Visit Chios
Chios is the fifth largest Greek island and is located in the Aegean Sea, just five miles off the coast of Turkey. Chios is one of the richest islands in Greece as far as historical and cultural heritage is concerned and is also known for its remarkable natural beauty.
Chios is most famous for the Nea Moni, which is an eleventh century monastery. The monastery, which is located 15 km from the capital, is a major tourist attraction of the island and has been given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Macedonian mosaics at the monastery are of particular interest. The monastery complex also features two smaller churches, the dining hall, the reception hall, the underground water cistern and the monks’ cell. The monastery was fortified by the Byzantines
Another major attraction of the island of Chios is its beaches, which are a mix of of sand and pebbles. The most popular of Chios beaches include Agia Foitini, which is particularly popular among tourists, and Karfas. Both of these beaches are not very far from Chios town. Among the beautiful beaches of Chios, the Ormos Lo has been awarded the Blue Flag.
Other important beaches include Elinta, Emporios Mavros Gialos, Lampsa, Limnos, Lefkathia, Agia Irini, Didima and Apothyka. Didima is the favorite of those who enjoy fishing as a pastime. Among the cleanest of the beaches, Apothyka comes at the top.
Other important attractions of Chios include the Chios Archaeological Museum, the Chios Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art and the Korai Library.
The nearby islands of Oinoussais and Psara are easily accessible from Chios.
If you decide to visit Chios during the Easter holidays, you may witness the famous Easter celebrations in the town of Vrontados, which involves a mock rocket war between two of the town’s churches.