Nestled at the foot of Mount Dirfys, Steni is one of the most picturesque villages in Evia. Lush greenery and flowing waters create an idyllic landscape in every season, while the renowned tavernas attract food lovers.
If you dream of a getaway to escape into nature for a while, to relax in an idyllic landscape with plane trees and running waters, to discover the forest’s fragrances and enjoy good food in a laid-back village atmosphere, then your destination lies in central Evia and is called Steni.
Built on the foothills of Mount Dirfys, at an elevation of 400 meters and 30 km from Chalkida, Steni is one of the most picturesque villages of Evia.Setting off from Athens in the morning, in less than an hour and a half you’ll find yourself in a welcoming, lush and delicious village that makes an ideal destination all year round.
Steni Dirfyos: One of the most beautiful villages in Evia
On weekends,Steni fills with people. The village’s alleys and main square buzz with life from early morning until late at night. The village consists of three settlements: Upper and Lower Steni and the nearly abandoned settlement of Pyrgos, also known as Skouteri. The heart of the village is the cobbled square, from where narrow paths begin and branch out to the very last edge of the village. In the square there are picturesque fountains with abundant running water, while large plane trees spread their shade over the quaint cafés and the renowned meat tavernas.
The most famous of the many nearby springs is "Doctors Spring", 500 meters past the center of the village, in a plane-tree-shaded ravine with gurgling, running waters. If you find yourself there, don’t forget to buy local products (mountain tea, oregano, hilopites, trahana, thyme honey, spoon sweets, etc.) from the market set up by the women. The best place for hiking is undeniably the Aesthetic Forest of Steni, one of the 19 aesthetic forests of Greece, which has been included in the Natura program. Pines, chestnut trees and crystal-clear springs with running water compose a heavenly landscape that thrills nature lovers.
Among the sights worth seeing is the chapel of Agia Kyriaki, about 1 km from Steni. This lovely church rests on a rock above the cave where, according to legend, locals found the icon of Agia Kyriaki. Also, in a very beautiful location 8 km from the village, at an elevation of 1,120 m., stands the Dirfys Mountain Refuge, which offers limitless views from the Euboean Gulf to the Aegean.
Where to eat in Steni Evia
Kissos and Platanos are two classic tavernas for meat lovers. It’s also worth visiting Neromylos taverna among the plane trees of Agia Kyriaki.
