Chios
The Mastic Island
Authors
George Papadellis | SG Head
Panagiotis Papadellis | SG Team
Pyrgi Village at Chios Island Greece | Photo by: iStock.com/ nejdetduzen | 25.11.2017
Chiots, due to the short distance of Chios Greece island from the Ionic Peninsula of Eritrea, have Ionic origins. They are mainly sailors and mastic (Chios mastiha) cultivators (this unique product that constitutes the trademark of the island internationally). The infertile soils and tradition are the main reasons that pushed Chiots to the sea. With their hard-working nature, their intelligence and their numerous sacrifices in the waves, they achieved a large share of global ship-owning. So, sailors brought to the island wealth which is obvious in the beautiful mansions, in the emblematic foundations, and in the nautical schools. The views of the island are magical. One of them is the medieval settlement Mesta, which travels visitors to Byzantine years and years under Genouats’ domination. Also Pyrgi, the living monument village that comes from fairy-tales, with the black and white paintings on houses and the colors on balconies, windows, and doors. The abandoned village Anavatos with its tower-houses, which has been called “Mystras of the Aegean”, and the emblematic painting of Delacroix with the slaughter of Greece Chios (the massacre at Chios) that changed the geopolitical views of the global forces during the period of the regression of the Greek Nation. Deep blue water in volcanic sceneries, monasteries with imprints of the big slaughter of 1822 (massacre of Chios) and so many other things that can be experienced, guide the visitor to sweet dreams of completeness and memories.
Chios in Greece is the fifth largest island, situated in the northern Aegean Sea. It is separated from Asia by the Chios Strait. Greek Chios is well-known for its exports of Chios mastic gum (mastiha Chios or tears of Chios). Its nickname is "the Mastic Island". Tourist attractions include its medieval villages and the 11th-century monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island, on an administrative basis, forms a separate municipality within the Chios islands regional unit, which is part of the North Aegean region. The central town of the island and seat of the municipality is Chios. Locals refer to Chios town as Chora (used in almost all islands, it means the land or country, but usually refers to the capital or a settlement at the highest point of a Greek island). Chora was the site of the Chios massacre, in which thousands of Greeks were massacred by Ottoman soldiers during the Greek War of Independence in 1822. Chios island - Greece is kidney shaped, 50 km (31 mi) long from north to south and 29 km (18 mi) at its widest. It covers an area of 842.289 km2. The land is mainly mountainous, with a mountain chain running the length of the island. The two largest of these mountains, Pelineon and Epos, are situated in the north of the island of Chios Greece. The center of the island is divided between east and west by a range of smaller peaks, known as Provatas. Local specialities of the Greek island of Chios are kordelia, malathropita, mastello, sfougato, mamoulia, masourakia, masticha drink and souma drink.
Anavatos Abandoned Village at Chios Island in Greece | Photo by: Tash1000, Anavatos B, CC BY-SA 4.0 | 22.10.2019
Chios Greek islands is divided into five regions. Midway up the east coast lie the main population centers, the Chora of Chios, and the regions of Vrontados and Kambos. Chios Town has a population of 32,400, is built around the island's main harbor and its medieval castle. The current castle, with a perimeter of 1.400 m was mainly constructed during the time of Venetian and Ottoman rule. Remains have been found dating settlements back to 2000 B.C. The town was damaged by an earthquake in 1881, and only partially retains its original character. North of Chios Chora lies the large suburb of Vrontados (population 4,500) - claims to be the birthplace of Homer. There is an archaeological site known traditionally as "Teacher's Rock". In the southern part of the island Chios are the Mastichochoria "Mastic Villages", the seven villages of Mesta, Pyrgi, Olympi, Kalamoti, Vessa, Lithi and Elata, which together have controlled the production of mastic gum (Chios gum mastic) in the area since the Roman period. The villages, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, have a carefully designed layout with fortified gates and narrow streets to protect against the frequent raids by pirates. Between Chora and Mastichochoria lie a large number of historic villages including Armolia, Myrmighi and Kalimassia. Regarding fish and Chios, along the east coast are the fishing villages of Kataraktis and to the south, Nenita.
Visit | Taste | Learn
In the center of Chios island, between the villages of Avgonyma to the west and Karyes to the east, is the 11th century monastery of Nea Moni, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was built with funds given by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. The monastery had substantial estates attached, with a powerful community until the Chios massacre of 1822. It was further damaged during the 1881 earthquake. The island's climate is warm and moderate (Temperate, Mediterranean), with modest variation. Average temperatures are from 27 °C (summer) to 11 °C (winter). Chios' international visitors are served by the airport of the island of Chios (JKH). Most Chios restaurants serve excellent seafood and local cuisine.
Our Hotel Proposals
Argentikon Luxury Suites
Argentikon Luxury Suites is a 5 stars luxury hotel, all-suites boutique, with unique character, selected among the 100 best villas in the world. It is a perfect example of medieval, Genoese architecture, awarded for its Tourism, Gastronomy & Hospitality services. These eight suites in five individual villas are located in secluded private grounds in the historic Kampos area just a stone's throw from Chios Town.
Grecian Castle
Grecian Castle is a 4* hotel harmonizing the traditional architecture of Chios with a full range of modern facilities, offering 65 rooms and 4 suites, and the reputable “Pyrgos” wine restaurant. Located on the coastal road towards the airport, close to the port and the city center, its warm and friendly environment, filled with Chian hospitality, makes it ultimately impressive in winter or in summer for leisure or business.
Monolia Maisonettes
Monolia Maisonettes is a group of self-catering apartments, featuring elegant decoration in modern color hues, located in Monolia, just above the quite, almost private beach of Ayios Yiannis and 5 minutes’ walk from the cosmopolitan beach of Ayia Fotini (Ayia Fotia). All the maisonettes have private balconies enjoying unlimited sea views, overlooking the picturesque fishing village of Kataraktis.
Mouzaliko
Mouzaliko is a family-run guest house which offers bed and breakfast, providing high-quality accommodation, situated in the heart of Kampos green, peaceful area with rich historical heritage, close to Chios town and Chios airport. Built on an area of 7,000 square metres, the hotel is surrounded by rows of orchards full of both orange and tangerine trees.