The Municipality of Stira includes the narrowest section of the island
of Evia. Stira, the main
town of the Municipality, is located 89 kilometres south-east of Chalkida.
Mount Kliosi (685 metres) and its foothills create an idyllic landscape in the
region, completing the picture provided by the lace-like coast of the gulf of
Evia and the bays of Almiropotamos
and Nea Stira. The small Stouronissia
islets give the impression that they are guarding the bay of Stira from the western
side. The largest of these is the island of Stira (ancient Aigileia), whilst smaller
ones are the islets of Verdouni, Agios Andreas and Fonia or Funias.
Further south, in front of the bay of Almiropotamos, is Kavalliani,
which many identify with Pliny's Glauconnissos. The Municipality of Stira (with
a population of over 3000) today comprises a territory of 188,583 stremmata including
within its boundaries its main city Stira and the parishes of Almiropotamos, Messochoria,
Nea Stira and Polypotamos.
Smaller hamlets are Kapsala,
Panagia - built near the promontory
which, according to the geographer Ptolemy, the ancients called Leon - Lefka,
Nimborio and others.
There are beautiful beaches both on the Aegean coast of the island,
and on the coast of the gulf of Evia. The Stouronissia are an ideal spot for small
trips and fishing. A visit to the Drakospita (dragon houses) is a must for any
visitor to Stira.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Municipality
of Styra tourist pamphlet.
