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Chios, south of Limnos, claims to be the birthplace of Homer. Its landscape is very varied and its main crop is mastic, the "chew in chewing gum", produced by trees that grow nowhere else in the world. Its capital and chief port, also called Chios, is a lively town on the east coast of the island, opposite the shores of ancient Iona. A happy blend of traditional and modern, Chios has a large mediaeval castle which dominates the harbour. Its walls enclose the old section of town, whose houses are embellished with lattice windows and balconies. The town also has two distinguished museums, the Archaeological Museum with finds from the island, and the Museum of Modern Greek Sculpture, Halepas, among others. In addition, the Korai Library, one of the most important of Greece, contains 95000 volumes, including the founder's collection of rare books, and an exhibit of local costumes.
      
The south part of the island is where mastic trees grow in abundance. An unprepossessing, bush-like plant, its sticky sap forms crystals which are gathered for use in many products, including pharmaceuticals. The villages in this district, the so called Mastichohoriaor Mastic Villages, have retained their vivid mediaeval character. The first one you come to is Armolia (24km), known for its pottery and its ruined Genoese castle. Pirgi (30 km) is the second in line. It looks as though it has emerged intact from the Middle Ages, with its narrow, often roofed alleyways and its house facades covered with the unique "xysta" decorations, geometric patterns in gray and white.
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A swallow's nest on Chios
Photo: B van de Wal |
Eight kilometres from Pirgi there are traces of a 6th century B.C. temple of Apollo in the archaeological site of Phanes. Emborios, 10 km. south of Pirgi, is a typical seaside village, whose wonderful beach is composed of black pebbles. Another well preserved village, Mesta, lies 10 km. west of Pirgi. Many of its traditional houses have been converted by the GNTO into charming places for visitors to stay. Eleven kilometres from Pirgi is the fishing hamlet of Limenas where there are delightful beaches for bathing. In the northern half of Chios the first stopping point is the village of Vrontados (5 km), which boasts the famous "Daskalopetra" ("Teacher's Rock") where legend maintains Homer used to teach. Langadas (15 km) is a picturesque fishing village not far from Delfinio, an ancient naval and military base founded by the Athenians in 412 B.C. Kardamila and MArmaro are two more typical fishing villages set at the back of little bays with a variety of delightful places to swim. Continuing north west, you will arrive at Volissos (40 km) one of Chios's most beautiful villages, spread over the lower slopes of a hill where the remains of a byzantine castle stand sentinel. Tradition has it that this is one of the many possible birthplaces of Homer. The road to Volisos passes trough impressive mountain scenery with wonderful views towards the sea. Two kilometres away, the fishing village of Limia is where you can board the caique that sails to Psara and the monastery of Ag ia Markela Finally, in the hills to the west of the capital, stands Nea Moni, the island's most important Byzantine monument. Founded in the 11th century by a monk named Constantine, the monastery contains extraordinary frescoes and mosaics. In the same area, the evocative buildings in the semi-abandoned mediaeval villages of Avgonima and Anavatos transport the visitor to another era. Swimmers will find a variety of lovely beaches on Chios. These include the resort of Karfas, not far from town, Agia Ermioni, Komi, Vrontodo, Agia Markela and others. For a new taste experience, try some of the traditional Greek "spoon sweets" preserves made from a plethora of ingredients, for which the island is famous.
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How to dry octopuses - Chios.
Photo: Thierry Missiaen
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Chios, Stalactites and Stalagmites in Olympi.
Photo: Peter Pasman
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Chios.
Photo: Adri Zellenrath. |
Chios, Agios Georgios.
Photo: Ruud van Os
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Chios. Photo: Ad van Gool
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Chios.
Foto: Adri Zellenrath.
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Chios.
Photo: Irwan Sastradiwiria. |
The small harbour of Langada, Chios.
Photo: Peter Wijchers.
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Photo: Irwan Sastradiwiria
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The map of north-eastern Aegean islands |
