Oreoi harbour, from S
Set on the northern edge of Evvoia, overlooking the narrow channel toward Thessaly and the distant silhouettes of the Sporades, Oreoi and Neos Pyrgos form a continuous coastal landscape where antiquity, medieval power struggles, and 20th-century displacement meet. Though today they appear as quiet seaside settlements, their past stretches back more than 2,500 years, marked by maritime routes, strategic fortifications, and waves of people who arrived, stayed, and transformed the shoreline.
Ancient Oreoi
The ancient city of Oreoi was founded around the 5th century BC, likely as a colony or fortified outpost of Istiaia, the major Classical-era city of northern Evvoia. Its position at the mouth of the Oreoi straits—one of the natural entrances to the North Evvoian Gulf—made it a valuable watchpoint for controlling trade and naval movements between Thessaly, the Pagasitikos Gulf, and the Aegean.
Oreoi flourished particularly in the Hellenistic period, when it became known for its port, its local production, and the presence of public monuments. The most famous surviving artefact is the Hellenistic Marble Bull, discovered in the harbour in 1965. The monumental sculpture, dating to the late 4th or early 3rd century BC, likely formed part of a funerary precinct dedicated to a wealthy local figure or family. Its craftsmanship speaks to the cultural sophistication and economic life of the ancient city.
During this period, Oreoi occupied an important position within the shifting alliances of northern Greece. It changed hands between various powers, including Macedonian rulers and local Evvoian leagues. Its port ensured steady income, as ships traveling north or south frequently docked for supplies, shelter, or trade.
Istiaia
In antiquity, Istiaia was one of the major cities of northern Evvoia, commanding the fertile plain at the foot of Mount Telethrio and controlling the natural routes toward both the Pagasitikos Gulf and the Oreoi channel. Mentioned by Homer in the Iliad as “grape-rich Histiaea,” it was already recognised in the Late Bronze Age for its agricultural wealth, particularly vineyards that supplied wine to neighbouring regions. By the 5th century BC, the city had developed into an organised Classical polis, minting its own coins and participating in the wider political history of the island. During the Athenian domination of Evvoia in the 5th century BC, Istiaia was forcibly resettled after the revolt of 446 BC, and Athenians established a cleruchy here. Yet the city recovered, re-hellenised, and re-emerged as a significant local centre in the Hellenistic period.
In the Hellenistic era, Istiaia expanded its influence across the northern coast, including the harbour zone that later became Oreoi. Archaeological finds from the wider plain—farmsteads, coins, and small sanctuaries—attest to a prosperous rural economy supporting the urban centre. Its strategic position meant that Istiaia often found itself entangled in the power struggles of Macedonia, local Evvoian leagues, and rival coastal cities. While never a major naval power, Istiaia controlled important land routes and contributed to the cultural and economic networks linking Evvoia with Thessaly and the Sporades.
Under Roman rule (after 146 BC), Istiaia adapted to the new imperial order with relative stability. The Romans valued northern Evvoia for its agricultural production and its access to maritime passages, and Istiaia served as the inland administrative and economic counterpart to coastal settlements like Oreoi. The city did not fade into obscurity; rather, it continued as a modest but active regional centre, its farms supplying grain, olives, and wine, while Roman travellers and officials passed through en route to the island’s ports. Inscriptions and small architectural remains from this period show continued civic life, local governance, and steady habitation well into the Early Christian centuries.
Roman and Early Christian Periods
Under Roman rule (from 146 BC onward), Oreoi continued to serve as a maritime point of interest. The Romans maintained the existing route networks that connected the island with Thessaly, and the surrounding countryside was dotted with farms, vineyards, and fishing settlements. The region’s proximity to the open sea also made it a relay point for Roman naval patrols.
By the Early Christian and Byzantine eras (4th–9th centuries AD), the ancient urban centre had diminished in size, but the coastal plain remained inhabited. Small rural churches and farmsteads appeared across the hinterland. The name “Oreoi” persisted through Byzantine times, though on a smaller scale, often linked administratively to Istiaia.
