History
According to ancient Greek mythology, the first King of Chios was Oinopeonas or Inopion, the grandson of Minoas king of Crete, the son of Dionysus and Ariadne, who taught the islanders how to grow wines. The myth says that the island owes its name to Oinopeonas' daughter, Chiona.
Chios produced influential individuals in the following centuries, including the tragic poet Ion of the 5th century, the historian Theopompus of the 4th century, and several important sculptors in the 6th and 5th centuries, one of whom, Glaucus, was credited with inventing metal soldering.
Top Destinations
Kampos
The traditional village of Kampos is only 6 km from the town of Chios. Genoa and Chios meet in the earth colored mansions of the ancient local aristocrats stylishly. Do not allow the high walls to stop you from exploring vast orange orchards, tree-lined alleys and fragrant gardens.
Nea Moni
The most important religious site of the island lies 11 km south of the town of Chios. Nea Moni or New Monastery was built in the 11th century and is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find some of the most important mosaics in the Mediterranean and a museum.
Anavatos and Avgogyma
Another wonder, the "Mystras of the Aegean Sea," the ruined Byzantine village of Anavatos, is further to the South. Notice the unique architecture of the place and explore the remains of Byzantine history and the fantasies of the Chios massacre martyrs.
The Medieval Mastic Villages
In the southern and fertile part of the island, there are 24 mastic villages in the only place in the world where mastic grows. Built in the Middle Ages, these villages display exquisite architecture and unique decorative elements, such as the ksista, "scratched surfaces" on the facades of the largest village houses in Pyrgi.
Top Beaches
Mavros Gialos
Mavros Gialos Beach (or Mavra Volia, as it is called) is located on the southwestern coast of Chios, 28km west of Chios Town. Its name means black beach because of the black pebbles and sand that were debouched from the now extinct volcano.
Karfas Beach
Karfas Beach is located 5 km south of the town of Chios, in front of the seaside village Karfas. It is the largest tourist resort on the island and receives many visitors every summer. The beach has fine sand and clean waters and all the tourist facilities you need for rent, such as sun beds, umbrellas and water sports equipment.
Vrondados Beach
This rather small and partially organized beach is 4 km north of the town of Chios. It is surrounded by green vegetation and tall pine trees that match the green Aegean crystal waters idyllically. Most tourist facilities are available here, such as parasols, sun loungers and cold drinks and snacks canteen.
Trahili Beach
Trahili is an exotic bay with crystal waters 20 km west of the town of Chios and 5 km north of Lithi. It is an isolated pure cove far from the crowded beaches offering the surrounding area a natural beauty.
Useful Information
Greek Ferries
Chios Airport
Chios Car Rental
Car Hire Chios
Car Rental Chios
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