Chios

Chios

Chios is a Greek island of the Eastern Aegean and, administratively, a peripheral unit of the Northern Aegean, facing the Turkish coast.
This island has a population of 51,936 (updated to the 2001 census), with an area of 845 km².
The capital Chíos (in Greek Χίος), (also called Chora – Χόρα) is an important port. Other centers of the island are Vrondados, Volissòs (Βολισσός), Kardamylla and Oinousses, the latter located on a small island 5 km away. The island is famous for its landscapes and mild climate. Among exports, mastic excels, followed by olives, figs and wine.
The island was also one of the 51 prefectures into which Greece was administratively divided, until 1 January 2011, when they were abolished following the entry into force of the administrative reform known as the “Kallicrates Programme”.

Etymology –
The island of Chios takes its name from the ancient Greek term “Khios”. However, the exact origin of the name is not entirely clear. There are several theories about the etymology of Chios.
One theory suggests that the name may come from the Ancient Greek word “khion” (χιών), meaning “snow”. This could be due to the occasional snow on the mountain tops of the island during the winter.
Another theory proposes that the name comes from the Ancient Greek word “khee” (χή), which means “sound”. According to this theory, the name may have been given to the island due to the sound produced by the waves of the sea breaking on its shores.

Geographic Features –
Chios is a Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, near the Turkish coast.
Chios is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, about 7 kilometers off the Turkish coast and southwest of the island of Lesbos. It is part of the Northern Aegean Islands archipelago.
Chios is the fifth largest island in Greece, with an area of about 845 square kilometers. The island has an elongated shape, with a length of about 50 kilometers from north to south and a width of about 29 kilometers from east to west.
This island features a variety of landscapes, including mountains, hills and plains. The northern part of the island is mountainous, with Mount Pelineo reaching an altitude of 1,297 metres. In the central part of the island lies a vast agricultural plain known as Kampos, famous for its mastic trees. The coast of Chios is characterized by numerous bays, coves and beaches.
Chios has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The sea breeze softens the temperatures during the summer months. The island enjoys many hours of sunshine throughout the year.
It is an island rich in vegetation, including olive trees, citrus trees, mastic trees and pines. The island is known for its mastic trees, which produce an aromatic resin used in various products. The fauna of Chios includes migratory birds, such as storks and pink flamingos, as well as marine species such as dolphins and monk seals.
The main town of Chios is Chora, or Chios, which is located on the east coast of the island. It is a lively cultural and commercial center with a marina.
Chios offers several tourist attractions, including sandy and pebble beaches along the coast, ancient medieval villages, historical monasteries, museums, archaeological ruins and the famous Chio Castle.
Fishing villages, beautiful beaches and important historical buildings make Chios a picturesque island to visit. Dominating the island is Mount Pellinaion, with its 1300 meters of height in the northern part of the island which offers a spectacular scenery, where the green valleys plunge into the blue of the Aegean.
Most of the current buildings arose after the earthquake of 1881. A block from the seafront is the small central square known as Vounakiou while to the south extends the merchants’ bazaar where you can find everything. The lush central park is instead located towards the interior in the western part.
Not to be missed: the Byzantine-Genoese kastro, of which large sections of the imposing bastion are visible and whose most spectacular entrance is Porta Maggiore; the maritime museum, which exhibits, among other things, the knife and the globe grenade of Admiral Kanaris who sank the flagship of the Ottoman fleet, thus avenging the massacre of 1822 and the archaeological museum with a large collection of exhibits ranging from Neolithic to Roman times, such as the bases of limestone columns of the temple of Apollo at Fana.
North of Chios City is the coastal suburb of Vrondadhos, where Homer is said to have lived and taught. Also around Chios Town, the inland villages of Thymiana and Katarraktis offer excellent local cuisine. Among the most scenic beaches in the area are Megas Limnionas and Ayia Fotini.
We must also highlight the presence of mastic villages. These spared by the Ottomans in 1822, maintain a unique architecture in the world that combines Genoese and Middle Eastern aspects. Today these villages, after the decline of the mastic trade, live on mandarins.
Don’t miss the three pretty villages of Pyrgi, with houses featuring xysta cantilevers; Olymbi with its characteristic tower and a cave whose formations are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and, finally, Mesta the most beautiful village where in the central square, dominated by the Taxiarhis church, a maze of alleys branches off in all directions.
On the coast, the most popular beaches are those near Emborios, such as Mavros Yialos and the spectacular La Foki.
In the central part of the island rises the wide plain of Kambos full of citrus groves. Occupied by the Genoese and used for a long time as a hunting reserve for the aristocracy. Ideal to discover on two wheels due to the many alleys present and badly indicated.
Finally, not to be missed is the Nea Moni monastery, built by the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachus where inside it is possible to admire the wonderful mosaics, and the Avgonyma group of houses located 5 km from Nea Moni.
On the central part of the west coast are picturesque villages such as Metohi, Lithi and Vessa, with their hidden but picturesque beaches.
The northern part of the island has never fully recovered from the fires of the 1980s. In addition to the small village of Langadha, in this area 37 kilometers from Chio city there is the second city of the island: Marmaro.
Volissos instead is located 42 kilometers from Chios: it was once a market town, at the top of the hill, in the Pyragos district, lies a Byzantine-Genoese fortress. Remaining in the Byzantine era, the Moundhon monastery is worth a visit, second only to Nea Moni before it was partially destroyed.

