Chios-Holiday.Org

Chios Town

Be on the look out for tourist traps on the waterfront. Ask locals for Authentica Estiatoria or authentic restaurants. If you're trying to avoid tourists, then avoid the small coastal stretch south of Chios Town and you'll be all set for a pleasant stay..

Chios Town (or Chora), like so many island towns in Greece was rebuilt after an earthquake. The Nazis, during their WWII withdrawal, destroyed much of it. When you arrive by ferry, it doesn't look like a typical Greek Island capital. There are "tall" (5 stories) ugly concrete buildings with American pool halls, high rise offices, apartment blocks and fast-food joints. There are many sailors and all that they imply. Move past the waterfront area as quickly as you can!

The streets behind the waterfront are much nicer and more authentic. Further back into the town itself, which is sister city to Genoa, Italy, you'll find more traditional charm.

The Byzantine Fortress contains most of Old Chios and is to the right of the harbor. Built upon the ruins of the Macedonian Castle, it was destroyed by the Persian Mithridates. The southwestern entrance, Porta Maggiora, is the most interesting and best preserved entrance to the kastro. Most of what survives from the Turkish occupation is within the fortress. There's a ruined mosque, a Turkish cemetery, and a very small prison. The Kastro Justinian Museum contains detached frescoes, carvings and early Christian mosaics.