Chios Island

Chios Island Kambos
 Chios Island

Chios Island

Chios Island is located northeast of the Aegean Sea, close to Asia Minor and opposite the Eritrea peninsula Cesme, Alacati, Izmir TR separated from it by the Chios canal.

The climate of Chios is typical of the Mediterranean, with usual north or northwest winds and temperatures not exceeding 34 or 36 degrees Celcius.

Merchant marine plays a very important role in the economy of Chios. The main port is one of the cities of Chios, but there are also some of the secondary importance, those of Volisos Lagada, Marmaro, and the largest and new in Mesta.

One of the most important products of Chios island is mastic, which is uniquely produced on it, it is famous worldwide - widely renowned for its aroma and taste.

It is uniquely cultivated in Mastihohora and about 120 tons of it are exported to other countries.

Facts:

The Chios Mastic Museum is located in Southern Chios, in the region of the Mastichochoria.
    SIZE: 904 square Km
    LENGTH OF SHORES: 213 Km
    POPULATION: 53.000 people approximately
    HIGHEST PEAK: Pelinaio Mountain, 1300 m.
    LOCAL TIME: GMT + 2
    ELECTRICITY: 220 Volt
    ROADS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION ALL OVER CHIOS ISLAND
    CHIOS GENERAL STATE HOSPITAL (Skylitsion)
    2 PRIVATE GENERAL PRACTICE CLINICS

Chios island historical review:

The earliest inhabitant and first King according to tradition, was Inopion, the son of Dionysos or Theseus and Ariadne, who came from Crete and taught the locals how to grow vines. The name of Chios comes from Chiona, who was the daughter of Inopion.

 According to a third option by the historian Isidore's, the name Chios comes from the Phoenicians. it means "mastic".

The island was at times mentioned by other names as well, which was lost in time, such as Pitioussa (because of its pines, as Pitis=Pine), Makris because of its shape (Makri=long) and Aethalia (because of its ancient volcano). The archaeological findings (at Ag. Galas and Emporios) prove that the island has been inhabited since 6.000 B.C.
About the city of Chios, there is some evidence earlier than the first Ionian colonization when the lonians from the mainland inhabited Chios around 1000 B.C. and developed it into one of the greatest cities of ancient times not only did Chians make a profit by transporting goods from one place to another but also by trading on their own agricultural and industrial production.

Chios Island's unique mastic was not the only source of wealth. In the 6th century, Chios was a large city, the population of which is estimated at 60.000-80.000 people,  When Chios became a member of the Athenian Alliance, it was free and self-governed. Until the Peloponnesian War, there was a five-year period of peace and growth.

The destroyed city was rebuilt and the inhabitants progressed in navy, commerce, industry, and the production of wine. Riches accumulated on the island, which resulted in extreme luxury. characteristic of the standard of life during that period are the phrases "Chian fun" and "Chian life".
Athineos mentions that the Chians were famous for their ingenuity in cookery and the Chian cooks were dearly sought after.

Thucydides characterizes the Chians as the "richest among Greeks" and praises the State of their city.
The colonization of the island by the Genoans in 1346 was a strategic important trade outpost.

For Chios current weather conditions & forecast take a look at AccuWeather

How can you reach Chios

Via Athens/Piraeus/ Lesvos to from with Blue Star Ferries.

Via Athens Airport Eleftherios Venizelos  Olympic Airlines, Sky Express.

Via Thessaloniki, Daily Olympic Air, Sky Express.

Via Rhodos Sky Express,

Via Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport Turkey, drive to Cecme Harbour and board the ferry to Chios, trip duration 35 minutes.

Via Mytilene/Lesvos every afternoon with Blue Star Ferries.

Via Samos with Ferry Boat twice a week.

Via Kavala