There aren't many hotels that can offer guests a ride in a Lamborghini. But that was what pitched up to take our son around the 35 acres of grounds at Eleonas Hotel. Granted, it was a Lamborghini tractor, and the journey was bumpy - but he was thrilled. At the wheel was Stefanos, who together with wife Marina, moved back to Evia in the late 90s to settle on the farm that had been in their family for almost 2 centuries. Over the next couple of years they built a charming 10-bedroomed guesthouse perched on a hill that overlooks their olive groves and out across the Evoikos Gulf (eleonas is Greek for 'olive grove') - a peaceful agrotourism experience for lucky guests in the know.
It's mainly Athenians who have discovered this sleepy island, which is in fact the second largest in Greece. Crystal-clear water, deserted beaches and pine forests are the main drawcards for those making the 3-hour drive north from Athens. But it was Stefanos and Marina's thoughtfulness and extensive local knowledge that really made our stay unforgettable. Sweet touches such as handmade games for kids, ever-changing home-baked breakfasts, beach umbrellas to borrow - plus, of course, those ravishing views.
Highs
- Excellent prices and delicious home cooking
- Simple, light and airy bedrooms with sea views; most have outdoor space, and 3 have additional bunk rooms for kids
- An impressive commitment to eco tourism, and a careful balancing of sustainability with luxury comforts
- Breathtaking sunsets and star gazing from the terrace
- Hiking and biking trails galore on your doorstep: Stefanos can arrange bike hire, or lend backpacks and binoculars
Lows
- No pool, and the beach is an 8-minute walk down a steep track
- The restaurant is closed for the foreseeable due to staffing issues, so you'll have to head out for meals (breakfast is still served)
- No kids under 5
- Might be too quiet for some, although the small village of Rovies, with its bars and restaurants, is only a 5-minute drive
- A 3-hour drive from Athens, but it's straightforward, with a bridge separating Evia from the mainland; no need for a ferry
Best time to go
Come for the walking, wild flowers and birdwatching in April, May and June. Or in September to see the olive harvest. High summer is glorious but extremely hot, but you can quickly escape into the mountainous wooded interior; and the weather on Evia is typically a few degrees cooler (and a little wetter) than the Cyclades or Crete.
Our top tips
There's a secret beach just south of Rovies, which you can access directly by car - ideal if you're with younger children who won't enjoy a long walk to the beach in the heat. Just drive along the track, pull in and you're within 5m of the shore - bliss. There's no shade so ask Marina to lend you an umbrella.
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 10 rooms
- Breakfast
- 5+ year olds welcome
- Closed: November to March
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
There are 10 light and airy rooms, all sea facing. Each is different, simply furnished with tiled floors, ceiling fans, A/C and excellent Coco-Mat mattresses on kingsize beds. Hues are pastel - pale blue, green and yellow walls - and linens are hand-printed with olive designs, a nod to the farm. There's even a polished olive tree trunk in each room for hanging clothes.
Most rooms have either a private terrace or garden area; some have both. Those on the first floor have better views. Three are Family Rooms with a separate bunk room adjoining the main bedroom. We stayed in one of these - Myrtia - and our son was delighted by the under-the-sea wall murals. Another featured a forest scene; the third, a road circuit complete with magnetic cars. Larger families can book one first floor and one ground-floor room which connect via an internal staircase. There's also a Small Suite, with twin beds, a separate seating area with a single sofabed, and a spacious balcony.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- WiFi
Eating
Delicious breakfasts are served on the terrace and are all homemade by Marina; a daily changing spread of fresh juices, homebaked breads and cakes, fresh doughnuts, homemade jams and unusual touches such as chocolate tahini. And, of course, olives in various guises.
Lunches and dinners aren't available, though coffee, a pastry or a drink can be served at anytime during the day on the terrace or in the gardens. Then it's a short drive into Rovies for bars and tavernas (walkable in the daylight), and a little bit further on to Limni for even more choice. Ask Stefanos and Marina for recommendations.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Organic produce
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Rovies beach is an 8-minute walk away, a narrow strip of sand and shingle with tiki umbrellas and beach bars. For more solitude, there's a lovely stony beach just south of here - see our Author's Tip
- Take an olive oil tasting tour on Eleonas' farm, learning about the full process from harvesting to bottling
- Walking paths are signposted around the farm. There are also longer hiking routes straight from the guesthouse, mapped on a GPS phone which guests can borrow
- Yoga lessons can be booked ahead and take place in a stunning clearing in the woodland; Marina has also built a series of quirky outdoor exercise stations
- We love the red-roofed seaside town of Limni (10 mins' drive), with its pretty cobbled streets and harbour
- Edipsos, one of Greece's best-known natural spa towns is 30 minutes drive away, with thermal springs to swim in
- The dramatic waterfall at Drimonas is a 40-minute drive inland
- Stefanos can arrange river trekking, rappel and kayaking, as well as bike hire; cycling is very popular here
- Back at the guesthouse there's table tennis and table football in a games room, as well as a small football pitch for kids to enjoy
- With virtually no light pollution, the star gazing is amazing at night; there's a telescope on the terrace
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Walking
- Yoga
Kids
5+ year olds are welcome and kids will love the sense of freedom here. There are 35 acres of farm to explore, and beaches are close by.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The 3 Family Rooms (a double/twin bedroom and adjoining bunk room) are perfect for younger families, and charmingly decorated. Those with older children should book the 2 Connecting Rooms with the interconnecting staircase to give themselves extra space.
Kids Activities on site:
- Playroom with books and games
- Play tipi
- A mini football pitch
- Animals to meet, including kittens and chickens
- Musical instruments made from recycled pots, pans and fans
- Olive oil tasting
Families Should Know:
The nearby beaches are pebbly not sandy so bring jelly shoes and watch out for sea urchins.
Distances:
- Airport: 3 hours' drive (Athens)
- Shops: 5 mins' drive (Rovies)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Eleonas Hotel is 5km from the village of Rovies in the northwest of Evia island, overlooking the sea. It's an easy 3-hour drive from Athens.
By Air:
Fly into Athens (166km). From here, you'll need to hire a car and drive over the bridge at Chalkida (Chalcis) to Evia; there’s no need for a ferry. If coming from northern or central Greece, the regular ferries from Arkitsa to Loutra Edipsou will save you driving time.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Athens 166.0 km ATH
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape