CHIOS TRAVEL GUIDE

CHIOS > OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Chios is located close to the Asia Minor coast, opposite to the peninsula of Eritrea from which it is just 7 km far. It is a mountainous island with its highest peak Pelineo reaching 1,297 m.

The capital and harbour is Chios and is connected by ferry to the islands of Inoysses, Psara and the Turkish beaches of Tsesme and Aivali. In the northern part of the city, near the harbour, is the Fortress with Koula (tall tower) and Krya Vrysi on its inside, with many traditional houses. Near the central gate is the Palataki Ioustiniani of the 15th century used as a museum. One of the most beautiful sights of Chios is located close to the capital where the famous mansions of Kambos are. More specifically there were imposing villas of Chios aristocracy of the 19th and 20th centuries, built with deep red and yellow/white stones.

One of the most impressive villages of Chios is Anavatos, called the Aegean Mystra. It is a rare monument of medieval defensive architecture with stone houses clinging above the steep rock.

Just 6 km northwest of the capital is the village of Karyes, where there are some very important monasteries; with most notable that of Nea Moni (New Abbey) which was founded in 11th century and was the religious centre of Chios for many centuries. There are of course great beaches on the island with those of Komi, Limnia, Daskalopetra, Agia Markella, Vroulidia to be of the most organised and cosmopolitan resorts of the island, while there are the more isolated beaches on the western coastline as that of Elinta.