acres.

Ports & Walks

Galaxidi: Alleys & Boats ⚓

Former merchant navy port, Galaxidi unfolds neoclassical houses, two small harbors, and an ideal promenade at sunset. The atmosphere is peaceful outside of summer.

Life here revolves around tavernas, the maritime museum, and getaways to nearby Delphi. Perfect for a pied-à-terre with no car needed once you arrive.

  • Must-see: Agios Nikolaos, maritime museum, Hirolakas beach, Clean Monday festival (flour war).
  • Access: Athens → Galaxidi 2 h 45–3 h via A8, then through Itea/Delphi.
  • Real estate (2025 ranges): apartments €1,500–2,200/m2; renovated stone houses €2,000–3,000/m2; seafront premium higher. Short-term rentals active in spring/summer and around Easter.

Market observation: recent requests on the site confirm properties are often spacious — the observed average is around €290,000 for 167 m² (≈€1,737/m²).

Limni: Cozy Seafront 🌊

On the west coast of Evia, Limni lines up cafés and balconies over the water, with easy swims and sloping alleys. The pace is gentle all year.

The village appeals to remote workers and families seeking a quiet port with amenities in walking distance.

  • Things to do: urban swimming, coves to the north, hilltop monasteries.
  • Access: Athens → Chalkida 1 h, then 1 h 15 to Limni (≈ 2 h 15 total).
  • Real estate (2025 ranges): studios/one-bed €1,200–1,700/m2; village houses €1,400–2,100/m2; sea views are sought-after. Short-stay yields often 4–6% depending on seasonality.

Market observation: for published requests, the average asking price is higher than local ranges — about €362,000 for 129 m² (≈€2,806/m²) — due to the share of properties with sea views or renovations.

Mountains & Views

Arachova: Stone & Boutiques ⛰️

Clinging to the slope of Mt Parnassus, Arachova blends stone chalets, designer boutiques and lively restaurants. It’s the chic winter resort near Athens.

The address attracts for skiing/fall getaways, with Delphi just 15 minutes away. Quieter in summer, but the air is always fresh.

  • Access: Athens → Arachova 2 h–2 h 15 via the A1 then Livadia.
  • Real estate (2025 ranges): stone homes €2,500–4,500/m2; high-end chalets more. Carefully check insulation, heating (wood, pellet, heat pump) and snow access.
  • Rentals: peaks on winter weekends and Greek holidays; strong occupancy rates near the center.

Market observation: requests show a wide variety of listings — the average displayed on ads viewed is about €290,000 for 199 m² (≈€1,457/m²), reflecting spacious or varied second homes.

Lookouts over Parnassus 🏞️

Beyond Arachova, lookouts and marked trails lead to Parnassus National Park and Delphi. Guaranteed views of the Gulf of Itea.

For a purchase, think about orientation (winter sun), slope of the land and protected zones around Delphi which may restrict permits.

  • Consider: winter access, snow clearance, parking.
  • Value: clear view + walking access to center = easier resale.

Extreme South of Evia

Karystos: Beaches & Hiking 🥾

In the south of Evia, Karystos combines long beaches, gorges, and Castello Rosso. The atmosphere is wilder, with frequent wind, ideal for board sports.

The seafront is lively in summer, while the surrounding villages offer peace and larger plots.

  • Access: Rafina ferry → Marmari ≈ 1 h, then 15 min by road; via Chalkida by road 4–4 h 30.
  • Real estate (2025 ranges): apartments €1,300–1,900/m2; houses with land €1,500–2,200/m2; villas with sea views more. Check wind exposure, seismic/energy standards.
  • Things to do: Dimosaris Gorge, sandy beaches, port tavernas.

Market observation: the average of requests viewed shows a listed price around €218,000, but for very large surfaces (e.g. 1,264 m²) — which artificially drops the price per m²; prefer comparing similar built properties.

When to Go & Where to Stay 🛏️

Best periods: May–June and September–October for warm seas and quiet sites. Lively winter in Arachova (ski), mild in Galaxidi/Limni.

Where to stay: rooms on the seafront in Limni, stone houses in Arachova, small villas around Karystos. Try several seasons before buying.

  • Practical tip: stay 1–2 weeks, assess noise, wind and access to services.
  • Running costs: low fees in apartments; detached home = garden/roof maintenance + heating.
  • Financing: bank file + personal contribution often required for non-residents; plan for purchase fees 7–10% (notary, tax, lawyer, agent).

Profile of foreign buyers (Evia): registered requests show Italians are the largest share (≈28%), followed by Germans (≈13%) and French (≈9%), information useful for anyone planning seasonal rentals or resale.

Galaxidi and Limni offer the gentle charm of a port, Arachova lively winters facing Parnassus, Karystos abundant nature and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Recent listing data help refine price ranges and remind buyers to evaluate the size and type of property (sea view, land, built area) to compare offers correctly. Clarify your priorities (view, access, season) and confront them with the local market and the actual use you will make of the property before committing.

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