Historical Notes –
The island of Chios has been characterized by a very particular history that dates back to antiquity. This history can be divided into different eras.
1. Ancient Greece: Chios was originally inhabited by Greek colonists who founded several cities on the island. During the classical era, Chios became famous for its powerful fleet and production of fine wines. The city of Chios was an important cultural and commercial center.
2. Persian Rule: In 546 BC, Chios fell under the rule of the Persian Empire. The island remained under Persian control for several centuries.
3. Roman Era: During the Roman era, Chios was annexed by the Roman Empire and became a Roman province. The island enjoyed a period of prosperity during this period.
4. Byzantine Empire: Over the next few centuries, Chios came under the control of the Byzantine Empire. During this period, the island suffered several raids and pillages by pirates.
5. Genoese occupation: In 1346, Chios was occupied by the Genoese, who established a trading base on the island. The Genoese contributed to the economic development of Chios, but their rule was marked by internal conflicts and rivalries with other maritime powers.
6. Ottoman Period: In 1566, Chios fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. During Ottoman rule, the island was subjected to heavy taxes and Turkish domination. However, Chios retained some administrative autonomy and continued to thrive in trade and agriculture.
7. Massacre of Chios: In 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, Chios was the scene of a massacre perpetrated by Ottoman troops. It is estimated that thousands of Chios were killed and many more were deported as slaves. This event had a significant impact on European public opinion and helped to arouse sympathy for the cause of Greek independence.
8. Greek Independence: After decades of independence struggle, Greece gained its independence from Ottoman rule in 1830. Chios became part of the modern Greek state.
Today, Chios is a popular tourist destination with a rich historical legacy, stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. The island is also famous for producing mastic, a unique plant resin that only grows on the island.

Ecosystem –
The island of Chios features different types of ecosystems due to its variety of landscapes and geographical characteristics.
First, Chios has a rocky and reef coast, which provides habitats for different marine species, such as fish, molluscs and crustaceans. The waters around the island are also an important breeding ground for sea turtles.
The interior of the island is characterized by hills and mountains, with Mediterranean vegetation. Here you can find forests of holm oaks, oaks, pines and olive trees. These trees provide habitats for a variety of animal species, including birds, reptiles and mammals such as fox and badger.
Chios is also famous for its production of mastic, a vegetable resin obtained from the lentisk plant. The areas where mastic trees are grown create a unique habitat and support specific flora and fauna.
Furthermore, agriculture is an important part of the island’s economy, with cultivations of citrus fruits, olives, figs and almonds. These crops influence the local ecosystem, providing habitats for pollinating insects and birds.
Finally, the richness of wild flowers on the island of Chios during spring should be mentioned, which attracts different species of insects, including bees, which play a crucial role in the pollination of plants.

Flora –
The island of Chios has a typically Mediterranean vegetation. The island’s flora is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
In coastal areas, it is common to find plants adapted to drought and salinity, such as sea spartio (Spartium junceum), glasswort (Salicornia spp.) and sea squid (Suaeda maritima). Along the sandy beaches, you may encounter lycium intricatum, a climbing plant that grows in sandy coastal soils.
In the innermost areas of the island, where the soil is more fertile, you can find olive trees (Olea europaea), pine trees (Pinus spp.), cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens) and oaks (Quercus spp.). The Mediterranean maquis, a dense shrubby vegetation, could include shrubs such as lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) and phillyrea (Phillyrea spp.).
Furthermore, various aromatic herbs and wild plants can be found such as thyme (Thymus spp.), sage (Salvia spp.), mint (Mentha spp.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Wildlife –
The island of Chios is characterized by a fauna that often includes species that have established a particular bond in this small area. Among these species we mention:
1. Reptiles: There are several species of reptiles on the island, including lizards and snakes. Some common examples are the Chian lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and Aesculapius snake (Zamenis longissimus).
2. Birds: The island of Chios is a stopping point for many migratory birds. Species such as the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), the hoopoe (Upupa epops) and the river nightingale (Cettia cetti) can be seen. Additionally, the presence of extensive vegetation attracts a variety of songbirds.
3. Insects: As in many other Mediterranean regions, different species of insects can be found on the island of Chios, such as butterflies, bees and beetles.
4. Land Mammals: There are no large land mammals on the island of Chios. However, small mammals such as hares (Lepus europaeus) and bats can be seen.
5. Marine life: The waters around the island of Chios are rich in marine life. There are many species of fish, including white bream, sea bream and mackerel. Sea turtles, dolphins and the occasional whale can also be spotted.

Environmental Protection Actions –
Like all islands that have been subjected to various dominations and, in recent times, to a poorly regulated urban growth and growing tourism, it requires certain environmental protection actions.
Particular actions have been carried out and areas of ecological protection have been set up especially after the huge fires of the past years.
Today the island needs a careful environmental protection program for its areas to recover and restore a fauna and flora system that has seen its specimens decimated in recent decades.

Guido Bissanti