Chios island tours. Chios island in greece. Argenti Museum and Korai Public Library

Island Chios- one of the centers of the Aegean civilization in antiquity, as well as one of the most unusual and interesting islands of Greece today!

Washed by the azure Aegean Sea, Chios attracts thousands of tourists with its indescribable atmosphere, climate, traditions and art monuments. In ancient times, the island was the center of literature and sculpture, plus the famous Homer and the mathematicians Hippocrates and Enopides were born here. However, during the period of the Turkish yoke, Chios fell into decay - in order to avenge the local Greeks for their support in the struggle for independence, the Turks slaughtered almost the entire local population - no more than 2 thousand people survived, miraculously managed to escape. However, immediately after the annexation of the island to the already free Greece, the locals returned to their homeland, and with even greater love and awe began to respect the old traditions and customs.

To date, the island is known primarily for the production mastics- natural resin from the mastic tree. Actually, this one is extremely tasty and useful product and brought him world fame– Chios is the only supplier of mastic in Greece! In addition, since we are talking about traditional local products, be sure to try local wine and fish dishes (traditionally sardines and mackerel).

capital the islands is eponymous Chios city. This is the most Big City Chios, possessing port of Prokimea(the largest on the island) and the most developed tourist infrastructure. It is from here that your acquaintance with the island will begin: take a walk to the central Vounakiu Square, from there - past to the Ottoman fortresses and fountains. Then go up to temple Saint Basil XVI century, and from it - to the knight's fortress Castro and gate Porta Majore. You can look at the rich Venetian mansions on Aplotaria Street, and relax in a good tavern in the center or in the area of ​​the port-quay, where most hotels and inns are also concentrated. Optionally, you can also go to - the largest on the island.

From a tourist point of view, we recommend visiting, for example Pirgi, Places, Olympia, Kalamoti, Avanatos and others. Well, lovers can simply stop in the capital and enjoy the nearby shores (beaches Bella Vista, Ormos, Athanis Naftis etc.), or plan a trip along the coast of the island - villages Kardamila, Places, Volissos, Kalamoti and etc.

By the way, when visiting Chios, you will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby islands (opposite the village Lagada),

Chios- an island in the Aegean Sea, near the peninsula of Asia Minor as part of the territory of Greece. Population 50,388 (2001 census).

The island of Chios, as well as the smaller nearby islands of Psara (14.2 km to the northwest) and Inousses (6.3 km to the east), form the Chios Prefecture within the Republic of Greece. The largest settlements: Agia Ermioni, Volisos, Vrondados, Kambos, Karfas, Cataractis, Lilikas, Megas Limionas, Mesta, Flatsia and Chios.

Geography

Washed by the waters Aegean Sea, has a maritime border with the Republic of Turkey, passing in the middle of the Chios (Chesme) Strait, which separates the island from the Turkish peninsula Karaburun (Cesme village) in Anatolia at a distance of about 7 km from Chios. The area of ​​the island is 842.289 km² (325 sq. miles). The island has the shape of a crescent, arching to the east, the length is about 50 km, the maximum width is about 20 km. Like other islands of the Aegean, Chios is characterized by a rocky terrain with hills and a low mountain range, repeating the outline of the island along its middle part with very sparse thorny vegetation. highest points the islands are peaks Pelineon (1297 m/4260 ft) and Oros (1188 m or 3900 ft), both located on the northern rounding of the island. The central part is divided into western and eastern chains of low Provatas mountains. It is composed mainly of limestone and shale. Shrubby Mediterranean vegetation; groves of Aleppo pine.

Story

Antiquity

Chios is one of the centers of the Aegean culture. Its oldest inhabitants - the tribes of Lelegs and Carians - at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. were driven out by the Ionians. From the 8th century BC e. trade and craft policy (center - the city of Chios). From here they exported the best wine in Greece, mastic, marble, figs; Chios was the first slave market in Greece. During early antiquity, Chios was one of the ancient centers of ancient Greek literature and art.

