 |
       |
 |
 |
||
|
|
||
 |
 |
 |
Chios is one of the
largest islands in the Aegean, measuring 842 kmē, with a fantastic climate
putting it in first place for amount of sunny days per year in Greece.
It has retained
many of the characteristics particular to its history and has become a
popular destination for tourists.
The stark changes
in landscape, colour and impressions make it unique.
Chios also has
a particular natural environment which has prompted its name of "Myrovolo"
(fragrant') due to the plethora of magical fragrances that come forth
from the land. The countryside varies from the abundant south to the inaccessible
north where the mountainous massifs of Pelinaio and Amani are found.
Chios has a rich
history and is endowed with many significant monuments. The plains of
Chios contain many luxurious 'archontika' (mansor homes) as well as Byzantine
churches (Nea Moni, Agioi Apostoloi of Pyrgi), Medieval fortress-towns
such as Vessa, Mesta, Pyrgi, Olympoi, are found in the southern
part of the island where the "schinos" plant (pistacia lentiscus)
which produces mastic gum is cultivated. Avgonyma, Anavatos and Volissos
in the western and north-western parts of the island also cultivate the
Mastic tree.
This is a part
of the world that deserves being explored.
