A few words about Marmari
The beautiful Marmari is built amphitheatrically, with a panoramic view of the bay of the same name, but also of the idyllic Petalios. Even today, in fact, the atmosphere in some places down in the harbor still gives the feeling of being in a fishing village. And rightly so, since for many years it was just that, before it developed into a favorite holiday resort in the South Euboea. The village began to be created slowly during the 1920s, by people with fishing experience, who arrived in southern Evia as internal migrants from the Argolis and from Vatika and Neapolis in Laconia. Tourism development would occur later, during the 1950s and 1960s, when Athenian families with little income began to come here for summer baths. In our own days, of course, things are very different. In addition to Greeks, the tourist audience in Marmari also includes visitors from central Europe and Italy, as well as several Dutch people, while the Romanian market has recently opened. Marmari on the international tourist map In addition to general tourism, the village has also been at the center of special tourism: the amazing Megali Ammos (or Golden Sands) beach, with its characteristic “sand tongue”, starred in the promotional spot of the Ministry of Tourism for 2020 and was discussed worldwide. It is a place caught by the north, so every summer it changes shape depending on the direction of the wind and the direction of the waves. Event, in turn, that creates the spectacular, horseshoe-shaped “tongue” of sand, which enters the sea. Long before this promotion, however, Marmari was – and continues to be – an international hot spot for wind surfers and kite surfers. After all, as early as 2012 it was characterized by National Geographic (along with Petalios) as one of the top 10 destinations worldwide for those who enjoy sailing, water sports and small group cruises. Besides Megali Ammos, there are other unique beaches around Marmari to tempt you, among the most beautiful in Greece. But also far from the sea, the verdant gorge of Dimosari in the heart of Mount Ochi will lead you to waterfalls, ponds and countless mountain beauties, before finally joining the sea, creating dreamlike landscapes. As for the food (always one of the main parts of the good life on vacation), incredibly nice taverns with local cuisine await you here, as well as hotel restaurants with a view. As dusk falls and you’ve returned from beach and gully excursions, a walk will relax you and give you that carefree ‘something’ of a summer evening. From 8 am onwards, the main road to the port turns into a pedestrian street. So you will enjoy your leisure time, ride a bike, sit in taverns, cafes and bars, enjoy small fish, drink ouzo and drink, listen to stories and gossip – for the children there is also a playground and an amusement park . Where will you swim? In the famous and very spectacular Megali Ammos you can enjoy almost all aspects of a dream beach life. The beach is organized, with its sunbeds and umbrellas, there is a beach bar with snacks, drinks and soft drinks, while from time to time musical events are also hosted. At night the rocks are lit up, there is a DJ and the atmosphere becomes super fancy and summery. Also, wind surfing and kite surfing schools operate on the beach. For a full update on how and what, ask Dimitris Palogos (Kitegreece Lefkadi Surf Club 6988616190). Near Megali Ammos, finally, is Zastani beach, which not many people know about. You will go from a passable path and you will love the transparent, blue-green waters, the fine pebbles and the imposing rocks that surround it. Now taking the boat from Marmari you will go to Petaliou, which is also called “Seychelles of Greece”. It is a cluster of ten islets, islets and islands (Megalo Petali or Megaloniso or Rossa, Mikro Petali or Hersonisi, Tragonisi, Avgo or Roundylo, Makronisi, Praso or Platourada, Foudi, Leberousa, Pontikos and Lulouda), with crystal clear, blue-green waters , which leave an “exotic” feeling. Pines, heathers, cedars and wild olives reach down to the sea, while the beaches have golden sand. You can swim, dive and snorkel, but access to the interior of the three largest islands is prohibited, as they are private lands. After all, you will also see the villas of their owners rising.