Medieval Oreoi — Venetians, Catalans & the Struggle for Evvoia
The medieval history of northern Evvoia was shaped by foreign powers. After the Fourth Crusade (AD 1204) and the fragmentation of the Byzantine Empire, Evvoia (then “Negroponte”) fell under Venetian influence. Oreoi’s position near the northern maritime passages made it a strategic outpost, and the Venetians rebuilt the fortress that still partially stands today. This fortress guarded the channel and provided security for shipping lanes connecting Venice, Crete, and the Aegean.
Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, Oreoi changed hands multiple times as Venetians, local Greek lords, and the Catalan Company fought for control of northern Evvoia. The fortifications were expanded, destroyed, and rebuilt, depending on the era. The castle never reached the scale of Chalkida’s fort, but it served as a valuable northern watchpoint.
Ottoman to Modern Era — A Quiet Frontier
From the 16th to the 19th century, the northern Evvoian coastline remained a relatively quiet agricultural and maritime zone. Oreoi never developed into a major Ottoman administrative centre; instead, it functioned as a rural harbour serving the needs of local trade—timber, grain, fish, and livestock.
After the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830) and the gradual integration of Evvoia into the modern Greek state (completed by 1833), Oreoi became a small but steadily growing seaside community. Its port offered a link to the mainland, and local fishing traditions remained central to life here. Travellers of the 19th century describe the coastline as peaceful, dotted with boats, and surrounded by fertile agricultural land.
The 20th Century — Refugees and the Birth of Neos Pyrgos
The most transformative chapter of the area’s modern history came after the Asia Minor Catastrophe of AD 1922. As Greek communities fled from Asia Minor, the region of Vourla near Smyrna—home to a town called Pyrgos—was destroyed. Survivors were resettled by the Greek state across the mainland and islands.
One group of these refugee families was settled just west of Oreoi, where the coastline was open and suitable for new construction. They founded Neos Pyrgos, named in honour of the lost homeland they were forced to abandon. The newcomers brought with them their cultural identity—culinary traditions, religious customs, songs, and craftsmanship. Their houses formed an organised grid near the shore; fishing and boatbuilding flourished; and new chapels were built for saints revered in Asia Minor. Through their labour, the barren strip of coast was reshaped into a functioning village within a single generation.
Over time, Oreoi and Neos Pyrgos formed a combined coastal zone with shared infrastructure, trade, tourism, and seasonal rhythms. The arrival of refugee communities revitalised the local economy, introduced new cultural layers, and provided both continuity and renewal to one of North Evvoia’s oldest regions.
Sights
1. Oreoi Fortress
The Venetian-era castle overlooking the small port. Its remaining walls and towers evoke the medieval era of Venetian–Catalan struggles over Evvoia.
2. The Hellenistic Marble Bull
One of the most remarkable sculptures found in Evvoia, displayed today near the port. Dating to the 4th–3rd century BC, it testifies to the artistic and economic vitality of ancient Oreoi.
3. Orei Port
A charming seaside promenade lined with tavernas, fishing boats, and ferries. Ideal for relaxed strolls and sunset views across the channel.
4. Neos Pyrgos Beach
A long sandy beach stretching toward the wetlands of Kanatadika, perfect for swimming, kitesurfing, and quiet summer evenings.
5. Kanatadika Wetlands
A protected natural habitat very close to Neos Pyrgos, with rich birdlife and walking paths.
6. Istiaia
A short drive inland, this town has ancient roots and offers shops, cafés, and archaeological interest.
Flavours of Oreoi & Neos Pyrgos
Seafood Traditions
Both villages share a long fishing culture. Fresh sardines, anchovies, grilled octopus, and fried anchovies (marides) are staples. Refugee families from Asia Minor also brought techniques for curing and marinating fish.
Asia Minor Influence
Look for dishes such as soutzoukakia, pilaf with aromatic spices, and subtly seasoned seafood stews, reflecting the cuisine of Vourla and Smyrna.
Local Agricultural Products
The fertile plains around Istiaia supply vegetables, figs, and olive oil, which appear in every tavern in the area.
Summer Pastries
Local cafés and patisseries often prepare galaktoboureko, ravani, and homemade ice creams ideal after a long day at the beach.
