Zarakes: Machalas and nearby sea caves

Zarakes brings together several travel interests: the traditional architecture of the old quarter of Machalas, historical finds at the Zoodochos Pigi chapel, and coastal destinations nearby. There is also an abandoned windmill-shaped tower in the newer town center. If you are looking for a hotel in Zarakes, these differences can help you shape your stay around local history, archaeology, or the coast.

Machalas: architecture and local history

The old quarter of Machalas in Zarakes has preserved its architectural character. Its traditional stone houses are built in the Epirus style and roofed with marble slabs. Together, the stone construction and roofing define its distinctive features. This characteristic building style helps identify Machalas as a distinct quarter. The architecture of the old village thus differs from the tower in the newer town center.

The move from the old settlement to the new one began in the early 20th century; Machalas was completely abandoned in 1960. These two dates mark different stages. The relocation did not begin only in 1960, but took place over several decades. The building style describes the character of the old quarter, while the timeline places its transformation in context.

The tower and archaeological evidence

An abandoned tower designed as a windmill stands in the center of the newer town center. It is called Ellinopyrgos or Línopyrgos. Unlike the stone houses of Machalas, this is a single named structure with a distinctive design. The contrast between the old quarter and the newer town center highlights different architectural connections within the area’s history.

Building remains and graves dating from the Late Geometric to the Late Roman period have been found at the Zoodochos Pigi chapel in Zarakes. This adds an archaeological perspective to the architecture of Machalas. The focus here is on the finds at the chapel and their dating, rather than on the construction of the traditional stone houses.

Old paths and coastal destinations

Several hiking trails lead along old paths from the Old Village—that is, Machalas in Zarakes—to various beaches in the surrounding area. The old quarter is the starting point, and the trails lead to different beach destinations.

The coastal area described near Zarakes stretches from Zarakes Beach to the so-called Purple Cave. Those interested in speleology can visit numerous sea caves along this coast by boat. This excursion differs from the hikes starting in Machalas: the boat tour focuses on the caves along the coast, while the hikes follow old paths to various beaches. Both the mode of transport and the destination are therefore relevant when comparing them.

Friniakos, also known as Zarakes Beach, is near Almiropotamos at the southern municipal boundary. The same beach name identifies the starting point of the described coastal stretch to the Purple Cave. Friniakos can therefore be located using two specific geographical references: its proximity to Almiropotamos and its position at the southern municipal boundary.

Discover more travel destinations: Chalkida, Marmari, Mpoufalo, Agii Apostoli, Loutrá Aidhipsoú, Paliouras, Pefki, Rovies.

For the broader travel overview: Euboea.