Chios

Chios (modern Greek: Χίος) is an island in the north-east of the Aegean Sea. It is considered the birthplace of Homer, the famous poet author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. The traces found on the site of Emporios show that men have been present on this island since the Neolithic period (6000-5000 BC).

Site archéologique d'Emporios sur l'île grecque de Chios
Archaeological site of Emporios

Chios has, since antiquity, a great maritime and commercial force. Amphorae from the island have been found as far as Russia. It still remains a powerful region in this area, most Greek shipowners’ families coming from this island.

Another richness of the island of Chios comes from the Mastic or mastiha trade, present in the village of Mastihohoria.

Chios mastic tears in a spoon on a silver background
Chios mastic tears in a spoon on a silver background

Mastiha is a natural gum derived from the resin of mastichodentrou – mastiha tree, which has many virtues. The resin flows out of the tree, then is dried in the sun and cleaned by hand, resulting in off-white nuggets.

Mastic tree garden in Chios island, Greece
Mastic tree garden in Chios island, Greece

Antiseptic, antibacterial, it is also widely used for oral hygiene and relieving stomach upset. It is found in many forms, liquor, pastries such as loukoum or shortbreads, sparkling water, ice cream … Its production is very controlled and only the Chios Mastiha Chewers Association manages the production of Mastiha.

Mastic tree in Chios island, Greece
Mastic tree in Chios island, Greece

Finally, the island is also a great producer of citrus (it is very famous for tangerines and lemons), olive oil, figs and wine.

Pyrgi village in Chios island
Pyrgi village in Chios island
Mavra Volia Beach at Chios Island
Mavra Volia Beach at Chios Island
Anavatos village in Chios island
Anavatos village in Chios island
Windmills in Vrontados in Chios island
Windmills in Vrontados in Chios island

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