During the Greco-Persian Wars, he became part of the First Athenian Naval Union, but in last step The Peloponnesian War came out of it and fought against Athens on the side of Sparta. He was also a member of the Second Athenian Naval Union, but during the Allied War he also opposed Athens as part of the anti-Athenian coalition. Chios was one of the theaters of operations of the Allied War, and the Battle of Embata took place here.

It was located from the 2nd half of the 1st century. n. e. under the rule of the Roman Empire, after its fall at the end of VI until 1204 as part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

Middle Ages

Turkish emir Chaka Bey was the first foreign invader of the island since the Roman conquests. After the Byzantine defeat at Manzikert, he managed to advance through Anatolia and capture the island, controlling it in 1090-1097. Crusader invasion during the first crusade pushed the Turks deep into Anatolia and returned the island to Byzantium.

After the first fall of Constantinople (1204), the island passes into the hands of the Republic of Venice. In 1225 it was captured by the Empire of Nicaea. However, due to its gradual weakening under the onslaught of the Turks, it is forced to cede Chios to the Republic of Genoa under the Treaty of Nymphaeum in 1261. In 1302-1303, the island was attacked by Turkish pirates, then in 1304-1329 there was a lord of Chios, headed by the Zaccaria family, after which the Genoese of the Giustiniani trading clan managed to regain control over the island, which lasted until 1566.

Catholic families (French and Italians - mostly officials, military and sea merchants) made up 10% of the population of the island, living mainly within the walls of the old castle of Chios (Castro). The local Greek population (landowners and peasants) maintained the Orthodox way of life in the rural regions of the island. In 1566 the island was conquered by the Turks.

In 1822, the island was shocked by the so-called Chios massacre - the brutal massacre of the Turks on April 11, 1822 over the Greek inhabitants because the islanders supported the fighters for the independence of Greece. Of the 155,000 inhabitants of the island, only about 2,000 survived after the massacre. Of these, according to rough estimates, 25,000 were slaughtered, the rest were sold into slavery, deported or ended up in exile, forming the Chios diaspora Western Europe and USA. These residents subsequently did much to unify the island with Greece in 1912. After 1822, the island was practically uninhabited for several decades. Then the surviving residents began to gradually return. In 1922-1923. Chios, like Lesbos, became a transit point for hundreds of thousands of Greek refugees from Asia Minor, but only a small part of them remained on the island.

Until 1912, Muslims (Turks and Turkishized Greeks) and Jews (Sephardim) invited to permanent settlement from Spain occupied the old part of the city (Castro), in which the Greeks were forbidden to settle. Since 1912 - part of Greece. In 1922-23, during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Turks and Jews left the island, instead of them, part of the Greek refugees from Ionia settled on the island.

Historical and cultural monuments

In the southern part of Chios, near the village of Pyrgi, there is the sanctuary of Apollo Phanaios (founded in the 19th century BC) with a temple (2nd half of the 6th century BC). Famous for its Byzantine mosaics, the monastery of Nea Moni (between 1042-1056). small village Vrontados (Βροντάδος), the northern suburb of the capital of the island - the city of Chios, is considered by the Chios to be the birthplace of Homer. This is confirmed by the archaeological find "Teacher's rock" (Δασκαλóπετρα).

The Greek island of Chios (Greek: Χίος) is located in the eastern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Northern Aegean Islands. The prefecture of Chios consists, in addition to Chios itself, of the islands of Psara and Inousses.

The capital of Chios is the city of the same name. Island coordinates: 38°24′00″ s. sh. 26°01′00″ in. e. A little over 50,000 people live on an area of ​​more than 840 km², almost all of whom live in the capital. In the 90s, a very strong migration increase began on Chios, firstly, due to migrants from Turkey and Pakistan, and secondly, due to pensioners from Europe (including Russia) who buy real estate on the island.

For quite a long time, Chios was a resort exclusively for the Greeks, but today a huge number of foreigners rest there, who appreciate the gorgeous beaches and untouched nature, the friendliness of the inhabitants of this island and the flavor of the villages of Chios.

