1)The Castle, in the northeast side of the city, dated back to the 9th century. It’s basically a fortification wall, which surrounds old Genovese and Turkish residences of the 16th century. Here is where the Justiani Mansion is located, which now operates as a museum. The life inside the castle follows a different, slower and outdated pace.
2) The Vounakiou Square, with the beautiful municipal garden, the statue of Konstantinos Kanaris -created in 1922 by Michalis Tombros-, the old stone fountain and the mosque where the Byzantine Museum is hosted.
3)The Byzantine Museum is located on the south side of the square and hosted in the old Turkish Mosque.
4)The Archeological Museum, with findings from the Late Neolithic era, ceramic pottery, jewels, coins etc.
5)The Korais Library, one of the biggest regional libraries of the country with 95.000 volumes! The same building hosts the Gallery and the Folklore Museum Argentis.
6)The four windmills in Tambakika remind us of the past economic prosperity of the island.
7)Kampos, just 6 kilometers south of Hora, with richly vegetated orchards. This village has a remarkable tourism development, without losing its charm. The Genovese influence in its architectural style is evident. The fruits produced here have an distinctive taste.
8)Thymiana – Karfas. They have approximately 2.000 inhabitants and they are located on the northeast side of the island. Thymiana is 8 km away from the city and Karfas is about 6 km from the city of Chios.
9)The municipality of Agios Minas, the most popular one in Chios, is on the east side of the island and includes the municipal divisions of Thymiana, Neochori, as well as of the coastal settlements of Karfa, Agia Ermioni, Mega Limniona and Agia Fotini. The headquarters of the Municipality is Thymiana was formed from the unification of three medieval towns.
10) Karfa, situated in about 6 kilometers from the city of Chios, is the most developed part of the island. The long sandy, shallow beach with the crystal clear waters is ideal for everyone. For those who love water sports it’s a true paradise. It boasts many hotels, shops and a vibrant nightlife.
11) The impressive medieval villages, “Mastiho-horia” (villages that produce Mastiha) are known for the cultivation and production of mastiha. Mastiha is excreted by low rise bushes, which are then carefully carved. After 15 days mastiha is collected, cleaned, sifted and separated based on size. It can be used in various ways; from confectionary to distillery and cosmetics. The initial cultivation time hasn’t exactly been defined. However, it’s believed that around the 2nd or 3rd century AC the inhabitants begun the systematic cultivation of the mastiha trees, which was the most important source of the island’s prosperity.
12) The Keramos village with the famous antimony mines and the settlement of Agiasmata with the hot springs and the iron sulfur water.
13) The medieval monument-village of Anavatos and the churches within it; Taxiarchis and Panagia. It has been called the Mystras of Chios.
14) Remnants of an ancient city, about 1 km from the village of Armolia. The Genovese castle and the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in the location of Vretos.
15) The Monastery of Agia Markella near the villages of Limnia and Limnos, built literally by the waves. It celebrates on the 22nd of July and attracts many people, not only from the island, but also from the entire country.
16) The Byzantine castle of Volissos, built according to tradition by Byzantine General Velissarios.
17) The Monastery of Moundoi, 4 kilometers north of the village Katavasi.
18) Daskalopetra, in an area filled with plains with amazing view to the coastline of Minor Asia. This is where, according to the legends, Homer was sitting. It’s situated near Vrontado, where the statue of “Afanis Naftis” (by Chiotian sculptor Thanassis Apartis) is placed, at the beach of the village.
19) The church of Virgin Mary Agrelopousaina with murals from the 14th century, south of the village Kalamoti.
20) Vlyhada, Nagos and Giosonas, where according to the tradition, Iason stopped on his way to Kolhida.
21) Nea Moni, 11 kilometers west of the village Karies, is probably one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the island. It’s a female monastery dedicated to Virgin Mary, built on the 11th century. Tall cypresses prevail at the entrance, while the inside is pretty impressive, with the imposing dome and the unique mosaics. The monastery was founded by Konstantinos the Gladiator and Theodora the Great.
22) The amazing Mesta, a big, traditional, vibrant medieval village, about 10 kilometers from Pyrgi. Everything is so impressive here. The basilica of Megalos Taxiarchis, the biggest church of the island, prevails in the middle of the village, built atop of an old castle.
23) The archaic temple of Fanaios Apollo, very few remnants of which are still preserved, is 13 kilometers south of Mesta, near the sea.
24) The Old Taxiarchis, in a narrow street of the village Mesta, near the main square, with a unique wooden temple, about a 150 years old. You can visit only upon request to the commissioner of the church, who has the keys and the necessary knowledge to show you around.
25) Pyrgi is probably the most impressive medieval village of Chios with a distinctive architecture. The streets are mazy and lead visitors to unique buildings. Must see are: the Dormition of Virgin Mary, characteristic example of a 17th century three-aisled basilica, the Byzantine church of Agioi Apostoloi, dated back to the 13th century with remarkable murals, remnants of the medieval castle that gave the village its name, remnants from an ancient Acropolis from the Geometric period and the church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary in the main square with the amazing architecture.
