Central Chios
Travel in time with this tour of central Chios’ medieval settlements
The tour in central Chios is a real travel in the past, dominated by important byzantine monasteries and well preserved medieval settlements, standing still in time.
Castle of Chios
We suggest starting our journey in time from Chios town, with a morning walk in the Castle of Chios. The Castle, also known as Chios Fortress, stands on the northern part of Chios Port, built in 1320, on a site of former byzantine fortifications. All the successor conquerors of the island in the times to come took care to expand and fortify it. For example the Venetians, who conquered Chios for a brief period of time, reconstructed the central entrance of the Castle, the Porta Maggiore, in its present form. The tour of Chios Castle is an experience by itself, but we suggest you to start this tour of central Chios enjoying your morning coffee “intra muros” (inside the walls), on the Castle square, before setting out by car to discover Chios’s medieval past.
Nea Moni
The uphill walk to the Acropolis of the settlement is really worth it. Admiring the breathtaking view from upthere, you will find out why Anavatos is also known as the “Mystras of the Aegean”. Although the restoration works are still in progress, we can admire impressive buildings like the three storey building that housed a school, an olive press and a church, in three different levels. Make a stop to admire the church of Taxiarches. On our way back, we can get some rest at the small café for a cool refreshment.
We continue our tour, leaving Anavatos. On the way back to Chios town, we follow the turn to Avgonyma.
Avgonyma
Head to the west side of the village to enjoy the view to the island’s west coast and a gorgeous sunset, if the time is right. Don’t miss the chance to taste the excellent food served by the tavernas of the village, mainly local dishes like lamp, fried balls with herbs and chickpeas, handmade pasta, accompanied of course by the local souma, or ouzo. This is the best way to close your tour, with tasty local food in a unique setting!