The weather in Chios corresponds to the Mediterranean climate, the hottest time on the island is in late July and early August (30-35 ° C), and you can see the weather in Chios now below.

Chios attractions and excursions

The fortress of Chios, one of the main attractions of the city, survived both the tragic events of 1822 and the earthquake of 1881. It was originally built in the 10th century, but was repeatedly rebuilt and completed by the owners of the island.

Kambos, the southern suburb of Chios, where noble Genoese families lived, is currently being restored. In some former villas, hotels and pensions open.

In the Middle Ages, settlements were built to protect Chios from pirates and other invaders - Medieval villages. They are located in the south of the island, where the mastic tree grows - the main source of prosperity for Chios. All villages are fortresses, and the streets are deliberately narrow and intricate, connected by arches, flat roofs, and along the perimeter - a fortress wall. Each of these villages is an attraction in itself.

One of these mastic villages - Pirgi - is famous for the fact that the buildings here are decorated using the "xista" technique, when engraving is applied to the facades - geometric figures form non-repetitive patterns.

One of the most impressive Greek caves is located 8 kilometers from the village of Olympia: you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites every day, except Monday, from 11 am to 7 pm. The ticket will cost 5 euros.

Near the village of Vrontado, where Homer was supposedly born, on the seashore is the Rock of Homer - Dascalopetra. It was here, according to legend, that Homer shared his knowledge and experience with his students.

The monastery of Nea Moni, which was founded by Constantine Monomakh in the 11th century, is also interesting to visit. The main temple of the monastery is octagonal (there are similar ones only in Chios and Cyprus). The mosaic deserves special attention, which is an outstanding example of the art of the Byzantine period.

Be sure to bring a product based on mastic from Chios. It can be cosmetics (shampoo, cream, soap, toothpaste), food (halva, cookies, chewing gum), alcohol (Mastichato liqueur). Also worth buying essential oils citrus fruits, olive oil, honey, ouzo.

20 kilometers from the capital of the island is the village of Armolia, famous for its ceramics. And the village of Kallimasia is famous bed linen, tablecloths and bedspreads with hand embroidery and the production of dolls in national costumes.

Chios has everything for active sports, especially water sports. Walkers will appreciate the beauty and picturesqueness of Chios. And at night, bars, restaurants and discos are at your service. They are mainly concentrated in the cities of Chios and Karfas.

The ancient port of Volisos Limia also deserves attention. The main attraction here is the long beach of Managros with sand and pebbles, as well as the sandy beach of Lefkatia north of the harbour.

In the northwest of Chios, it is worth visiting the village of Aion Gala, which became famous thanks to Panagia Agiogalusena, a rock complex consisting of the spirit of churches. The large church is from the 15th century, while the small chapel built into the walls of the grotto dates back to the 10th-13th centuries. Behind them stretches a natural system of caves, where you can get for 5 euros in summer months from Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Chios map and beaches

The map shows that Chios is located in the Aegean Sea, very close to the Turkish coast.

You can zoom in and out on the map to get the right scale and see the island in detail or see what other islands surround it.

Chios hotels: prices

Near the pebbly beach of Agia Fotini, the Esperides Hotel was built with rooms that have a balcony, a bathroom, air conditioning, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The capital of the island is a 15-minute drive from Esperides, and the picturesque village of Mastichoria is 25 km away. The price for a double room in this hotel is approximately 27 euros per night.

Another budget hotel near the beach of Agia Fotini is the family-run To Kamari, which offers air-conditioned apartments with kitchenettes, bathrooms and TVs. Traditional cuisine is served at the hotel's restaurant, which is served on a terrace covered with wild grapes. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Double room will cost 30 euros per night.

Not far from Nagos Beach, in the picturesque town of Giosonas, is the Argo Suites hotel, offering spacious, comfortable duplex suites, on the ground floor of which there is a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator and washing machine, as well as a dining area, and on the second floor - a bedroom and a bathroom with hydromassage. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The village of Kardamila with infrastructure is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The price for a double room is 35 euros per night.

