Chios Vacations, Greek Islands

Famous for mastic, olives and figs, Chios Greece is an island of breath taking scenery and old villages untouched by time. Chian amphora have been found as far away as Gaul, Egypt abs Russia. Chios island was the site of a brutal Turkish retaliation after the Greek revolt. Over 80% of the population was decimated.

Look up mastic and the island of Chios Greece is mentioned by name. Mastic is an indigenous evergreen shrub that yields a hard, bitter resin. The bark is wounded, sap oozes out and dries. When chewed, or similarly processed, the resin becomes bright, white and spicy. The resulting product is used to flavor liqueurs and chewing gum, among a long list of other foods.

Chios island is famous for mastic and for olives and figs and wine. It is famed for its breath taking scenery. Chios island is a Greek Island in the northeast Aegean Sea, about 5 miles away from the Turkish coast. This is one of the few places it is possible to take a ferry from Greece to Turkey.

Chios island is fifth largest of the Greek islands. The city of Chios, also known as Chora, is the capital and chief port. There is over 200 km of coastline. There are many beaches with clean sands or smooth pebbles. On the north end of the island, small villages rest on high mountains, seemingly forgotten by time. Residents practice age old agriculture techniques. Tourists are rarely seen. There are old citrus groves surrounded by high stone walls built to block the winds and protect the fruit.

This Greek island has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Archaeologists have discovered cave dwellings and an ancient necropolis. The size and duration of the settlements have not been well established. Chios island is thought to have been unoccupied through the Bronze Age. Later, chiefdoms developed. It is generally accepted that Homer was a native of Chios Greece. Ionians most likely colonized the island, most likely emigrating from the mainland. Chios island was one of the ancient members of the Ionian League, the largest exporter of fine wines. Chian amphora, clay vessels bearing a sphinx emblem with bunches of grapes, have been found as far away as Gaul, Egypt and Russia.

Beseiged by Rome, Chios Greece was held next by the Persians. Christianized while being held by the Byzantine Empire, Chios island was next occupied by the Saracens. In the early1200's, Venetians claimed Chios Greece, then passed it on to the Genoese. Chios island prospered under Genoese rule until the Turkish takeover in 1566.

In 1821, Chios Island joined in the general Greek revolt, and for some reason was singled out for especially severe punishment by the Turks. Most of the population was slaughtered, enslaved or managed to escape. Over 80% of the population was annihilated. That massacre of 1822 triggered massive outrage throughout much of Europe, and is still remembered today.

Greeks retaliated, some time later, by blowing up a Turkish ship in their Chios' home port. Even later, in 1881, a massive earthquake killed many of those living on the island. In 1912, Chios island became part of Greece, as it is today.

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Things To Do and See in Chios

Nea Moni Monastery, Chios
A beautiful 11th century Byzantine monastery decorated with mosaics and relics.
Attraction type: Scenic drive; Landmark/point of interest; Historic site

Pyrgi, Chios
A pretty town whose houses are decorated with

carved and painted patterns called graffito.
Attraction type: Historic village

Argenti Museum and Korai Library, Chios
Attraction type: History museum; Library

Mavra Volia, Chios
An exotically beautiful beach full of black volcanic pebbles.
Attraction type: Beach

Byzantine Museum, Chios
A small museum housing a collection of