chios island
The Island of Chios is located in the North Aegean Sea between Lesvos and Samos, opposite from Cesme, Turkey. Inousses and Psara are also part of the Prefecture of Chios. Frequent services by plane and ferry boat connect the island with other parts of Greece and the rest of the world.
The Town of Chios (also called Chora) is located on the eastern side of the island. In the harbour, you can find shops, taverns, coffee shops and bars. Behind the harbour, you will find the paved road, Aplotarias, which is the most commercial street of the island. Do not forget to visit the Castle of Chios (the Ottoman baths, the Turkish cemetery, the Bairakli Mosque and the Church of St. George), the Navy Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Public Garden.
Kampos is located south of Chios Town. The mansions, maintaining the Genovese character, dominate the endless citrus plantations (perivoli). A walk or a bike ride will give you a deeper insight of the area plus the unique scent of Kampos.
Τhe villages in the southern part of the island are called Mastihohoria. This is the only place in the world where Mastic is cultivated. You can visit medieval villages with a strong cultural and folkloric character, and seaside villages, of which the most well known are Pyrgi, Mesta and Kataraktis. In the same part of the island lies the now inactive volcano, Psaron, in Emporio. Another remarkable visit is the cave of Olympus.
In the central and western part of Chios, the villages retain approximately the same character as the southern part, but in alliance with dense vegetation, the beauty emerges in a different way. Do not forget to visit Avgonima, Anavatos, Elata, Sidirounta and Lithi. The Monastery of Nea Moni contains religious, historical, archaeological and architectural value.
The villages in the northern part of the island combine mountain and sea. The region offers a unique beauty. Visit the Castle of Volissos, the Monastery of Agia Markella, the cave on Mount Galas and the Canyons in Giosonas and Kambia.
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