Also on the pebbly beach of Giosonas is the Iason Hotel. Each hotel room has a separate entrance, a balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea, kitchen, air conditioning, TV, bathroom with slippers, hairdryer and cosmetic accessories. On fresh air you can take a hot tub and sit in the garden bar. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, including fresh local products. Wireless internet is available free of charge in public areas of the hotel. For children, the Iason offers a swimming pool and playground. The village of Kardamila is 5 km from the hotel, while the town of Chios is 30 km away. The cost of a double room in this hotel is 35 euros.

How to get to Chios: airports, ports, sea

Chios can be reached from the Athens port of Piraeus on the Hellenic Seaways ferry in 6.5 hours, tickets will cost, depending on the class, from 19 to 53 euros. The ferry departs daily from mid-July to the end of August and Monday to Saturday from mid-June to early September.

Ferries from Thessaloniki, Psara, Lesbos, Samos, Kos and Rhodes also run to Chios, and in the season you can sail from Chios to the Turkish Cesme.

Chios has its own airport of the same name (JKH), where planes fly from Athens by Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines. Tickets cost about 100–130 euros, travel time is 45 minutes. And it’s quite easy to get to Athens from Moscow - there are both regular flights throughout the year and charter flights during the tourist season.

Beaches of Chios

Most tourists in Chios prefer to relax on the beach of Emborios, located in a sheltered bay. In addition, here you can visit archaeological park ancient city, open from 9 am to 3 pm daily in summer and from Tuesday to Sunday in winter.

The beach of Mavros Gialos, covered with black volcanic pebbles, and the light-pebbly Daskalopetra are very interesting.

You can relax in one of the secluded bays in the places of Elinda and Liti. And you can combine swimming with the contemplation of the monastery of Ayia Markela on the beach of the same name.

Chios Island is a new beach destination on Russian market. However, the history of the island as a resort began a long time ago. Initially, Chios was an elite vacation for the Greeks, in the 80s Europeans began to come here, most of which are occupied by Germans, French, and British. In our time, the development of the island of Chios by Russian vacationers begins.

Chios is an island in the Aegean Sea with beautiful beaches, mountainous hills covered in dense greenery, clear dark blue sea.

Chios Island is a paradise for a relaxing holiday, family holidays with children. There is no mass tourism, bustle and intense nightlife. The peak of the tourist season falls on the warmest months of July and August.

The climatic conditions of the island and volcanic soils allow fruits to ripen and pour juicy juice in the sun. It is fruits and honey that are one of the distinguishing features of the island of Chios.

Chios is the 5th largest in Greece. The island is densely populated and consists of the capital city of Chios and 52 villages, each of which is unique and has its own dialects, customs and traditions.

The villages of Chios are designed in a medieval style. This is mainly due to constant wars and therefore they were built with a defensive purpose.

On the island of Chios, the only Fortress in all of Greece, which survived the Greco-Turkish War of 1822 and the devastating earthquake of 1881, has been preserved, almost intact.

Map of Chios Island.

The beaches on the island of Chios are mostly sandy, but there are pebble and mixed types, there are beaches with black (gray) volcanic sand. There are about 50 of them in total, we list the main ones: Agia Markella, Levkatia, Komi, Agia Fotini and m.d.

The best beaches of Chios are located in the south:

• Mavra Volia Mavra Volia is a large bay with black pebbles, about 3 km long.
• Vruldia is a bay with white rocks and a white sandy beach.

You can get to Chios by sea by ferry from Thessaloniki or Athens, as well as other large islands of Greece, or from the same places only by plane.

Home Unique distinguishing feature o.Chios - a palette knife.

Chios is the only place on the planet where Pistacia Lentiscus trees produce resin (mastic). Masticha is a fragrant elixir that has healing properties. A lot of various products are made from mastikha resin: cosmetics, soap, shampoo, chewing gum, halva, cookies, chocolate and Mastihato, a low-alcohol drink to improve digestion.

Sights of the island of Chios.

