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The island of Chios conveys nobility and authenticity. Chios has never been a famous tourist destination and it remains a hidden gem for tourists. It has a great variety of hotels and some of them offer real luxury and relaxation. Chios has a very well known naval tradition fact that has given to the residents’ economic prosperity and cosmopolitan attitude.Chios is established since 8th century BC following a democratic rule which is considered to be the oldest Constitution in the world. The golden era of Chios was the 6th century BC, when the island had big commercial and cultural acne but unfortunately afterwards was subjugated several times and lost its prosperity. Under the rule of Persians, Athenians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Genoas and Turks, Chios has always had some privileges but the past acne and prosperity never came back to the island. The most horrible moment in its history is the Massacre of Chios in 1822 from Ottoman Turks. Such was the cruelty of Turks that slaughtered and enslaved 100.000 of the total 120.000 residents of Chios Island. The Massacre at Chios was condemned by the public of Europe as it was depicted in the famous painting of Delacroix and the writings of Lord Byron and Victor Hugo. In 1881 Chios is destroyed by a terrible earthquake. Finally, Chios becomes part of Greece in 1912.Chios is the fifth largest island in the Aegean Sea and spans an area of 842 sq. km. with a total population of 53.817 residents. Chios is located very close to the Turkish coastline of the region of Çeşme on the east. The islands closer to Chios are Oinousses on the east, Psara on the west and Lesvos on the north.Chios has one of the best preserved medieval defence networks in the Mediterranean comprising of castles, guarding towers and fortified settlements. Some of the most famous and worth to visit are the Castle in the capital city of Chios and the medieval fortified settlements of Anavatos. Nea Moni is a monastery built in the 11th century located in the centre of the island. The monastery is a World Heritage Monument. The village of Kambos has a unique natural beauty as it is full of orchards and great mansions with pebble paved courtyards. The whole island of Chios is dotted around with splendid beaches, some of the most popular are: Bella Vista, Daskalopetra, Afanis Naftis, Giossonas, Gyaliskari, Mavra Volia, Karfas, Megas Limnionas. A visit to the villages in Southern part of the island where mastic is produced is a must.
The unique product of Chios is the natural mastic gum produced by the mastic trees. It is exported worldwide and it is extensively used as chewing gum, liqueurs, candies, fragrance, cosmetics, natural aromatic soaps, candles and many more. Ouzo and Mastic flavour liqueurs are also produced.By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Pireaus Port in Athens.
Police: +30 22710 44426Tourist Police: +30 22710 81539Port Authorities of Chios: +30 22710 44433-4Airport: +30 22710 81400Local Buses Services: +30 22710 27507Hospital: +30 22710 44302From April till October.The village of Vrontados is famous for the rocket-war festivities in Easter time. -
Map for Chios