Euripus Strait

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Satellite image showing the Euripus Strait between Boeotia (top) and Euboea (bottom).

The Euripus Strait (Greek: Εύριπος), is a narrow channel of water separating the Greek island of Euboea in the Aegean Sea from Boeotia in mainland Greece. It is subject to strong tidal currents which reverse direction several times a day. Its principal port is Chalcis on Euboea, which is located at the strait's narrowest point.

In his Phaedo, Plato has Socrates use the Euripus tide as a simile for things that "go up and down" in describing the thinking of those who hold that nothing is sound or stable (Phaedo, 90c).

There are two road bridges across the strait, both at Chalcis. One is a suspension bridge with a span of about 215 m (705 ft). The strait is 160 m (525 ft) wide at this point. The other bridge is the "Sliding Bridge" which can be opened to allow boat traffic through the strait. It is located at the narrowest point of the strait, where it is only 38 m (125 ft) wide.