• The capital of the island is the city of Chios. Port of Chios. Ruins of the Genoese fortress;
• Unique villages of the island (Pyrgia, Kalimasia, Timiana, Armolia, Meste, Vavili, Avgonima, Vrontado, Kardamila, Avanthos and many others);
• Sykyas Olymbos cave with stalactites and stalagmites (Olymbia village);
• Rock of Homer. Homer is a native of the island;
• Orthodox Monasteries;
• Three museums of the island of Chios: Ethnographic, Archaeological, Byzantine.

Chios is a small island in Greece, which is the fifth largest. Tourists have different attitudes towards this Greek territory. Some fall in love selflessly and yearn to return from the first second, other travelers need more time to feel Chios, take it to heart, feel the beauties of the island, walk through the villages and relax on the wonderful beaches Greek resort. Tourists who once met Chios become attached to this corner of Greece forever.

The hospitality of the inhabitants of Chios is known throughout the world. They joyfully open the doors of their house, and the tangerine jam served to guests will become a revelation and be remembered for a lifetime. It will make a big impression wild nature Chios, the purest waves of the sea - the tourist will remember the trip all year round.

There are many original establishments around the port of Chios. Modern architecture as if reflecting the rhythm of life of the islanders: noise, bustle, constant movement. There are many shops in Chios, where an inquisitive traveler will find many interesting souvenirs, useful gizmos, memorable gifts.

The history of Chios goes far into antiquity, which is confirmed by archaeological finds made in Agios Galas and Emporio. The discovered objects belong to the era of the first Ionian settlements. The name of the island, according to the historian Isidoros, arose thanks to the Phoenicians. "Chios" is the Syriac word for "mastic". It is this resin that is the most famous product of the island. Other versions report that the island received its name from the name of the daughter of Chione, King Enopion, the first ruler of the island. Also, according to one version, Chios is the son of Poseidon. An unusual option regarding the shape of the island: Chios resembles the Latin letter X, which the Greeks read as the Russian X.

The seaside villages of the island attract by the lack of tourists. The nature here is pure and beautiful, and therefore Chios was created for a relaxing holiday. The uniqueness of the island is Hiu. The resin that made Chios famous comes from the cracks in the mastic tree. Greek shops are full of products including Chiu. Every fan of unusual products will appreciate chewing gum, girls will definitely pay attention to mastic beauty products, lovers of sweets should try a variety of confectionery. Chiu is a part of both processed and pure.

The tradition of collecting resin has been preserved since ancient times. Seven mastic villages in the southern region of Masticochoria are equipped with fortresses and gates, which made it possible to protect unique trees from incoming pirates.

A bit of history about Chios

Chios is a truly special place. The shipowners of the island village of Kardamila own 5% of the world navy. This was the reason underdevelopment tourism of Chios, completely uncharacteristic of Greece and its islands. However, there is still hotel complexes, large hotels that allow visiting tourists to stay with all the amenities. Charters arriving in Chios provide transport links. At the same time, the tourist bustle of Corfu and Santorini is not here, the tranquility of the island creates a peaceful aura around it. Here you can perfectly relax with your family, the newlyweds will appreciate the accessibility of the sea and privacy.

Combining an amazing atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, taste experiments (which is worth one palette), medieval villages, churches of the Byzantine era, Chios opens the doors of unusual Greece. "Mouzenidis Travel" creates for everyone the conditions for an ideal holiday. Arranging flights, choosing a hotel, drawing up a cultural program - the company will make the trip exciting, full of emotions and eventful from the first to the last day.

An interesting tourist point is Chios Castle. The construction of the fortress began in the 10th century. Constant rebuilding and changes have turned the attraction into an example of an unusual mixture of architectural styles. It is necessary to go to see the fortress in the capital of Chios, which bears the same name.

The city of Kambos is noteworthy. The Genoese nobility came here, creating a large number of mansions. Each building is a stunning piece of architecture. ancient history. Now the villas have been converted into hotels and restaurants, where tourists can have a great time.

