About South Evia and Karystos

South Evia is a destination where sea, mountains, history and authentic Greek nature come together in a unique way. At its heart lies Karystos, a beautiful seaside town at the foot of Mount Ochi and an ideal starting point from which to explore the wider Karystia region.

It is an ideal destination for those seeking nature, exploration, history, good food and authentic experiences.

Karystos

Karystos has a charm of its own. Bourtzi, the impressive Castello Rosso, the Archaeological Museum, the harbour and the waterfront create a landscape where history and everyday life coexist.

Mount Ochi

Higher up, Mount Ochi reveals a completely different side of South Evia. Kastanologgos, with its ancient chestnut trees, is one of the area's most distinctive natural landscapes, while the famous Drakospita add an element of mystery and ancient grandeur.

The name Ochi is etymologically associated with the ancient Greek verb ochevo (ὀχεύω), meaning to mate, to unite sexually (ocheia referring to mating or union).

According to local tradition, this association is connected with Greek mythology: Mount Ochi is said to have been the place where Zeus and Hera first came together as lovers, symbolising a primordial union.

Platanistos

Platanistos is a lush green village in southern Evia, situated in the wider Cape Kafireas (Cavo D'Oro) area and serving as the centre of the local community.

The village stretches alongside a stream rich in water, surrounded by plane trees, stone bridges and an impressive waterfall.

The area is ideal for excursions and walks along trails connecting Platanistos with the nearby villages of Panochori and Potami.

The Drakospita – Dragon Houses

The Drakospita, or “Dragon Houses”, are unique, ancient and mysterious stone structures found mainly in the areas of Styra and Karystia in South Evia.

They are constructed from enormous slabs of stone, without mortar or other binding materials and, in many cases, without conventional foundations. The massive stones are carefully placed one upon another using a corbelled construction technique, gradually narrowing upwards to form a distinctive pyramidal roof.

Local tradition gave them the name “Dragon Houses”, believing that they were once the dwellings of mythical dragons with terrifying powers.

Archaeologists believe that these structures were built in antiquity, possibly before 700 BC, by the Dryopians. Their exact purpose remains uncertain. They may have served as sanctuaries or temples, shelters for workers from nearby ancient quarries, or perhaps as watchtowers and signal stations.

Their mystery remains part of the unique atmosphere of Mount Ochi.

This landscape becomes a powerful symbol of Union, offering us a unique and inspiring way to explore the energy and symbolism of the Second Chakra – Svadhisthana.

On Mount Ochi, where ancient tradition speaks of the union of Zeus and Hera, the idea of union meets the power of nature. Zeus, as a symbol of the forces of heaven and earth, and Hera, as an archetype of sacred relationship and union, can be understood as the coming together of complementary opposites — a union that creates life and harmony.

Here, the waters of the South Euboean Gulf meet the Aegean Sea, creating a natural image of flow, movement and transformation.

Water, the fundamental element of the Second Chakra – Svadhisthana, represents emotion, desire, pleasure, creativity and our ability to flow with life.

Mount Ochi, standing between the stability of the mountain and the fluidity of the sea, becomes a symbolic place of union, balance and inner flow — inviting us to discover our own balance between standing firmly and surrendering to the flow of life.

Throughout the three-day retreat, we will have the opportunity to explore the Second Energy Centre – Svadhisthana through three yoga practices combined with breathing exercises (pranayama).

Each practice will prepare us for our meditations, connecting us with the energy of the body, the natural environment and the special places we will visit.

The practices are designed to welcome all levels of experience, from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Friday, 16 October 2026

17:00 – Check-in
17:30 – Gathering
18:00 – 20:00 – Yoga
21:00 – Dinner

Saturday, 17 October 2026

07:30 – 09:30 – Yoga
10:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast
11:30 – 17:30 – Hiking Mount Ochi & Meditation
18:00 – Dinner

Sunday, 18 October 2026

07:30 – 09:30 – Yoga
10:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast
11:30 – 13:30 – Hiking in Platanistos & Meditation

Before departure, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the nearby villages and explore the surrounding area.

If you need yoga mats and props, please request them from Horos a few days before your departure.

The programme may be subject to change in the event of unfavourable weather conditions.

By car

Ferries operate from Agia Marina and Rafina to Styra.

Karystos can also be reached by road via Chalkida.

Public transportation