The Chios agapietai not the first, we need to visit one few times to win. To create memories, experiences, to acquire close relationship with her which will connect as sirens will pull back around.
The reason is the lack of beautiful landscapes, if anything the wildlife flourishing in the island, nor the hospitality of local people, who are willing at any time to open their homes and in kerasoun sweet mantarinaki. Like any industrialized island, but the uncontrolled growth has gdarei his character, and Chios - and more specifically its port-damaged irreparably. The buildings and shops surrounding the following modern architectural styles and life in the harbour is strong and polyvoui.
It is from this and other heavy history carrying 8,000 years back and it has sketched wrinkles but pain and charm. According to tradition, the name of the island was the first king and oikisti Oinopoion who latrepse Chios and acquired his daughter, Chioni. The tragic poet Ionas (Chiotis and this), however, argues that the name given by the Chios, the son of Poseidon, the day of birth chionize too.
More realistically, however, heard the version of history Isidorou, who says that the island was named by the Phoenicians and that the Syrian «chios» means mastic. Na'chei As the depth of the history of the island emerges from the archaeological finds in regions San Galas and Emporeio, dating from the first apoikoismo of Ionon.
So Chios, thanks to the strategic location on the road to the Black Sea, was included in the Ionian Confederation, has developed one of the leading cities of the seas with ships orgonan ports across the Mediterranean. Rich in agricultural and manufactured goods, with sovereign the mastic and wine, Chios and financially successful with profits eiserean. Many years later, in fact, Thucydides described the Chians as the richest of the Greeks and praised the evnomia of the island.
The mastic «helped» and during the period of Ottoman rule (which lasted on the island from 1566 to 1912), after the first year of the revolution Chios did not take part in the struggle, because filisychoi inhabitants were committed to cultivating the mastic and profits from it. The Sultan, in fact, bought almost all the mastic for personal use, and thus charize always evnoia of the island. In the second year of the revolution, however, Chians revolted, thousands of troops landed and destroyed the island and thousands of residents forced to leave.
During the night of 4 June 1822, however, Kanaris starts from the Psara, a small island next to Chios, moves between the hostile ships and pyrpolei flagship of Kara-Ali. An overwhelming earthquake in 1881 literally dismantles the island, is waiting eventually the help of the Greek Liberation Army, 1912, to be released and feet.
The history of Chios continues today, within the narrow streets of Chora, to the beautiful mountains and villages of seafood, agono north with wildlife and the rich south, with crops and fruit trees, but also through the mastic. this unique product flowing from the tears of mastichodentrou, working - or not-and distributed worldwide.
In the city of Chios, where once chtypouse the heart of the ancient city, survive today genovezikou parts of the castle, «fortress», which was built by the Byzantines the 10 th century, and within that maintained and occupied homes since the Turkish occupation. More about the history of the island can learn the Byzantine Museum, the old mosque outside the fort, and the Archaeological Museum in the Evangelistria.
The sites worth visiting travel to the island… countless! In central Chios and within walking distance from town, distinguish the small but beautiful passage Avgonyma, where no one deserves to be tried souma, the local drink spirits from figs, Anavatos, shortly north, an abandoned village that invalidated today as a monument museum, and of course the Brontados. Here to remind ourselves that this is the village that night, Anastasis night becomes day of the Bengali. It is basically for "exchange of fire" between the two antikriston parishes, San Marco and Lady Erythianis. We advise you to watch the impressive issue from the monastery of St. Makarios.
South of the city is one of the pearls of the island, a suburb Κάμπος. Take a stroll in the narrow streets, admire the aristocratic homes with huge walls, anthokipous, dense trees and sit for lunch in Apomero. Even further south in Pyrgi, a traditional medieval village frouriakoy type with a particular architecture, as the external walls of the houses decorated with geometric shapes.