The nature of Chios deserves attention. The village of Olympia is famous for its caves with stalactites and stalagmites. The journey of archeology lovers will not be complete without the location of the Embryo settlement. The archaeological area is open to the public, as well as the rock of Homer. Presumably, it was here that the poetic school was located. Scientists say that Chios is the birthplace of Homer. Religious monuments are represented by the monastery of Nea Moni. The 11th century memo is one of the few remaining octagonal temples. The monastery is included in the UNESCO list. He suffered severe damage during the Chios massacre and earthquake.

Easter in Chios is truly magical. The ruketopolemos celebrations are the largest fireworks display in the Mediterranean. "Rocket war" (that's how handtopolemos is translated) takes place between the parishioners of the Church of the Virgin, as well as the parishioners of the Church of St. Mark. Homemade rockets are prepared all year, and at night Good Saturday they spill over the village of Vrontados, illuminating everything as if it were daylight.

The rocky island of Chios is a great place for a beach holiday. The Bella Vista area is famous for its beaches. The territory is equipped with the necessary elements, which makes it popular with tourists. The locals also like to relax here. Another great place is Emboros Bay. Picturesque landscapes, developed infrastructure, a large number of different establishments for a wonderful pastime are created to delight tourists. There is an archaeological park nearby, so history buffs will also find a pleasant entertainment option.

The Mouzenidis Travel Company will help you to join the culture of Chios, to taste the unique wine, mastic, citrus fruits, to feel peace, to feel the nature of the island. The smallest details of the trip will be planned, which will allow you to relax, to truly relax. Representative offices of the company in the main tourist points of Greece allow you to quickly respond to the wishes of customers, making the trip full and bright.

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Attractions

Karfas

Karfas is a small resort town located 7 km from Chora. Karfas is gaining popularity among tourists every year. The resort is well developed. Here for everyone there is a hotel and a hotel to their liking. Taste dishes traditional cuisine available in restaurants and cafes. For lovers of nightlife, Karfas offers a large selection of clubs and bars.

The resort is famous for its equipped and well-groomed beach with impeccably clear water and soft sand. The resort is popular for families with children.

Elata

The extraordinarily beautiful village of Elata, formed in the Middle Ages, is located 25 km from Chora. It stands on the slope of a steep hill in the depths of Chios. In ancient times, such a location saved the local population from conquerors. The settlement was a fortified city. Watch towers were built around the perimeter, which provided a good overview. Currently, not all protective structures have remained intact.
The stone church of the Holy Trinity is one of the attractions of this area. In the ancient church of St. John, ancient frescoes dating back to the 16th century have been preserved. Elata is famous for its agriculture. Farmers grow grapes, almonds, mastic and olives.

Not far from Elata is the picturesque bay and beach of Agia Irini, which are named after the small church of Agia Irene. The bay is famous for its beautiful sandy beach with small pebbles. It is popular with fishing enthusiasts.

Agios Minas

History lovers should visit the nunnery of Agios Minas, located on the top of a hill and surrounded by mountainous terrain. The reference point for tourists will be the small village of Neohori. The road from the capital will be short, only 9 km.

Agios Minas keeps in itself sad story. It was founded in the 16th century reverend father Neophytos Kumanos and his son Minas. It should be noted that he was originally monastery, and in 1932 it was transformed into a women's.

Agios Minas is very important for the people of Chios. In the 19th century, during the "Chios Massacre", women, children and the elderly took refuge in it from the attacks of the Turks. As a result of the massacre within its walls, more than 3,000 people died. Traces of blood forever imprinted on the stone floors, a reminder of this tragic event. In the courtyard of the holy monastery, the "Mausoleum of the 40 Martyrs" was founded, in which the remains of innocent victims are kept today.

Nea Moni

You can enjoy all the beauty of Byzantine architecture by visiting the oldest monastery of Nea Moni. It is rightfully considered one of the main attractions of the island. Nea Moni was founded by the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomakh at the end of the 11th century. According to legend, it was erected on a sacred place.

