Historical Significance:

• Ancient City-State:
  • Eretria was a significant ancient Greek polis (city-state), with a rich maritime, commercial, and agricultural history.
  • It played a crucial role in Greek colonization, establishing colonies in the Aegean and Southern Italy.
  • It has a history of competition and conflict with the nearby city of Chalcida.
• Archaeological Sites:
  • Eretria boasts numerous archaeological sites, including:
    • It's an impressive ancient theater.
    • The Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros.
    • The "House of the Mosaics."
    • The remains of ancient city walls.
    • The Archeological Museum.
  • These sites offer valuable insights into the city's past.
• Connection to mainland Greece:
  • Eretria is a "gateway" to Evia, as it is connected to the mainland via ferry to Oropos, Attica.

Eretria Today:

• Tourism:
  • Today, Eretria is a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of historical exploration and relaxation.
  • It provides various accommodation options, restaurants, and recreational activities.
• Coastal Town:
  • Being a coastal town, Eretria offers beaches and opportunities for water activities.
• Accessibility:
  • The ferry connection to Oropos port makes it relatively easy to access from Athens.

Highlights:

• The Archeological Museum
• The Museum of Modern Art of Peace and Chalkidismos.
• The tower with the statues on the beach has the characteristic inscription of “Amarinthias Artemidos” and belongs to the Kanari family.
• The neoclassical mansion (1847) of the Kanari family.
• The Pezonisi or Nisi ton Oneiron (Island of Dreams) is covered with pine forests and is connected to Eretria by a bridge.