Located at the port of the modern city, the castle is the most impressive attraction the visitor can see and a perfect opportunity to sink into the history of the island. It includes ruins and monuments dating as far back as Hellenistic times , a fact that shows that it was an area of a pivotal importance since then. This huge pentagonal structure has strong towers and heavily fortified gates ensuring that way its security from sieges and invasions.
The really interesting fact though is that the castle of Chios is one of the few castles that it is still inhabited! A picturesque neighbourhood still exists inside the walls of the castle, painting a nice picture of how medieval life used to be. If you ever find yourselves on Chios, do not miss the chance to wander around the narrow alleyways of its castle, check out ancient ruins literally at your feet and feel the vibe of a medieval settlement.
Some 12 kilometres west of the town of Chios, lies the medieval monastery of Nea Moni. Located at the top of a hill, Nea Moni is overlooking the valley stretching in front of it. The monastery has a fascinating history waiting for you to explore. Founded during the 11th century, its buildings are fine examples of imperial Byzantine architecture which include exquisite mosaics designed by the imperial workshops.
In addition, during the years of the Greek War of Independence, Nea Moni was the ground of one of the most terrifying events that happened on the island. The reaction of the Ottoman Empire to the news of the Greek revolt was brutal. Thousands of people were slaughtered and those who found refuge to the monastery met their end at the spot as well. In case you want to learn more about its history before your visit, click here.
The medieval village of Pyrgi is located at the south part of the island of Chios some 26 km away from the port. The name of the village is mentioned in documents of the 11th century CE. It was founded after the decision of farmers from different villages to create an inland community to avoid the danger of piracy. Pyrgi is one of the medieval villages of Chios island that was not severely destroyed by the earthquake of , therefore it retains its particular architecture and medieval urban planning.
The narrow alleys of the village will take you to a time-travelling journey back in a long forgotten era. Tall houses, Byzantine churches, ancient wells and many more attractions will raise your interest while being there. Another thing that will surely catch you by surprise is the endless presence of geometric patterns covering the walls of the houses.
Scholars still debate on its origins, but the custom of Xista is a customary decorative thing to do to your house, creating quite an impressive and beautiful result. In addition, the Pyrgians are renowned dancers that still love to wear their traditional costumes on every special occasion. To experience your visit to its fullest, ask the locals for the upcoming festivals and let yourselves loose to the hospitable hands of the people of Pyrgi.
The village is one of the top Chios attractions for sure. Anavatos Chios - credits: Chiosphotos. This small village is located approximately at the centre of the island and it is one of the most impressive fortified settlements of the Aegean Sea. According to the legend, the village was founded in the 11th century after the influx of workers and artisans to Chios for the construction of the monastery of Nea Moni.
Located at the top of a mountain, it is naturally fortified by some surrounding cliffs and two deep gorges. Throughout its history, it was one of the most well-protected settlements, often hosting villagers from the nearby region in cases of pirate raids or warfare. Due to its stone-built houses and its medieval urban planning, scholars compare this village to the great fortified city of Mystras.
In , the national census revealed that only one person was living in Anavatos , making it an almost abandoned site.
Today, the visitor can follow the traditional trail to the village, admire its medieval architecture and gaze at the spectacular view to the plains and sea of Chios. The few places on the world where mastic trees thrive and produce a resin of a specific composition known as mastiha , are the south plains of Chios island where the largest production happens and some places of the nearby Turkish coast of Asia Minor.
One day, few Roman soldiers managed to identify him and started chasing him all over the region of Chios valley. The desperate saint asked for the help of Jesus Christ and then miraculously a white horse appeared that took him away in a heartbeat. Close to the village of Mesta, the saint decided to rest under a mastic tree. By the time St. Isidore laid on the earth, the tree started pouring its sap from its trunk like shedding tears, in order to heal the wounds of the St.
Since Roman times then, the islanders of Chios cultivate intensively those trees in order to collect its valuable resin. Many villages over 20 were organised around this small area where those trees were to be found. Gradually, a large scale production started to happen on the island. During the Latin occupation, the rulers of Chios decided to intensify and put the foundations of monopolising Chios' production, establishing an almost suffocating protection to those villages. No one was allowed to visit the area without a good reason and no farmer had the right to abandon his fields without permission.
This policy survived up until the middle of the 19th century and this partially-established isolation of those villages resulted in the formation of different customs and dialects.
In antiquity, mastiha the final product was known for its medicinal properties and in ancient Egypt, it was used for the mummification process. Chios is one of those islands that you need a week or more to really explore, and then once you get to know it you always want to return.
During my visit to Chios I drove all over the island and met people who spend every summer here, exploring the many walking trails and remote beaches and villages, studying the island's rich culture and history while enjoying its natural beauty and fabulous food.
Beautiful beaches with water the color of the Caribbean scattered all along every coast, you could spend a month here and go to a different one every day.
I had five days to see them all and probably visited twenty or thirty. Some were full of people spending their weekend or holiday, while others were empty, one solitary car at the end of a dirt road. Usually mine. This guide will help you decide whether Chios is the island for you. Arriving in Chios. Chios Town. These villages are built with a special architectural system, as they were designed to protect their inhabitants from pirates in the past. The houses are almost joined to the level of the first floor, and there are narrow paved roofs which embrace the balconies of the homes.
The island has many beautiful beaches, including Mavra Volia, Karfas, Komi, Agios Isidoros and Tracheli, but you will discover many more as you go along. Important museums of the island and its archaeological sites are also interesting.
Do not miss a visit there too! In Chios, there are many monasteries. The most famous from all is Nea Moni. Many people visit these monasteries every year. We have just mentioned some places you could get to know, but coming here you will find there are many more beautiful spots. Let yourself try as many local recipes as you can. You will certainly not regret it! Try the white cheese of Chios, the local wines and the honey of the island!
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