For centuries, the holy monastery was the most powerful religious center in Greece. In his possession were vast lands that ensured Nea Moni prosperity long years. Even in the time of the Ottoman Empire, he did not lose his prestige and wealth.

The religious center was significantly damaged during the "Massacre of Chios": the fire destroyed the iconostasis, archive and library. Stunning frescoes of the catholicon were damaged, rare and unique church relics were stolen. After these terrible events, the sacred monastery was destroyed during the earthquake of 1881.

Today Nea Moni has a huge territory. In his possession are the main katholikon, small churches of the Holy Cross and St. Panteleimon, a refectory, monastic cells and a small museum. Behind the walls of the monastery, built in the 19th century, there is a monastic cemetery and a small chapel of St. Luke.

Pirgi

Since ancient times, mastic trees have been popular and famous all over the world. The unique Khiot mastic is the pride of the local population. Thanks to her, Chios is economically developed and constantly prosperous. Mastic trees are grown in villages in the south of the island. Such villages are called "masticochoria" or "mastic villages".

One of the famous and picturesque settlements is Pyrgi, located 25 km from Chora. In the past, getting into the village was quite difficult: it was well fortified with walls and watchtowers. This provided security from pirate attacks. For shelter local residents the Genoese erected a high defense tower, parts of which can be seen with your own eyes.

Walking along Pirgi, you find yourself in the labyrinths of narrow streets, pass by the original old stone buildings. In this village you can find unusual buildings, decorated with rare manual technique "xysty". Such houses reflect the originality and individuality of Pirgi.

After walking through the streets, you can relax in restaurants on the central square. Here, in 1694, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin was erected. Not far from the square stands the oldest church of the Holy Apostles (13th century), decorated with magnificent old frescoes.

Pirgi is a wonderful place for a tourist holiday, saturated with the history of its people.

Armolia

The ancient medieval village of Armolia is located 20 km from Chora. From time immemorial, here fathers passed on to their children the knowledge and secrets of pottery, which allowed Armolia to become a leader in pottery. In the village, you can visit an interesting workshop on the production of ceramics, as well as purchase original souvenirs (ceramic jugs and vases, cups and plates, and much more).

A local landmark - the Byzantine fortress of Apolychnon during the reign of the Genoese located the administration of Masticochoria within its walls. In the churches of St. Demetrius and the Virgin Mary, which are located on the central square, they managed to save an incredible carved iconostasis of 1774. Not far from Armolia is the monastery of the Life-Giving Spring, built at the end of the 18th century.

Places

Another place famous for plantations of mastic trees is the ancient village of Mesta. Like other villages of that time, it had an excellent defensive structure that has survived to our times. Pirates and other invaders were attracted by the unique resin of mastic trees, so the settlement had to be stubbornly defended.

The impregnable fortress did not allow the enemy to enter the city, and the labyrinths of the streets confused any intruder.

Now getting into the village is not difficult. The inhabitants of the Place are hospitable and ready to show the tourist the sights of their settlement. Where the central one used to be defensive tower, in the 19th century, the luxurious Taxiarsis Church (Great Taxiarsis) was erected. The ancient church of Agia Paraskeva and Old Taksiarsis also fascinate with their beauty.

The inhabitants of the village keep their historical values ​​and honor the traditions of their land. The place is very popular among tourists. People come here to stroll along the picturesque streets, plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity, visit the sights of the Place.

Vrontados

Not far from Chora is the amazing town of Vrontados, surrounded by olive groves and lush gardens.

Vrontados is considered the birthplace of Homer. In honor of the most ancient poet of antiquity, the legendary "Homer's stone" is preserved here, on which he taught his students.

The suburb of Chios is also known for its maritime traditions. This is confirmed by the statue of the "Unknown Sailor", which is located directly opposite the Town Hall.

Locals say that Christopher Columbus himself came to the sailors of Vrontados and learned sailing from them.

Today, the village is considered an excellent tourist center. It is very cozy and green. In addition to sea attractions, it boasts its temples, restaurants and beaches.