Trips and tips: @tikotiko what is your favourite place in the world? – Part I

I want to travel you to an island close to the Turkish shores, full of scents, flavors and natural beauty. Its name is Chios.

My father’s family comes from Chios island. And I have to admit: since I was a child, I used to make fun of my father who used to claim that Chios is the best in everything. People of Chios are extremely regionalists. They believe that their place of origin has many gifts and is…perfect. Is it true? Well.. you will tell me after my presentations here.

Chios district, also incorporates the smaller islands of Psarra, Antipsarra and Inousses. The total population amounts to c.60,000 people. The timing to reach Chios via boat from Piraeus is 8 hrs. If you come by airplane it won’t take you more than an hour.

This island has 3 different zones of cultivation: the south is the place of mastic production, the middle of the island is dominated by Kambos – the orchards which is full of citrus trees. The north is mostly mountainous in the flora.

North - West

East

South

This island has a rich history. It is believed to have inhabitants since 6000BC. In the 11th century BC the Ionians came to the island and were the ones to instill the ideas of commerce and ship navigation. In its entire history Chios island was conquered by Persians, Romans, Athenians, Spartans, Macedonians, Venetians, Genoveses, Byzantines, Ottomans. The latter committed an unbelievable crime, as in 1822 Ottomans massacred the population in order to prevent the Revolution. The various historical sites claim that they killed from 20,000 to 40,000 people whereas another 40,000 had to leave their island to survive. This event is one of the most dreadful historical events of the latest history and was dramatically shown in Eugene Delacroix painting: the Massacre of Chios.

Till next time, enjoy!