ACTIVITIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
In the Marmari - Karystos area, there are of course a lot of local entrepreneurs who operate in special areas of activity. I have come into contact with them through personal participation by myself and/or friends and relatives who have spent time with me. In collaboration with them, we can offer tailor-made activity programs at all levels.
Six years ago, my friend Dimitris started developing professional Kite and windsurfing activities in Marmari at Megalo Ammos. He himself has been established for many years further north on Evia (outside Chalkida). The advantages of the location of the activity had been discovered by a few enthusiasts from all over Europe who return year after year with their motorhomes. A paradise for surfers!! Strong Meltemi winds that you can count on all summer, large free beach area without disturbing bathers (they choose more sheltered beaches that are nearby) and walking distance to a village that provides everything you need. Check out KiteGreece
SNORKELING - SCUBA DIVING
In collaboration with DIKELAS DIVE CENTER in Karystos, snorkeling excursions, diving packages or diving training at all levels can be organized. Outside Marmari is an island group called the Petalioi islands (google it!). They are sometimes called the Maldives of Greece! DIKELAS arranges from half-day excursions to full diving courses with PADI certificate at specially selected dive sites. And they pick us up from the port in Marmari. Check out their website DIVE IN EVIA
In Greece, recreational fishing was deregulated 5 years ago. It is therefore free to fish for household needs. Before that, a personal permit was needed, which everyone who applied received, but made tourist fishing impossible. Now it's free to go! I did a lot of recreational fishing for many years when I lived in Sweden, I probably wasn't particularly good because I never caught a lot of fish. But always a lot of mosquito bites, especially in Norrland. It was quite boring. Here it's a little different, people (from the village) go down to the quay and fish for supper! when they want. Ok not such big fish maybe but still! And you can fish with a harpoon gun (over 16 years old)! The point is that you get fish! Again in collaboration with DIKELAS DIVE CENTER and local fishermen! (they don't have websites..) we can arrange fishing trips by boat. Depending on the season, different fish species and molluscs (Mollusca) are caught.
The area around Marmari/Karystos is well suited for longer or shorter bike rides. The traffic load is very low and you can choose between low hilly tours, mountain tours or mountain biking. Karystos Bikes are experts in the field, rent out all the equipment needed and have suggestions for tours of all kinds.
Cooking has always been my great passion. In my outdoor kitchen (with a sea view) I have installed a three-burner gas stove, charcoal grill (nothing else!), local herb garden that I reach for when I cook. In my gardens around the outdoor kitchen, I grow organic vegetables. Marmari is a vibrant fishing village and the economic crisis has meant that many younger people who have become unemployed, and had a mother or grandfather with a fishing boat in Marmari, have taken up the profession. There is a market in the vicinity of Athens, every morning full fish boxes are sent by ferry to Rafina. This means we have access to fish that is bought directly from the traditional fishing boat. The meat from the area also has a good reputation, especially the goat meat from Karystos is a concept in Greece. There are two butchers in the village who cut or grind whatever pieces you want. Nothing vacuum packed as far as the eye can see! The one butcher, who also runs a meat restaurant and raises his own animals, was established around 1850 and is run today by the 6th generation in direct descent. Tradition! When my vegetables are not enough, there is an itinerant greengrocer who drives around the village in the morning and then parks by the church until lunchtime. Much of the fruit and vegetables he sells is his own or locally produced. In addition, there are two bakeries that offer a large variety of fresh bread every day. We know your cooking, where together we prepare traditional Greek and/or other dishes with first-class ingredients and enjoy it afterwards.
In southern Evia there are about 15 very nice hiking trails in untouched nature. Hiking groups from Athens and the rest of Greece are a common sight on the ferry to Marmari. One of the best in Greece is the DIMOSARI GORGE, which starts near the top of the OCHI mountain (1386 m) behind Marmari and ends at the fantastic beach of KALLIANOS. From day trips to trips of several days (with overnight stays) can be arranged.
My friend Maria Diako Dimitriou came here from Rhodes because of love a few years ago... She is a certified trainer for Pilates and Yoga and a masseuse. She can give you a unique program. SEVEN STEPS
Maria Tsapepa (TheVet) is a veterinarian in Karystos and also runs a riding school/association. You can go horseback riding with her and she can arrange everything from a few hours of horseback riding on the beach to several days up in the mountains. Amico riding center.
