Kimi
The beautiful town of Kymi is built on the eastern part of the prefecture of Evia and it boasts the most important artificial harbour of the prefecture. It is amphitheatrically built in a verdant green environment with plenty of water, surrounded by traditional settlements, caves, forests, and beaches, which create an idyllic landscape.
Kymi is built on a privileged spot, 200m above the sea level, offering a panoramic view to the Aegean. For this reason, it is proudly called the “Balcony to the Aegean”.
The traditional architecture and the unique natural environment, in combination with the blue waters along its coasts, make Kymi a strong pole of attraction for thousands of visitors.
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Kymi is the birthplace of great personalities, such the great benefactor of humanity, Doctor George. N. Papanikolaou (of Pap test), the etcher Dimitrios Galanis, the hero of Balkan wars Ioannis Velissarios and others.
Kymi used to be called Koumi. Some believe its name comes from the ancient word Komi (= small town), while others believe it comes from the word “kyma” (=wave).
Many historians believe that Kymi was the metropolis (mother-town) of the first Greek colony in Italy, Neapolis (in the location of modern Naples). The location of ancient Kymi was close to the place where a Venetian castle stands today, about one hour’s walk from the modern town of Kymi.
When you explore the little town of Kymi you can find many interesting sights that will impress you.
A visit to the house of Doctor George Papanikolaou, right below the central square of Kymi is a must. Next to it is located the church of Agios Athanasios, where the statue of this great scientist stands.
You can admire the beautiful neoclassical building of the Town Hall, and visit the Folk Museum where many woven and embroidered articles of 19th century of unique craftsmanship are on exhibit. There also you can see the characteristic local costume of Kymi, with mixed influences from the cultures of Asia Minor and Western Europe.
You can walk around the nicely landscaped area (a work of the architect Dimitris Pikionis) where the little church of Profitis Ilias is built. In the same location also stands the statue of Ioannis Velissarios. The place where the little church is built offers a unique view to the sea, the mountains and the town of Kymi.
You can visit the church of Agia Triada built with beautiful red stone, and the church of Panagia Laoutsanissa, decorated with excellent frescoes and a beautiful marble chancel-screen. The pulpit and the chancel-screen are works of the sculptor Ioannis Chalepas (father of the famous Greek sculptor Yiannoulis Chalepas).
For everybody preferring an escape to a nearby destination or a beautiful hike, a route to the old mill or the cistern and the harbour will certainly fascinate them. The view from Kymi will also impress them.
Only 1 km from Kymi are located the sources of Honeftiko, with water of recognized medicinal value.
When you visit the monastery of Metamorfossi Sotiros (dedicated to the Metamorphosis of Christ), you will be impressed by the excellent epitaph of the 14th century. Outside the monastery the natural environment and the tranquillity it emanates will enchant you. Hal way to the monastery you can find the Gournia source, where you can get a refreshing drink of water. After the monastery you meet the Agiou Georgiou Castle, rising in a verdant green setting with the blue of the sea as the backdrop.
A few more, somewhat distant, sights around Kymi include the church of Panagia Evangelistria (dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary) in the area Oxylithos, the church of Kimissi Theotokou (dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary), and the church of Agia Anna. Also, the source with rich water in Klimatari and the hill called Viglatouri with archaeological findings.
Moreover, in the area Taxiarches the churches of Agios Georgios, Profitis Ilias, Taxiarches, as well as the monument dedicated to the 30 patriots executed during the German occupation. Every year on May 24th, a celebration takes place in their memory.
The natural environment of Kymi exhibits a great variety of fauna and flora, as well as a high number of natural habitats and important natural landscapes. The traditional villages, the rich cultural background, as well as the hospitality of people, have played a major role in the tourist development of the area. In Kymi you can find many hotels, rooms for rent, as well as restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy the special local dishes. During the summer months, there is a rich nightlife in the bars and clubs of the area.
The unique road from Paralia to Kymi, first constructed one and a half century ago, was recently approved as a racing route in the official Greek car-racing championship. Kymi is a pole of attraction, as it has developed alternative forms of tourism and especially sea tourism.
In the area of Kymi you can find many splendid sandy beaches where you can enjoy swimming. These include the beaches of Kymi and Soutsini with the caves carved by the waves in the steep rocks, a good place for underwater fishing, and the beach of Stomio. You can spend time of tranquillity and relaxation on the beautiful beach of Platana with fine pebble, the long sandy beaches of Ai Giorgi and Mourteri , the bays of Tsilaro and Thapsa with fine pebble and the beach of Metochi . Clean sandy beaches with crystal clear waters where you can also enjoy your favourite water sports.
The verdant green natural environment of Kymi and the blue colour of the sky and the sea, in combination to the cultural tradition and the hospitality of its people, will make your holiday in Kymi a unique experience.
Kymi is well known for the traditional pastry “baklava” made in a unique way here. It is also famous for the amygdalota (almond sweets) and all kinds of sweets made from grape must (soutzoukia, chaimalia, pastokidono ). Also famous are the wine of Kymi, from the black grapes of the variety “mavrokountoura” and various types of liquors. Jams, walnuts, vegetables and, of course, the renowned dried figs of Kymi, complete the range of local delicacies. Do not omit to taste fresh fish and fruits de mer, locally produced meat and dairy produce.
In Kymi you can purchase excellent “koukoularika kadra”, handicrafts made from the cocoon of the silkworm, one of the most representative products of traditional craftsmanship of Kymi.
