Chios

Welcome to Chios Island, a hidden treasure of the Aegean Sea, ready to be discovered. Full of aromas and hospitable throughout the year, with the smaller islands of Oinousses and Psara, ‘Myrovolos’ Chios constitutes a mosaic of pictures and experiences.

Possible birthplace of Homer, as well as of the ancient mathematicians Hippocrates and Inopedes, Chios is in the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea. The island is very close to the coasts of Asia Minor, in particular, 3.5 nautical miles from cape Pounta to Erythrea Inland in Cesme. It is the fifth largest Greek island (904 square kilometers) with a coastline of 213 kilometers and population that lives both in the town of Chios and the 64 villages of the island. A number of Chios people has emigrated in London and New York, forming two remarkable communities there.

The Regional Unit of Chios includes the islands of Chios, Psara, Antipsara and Oinousses. Administratively, it is divided into the three municipalities of Oinouses, Psara and Chios. The latter is the biggest since it occupies all the regions of Chios Island as well as it has the largest population.

Chios is primarily a mountainous island, while a few valleys are formed only in the south and east regions of the island. Pelineo Mountain overlooks the northern part of the island, with the highest peak, Profitis Helias, at 1.297 m. There are no rivers in Chios, only a few small streams. Chios Island is known for its picturesque landscape, as well as for the Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and sparse rainfalls in the summer. There are often north – northwest winds and the average temperature in the summer ranges between 24 – 26o C.

The main local products exported are mastic, olive oil, figs and wine. Chios is also word-famous for its maritime tradition. The population of Chios, Oinousses and Psara reaches 52.600 residents (population census 2011). The town of Chios, called “Chora” by the locals, is the capital of the island.

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