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CHIOS
Chios
(Hios)
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 Ionia. 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 with works by the internationally famous
sculptor, Halepas, among others. In addition, the Korai Library, one of
the most important in Greece, contains 95,000 volumes, including the
founder's collection of rare books, and an exhibit of local costumes.
The south part of the island is
where the 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 Mastichohoria or Mastic Villages, have retained their vivid
mediaeval character. The first one you come to is Armolia (24 km.), known
for its pottery and its ruined 14th century 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 grey and white.
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 km. 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 northwest, 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
sentinal. Tradition has it that this is one of the many possible
birthplaces of Homer. The road to Volissos passes through impressive
mountain scenery with wonderful views towards the sea. Two kilometres
away, the fishing hamlet of Limia is where you can board the caique that
sails to Psara and the Monastery of Agia Markela (5 km.).
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.
How to Get to Chios
By Ferry-boat:
- From Piraeus (daily)
- From Thessaloniki and Kavala (in
summer)
Useful telephone numbers for Chios
- Area Code: 0271
- Harbour Master: 22837
- Police: 22581
- First Aid: 23151
- Municipal Tourism Bureau: 44389
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