You are already in Mastichochoria and Pyrgi is the largest of the 24. Do not leave, but if not visit and Mesta, the medieval village built inside wall with one entrance and one exit. In the square with cafes under the huge tree, the visitor waiting spoon sweets, local mezedakia (in Port Mesta) and traditional shopping for groceries.
But not that deprived north of the island attractions. Volissos enchanted with the stone alleys. Kardamyla is an old medieval village with exquisite architecture and many attractions. Nagos is a small oasis with running water and the dense vegetation reaching as the sea. Everything here is simple, aperitta and beauty of nature is enough to decorate and to surrender your bride in the blue of the Aegean.
And when summer comes, life and entertainment transported to the beaches of the island which, although numbered around 50, also have the diamonds. Aghia Fotini (or Holy Fire accordance with the locals), for example, is one of the popular sandy beaches, fully regulated and several bars. The sea, as in most parts is also stalled, while dominated by pebbles. Komi, near the village Emporeio, is equally popular. Here you will find sand with psilo votsalaki, several bars, while the loungers are free. Near the city are Glaroi, a small bay with sand and blue water.
The highlight, however, from beaches are Black Volia and Vroulidia, in the southern tip of the island. In the first case you will find within a large black pebbles and water pentakatharo, the second is an isolated, steep bay with blue water and white rocks. Take water with you and everything else asset need because there is nothing available.
In the north of the island deserves to be on the beach of St. Markella, beneath the monastery. There, on July 22, is the largest panygiri, with hundreds of world kataftanei walk from the city (a distance of 40 km!) To make tama in prostatida. For xefantoma and beach parties to find Lefkathia.
Do not leave Chios if not…
* Take a stroll around one of the most beautiful and most refreshing parts of the country, the great Municipal Gardens in the central square.
* Visit Omireio Cultural Center City Chiou (Chios also seen by many homeland of Homer). The Centre is the theatre hall, library and two galleries, and regularly made various artistic events.
* Vretheite monastery in New Monastery (11 km from the city) to antikrisete perhaps the most important historical monument of the island, where three hermits monks found the 11 th century, the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.
* Buy mastic, the main product of Chios which will be difficult to find elsewhere in the world. From here started well known chain stores Mastiha Shop.
Where to eat?
* Star: In Avgonyma, just outside the village. For ntolmadakia gialantzi, chortokeftedes and kafkalithra with onion.
* Chotzas: In the town of Chios. For ouzakia and delicious local mezedakia.
* Oinomageireio of Iakovou: In the town of Chios. For fournopatates with four cheeses and tampourokremmydopita with kolokytha.
* Tower: The restaurant «Greek Castro», in the city. Mediterranean flavors and chiotika authentic dishes such as roast kritharokouloyra with cheese and mastelo pougkia filled with beef or cheese.
Where will entertain (Country);
* Satva: For loose potaki background in dark wood and red leather kanapedon. Oriental style with pouf and nargiledes.
* Remezzo: For potaki in upright outside the shop. Wood and bamboo blekontai pleasantly with the various types of foreign and Greek music.
* Prive: In the coastal road. Beautiful environment on a white background, trees and plants inside and outside the shop and a large bar which is seen a real.
* City: Huge club with exotic décor.
* Discovery: The new arrival in nightlife… expected criticisms.
* Caravel: For those who want to continue to bouzouki. Neaniko program and plenty of fun.
Where to stay?
* Chandris Hotel: The definition of luxury in the heart of Chios. Prices: From 140 per double with breakfast (Tel 22710 44401).
* Erytha Hotel: In the area of Karfas. Quiet environment, ideal for families. Prices: From 150 per double with breakfast (Tel 22710 32311).
* Golden Sand Hotel: The beach of Karfa, 7 km from the centre. Luxury accommodation, with modern facilities, swimming pool and garden. Prices: From 109 per double with breakfast (Tel 22710 32080).
* Pyrgos Village: In the village of Bella Vista. Paramythenio scene in rooms unique aesthetic. Prices: From 350 per double with breakfast (Tel 22740 22050).
