Located in the Northern Aegean Sea, Chios is the fifth largest island in Greece and one of the most beautiful destinations 365 days a year. However, summer is the quintessence for those seeking to explore the Greek islands and Chios beaches make it even more tempting to do so. Some are well organized and welcome water …
Located to the east of Chios island, Oinousses is a group of small islets and only one of them is inhabited. They all boast a laid-back atmosphere, as well as gorgeous secluded Oinousses beaches where you are free to relax and enjoy the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. This is the hometown of many …
Chios is a beautiful Greek island of the Aegean Sea, world renowned for its mastic production. But this is not the only thing why Chios is famous for. The magnificent beaches and amazing landscapes, the succulent traditional dishes and the warm welcoming locals all blend, creating the perfect vacation retreat in the Mediterranean. And an …
Have you ever heard of the “Painted Village”? On the lovely island of Chios, Pyrgi is a picturesque village with intense Medieval influence that is head of Mastichochoria. This means that it is the head village among those, where mastic is cultivated. Mastic Villages are all part of the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage …
One of the most exciting uses of Chios mastiha is that in the field of cosmetics. Beauty products based on the precious resin have gained in popularity in the recent years. Mastic is highly-coveted since antiquity because of its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, a claim that is supported by contemporary scientific research. Consequently, the interest …
The mastiha tree is an evergreen shrub, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family gender Pistacia lentiscus L and grows in the Mediterranean countries. However, the tree Pistacia Lentiscus Var. Chia is a special variety that grows exclusively in the Southern part of Chios and offers the precious mastiha tears, renowned for their medicinal properties. Chios mastiha …
During the Ottoman occupation plantation and production of mastiha trees was developed. Prior to the Chios massacre in 1822, production was stable but following the destruction it halted. After 1832 permission was granted for the expatriated Chians to return home. Upon repatriation villagers started plantation again and by 1840 production levels escalated to those prior …
The History of Mastic The mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), also called “skinos”, grows all over the Mediterranean. However, the tree Pistacia Lentiscus Var. Chia is a special variety that grows only in the Southern part of Chios and mentions can be dated back to antiquity. Some of the oldest references for mastic are credited to …
Perched on the edge of a conical cliff, Anavatos Chios is an imposing landmark of the island. Less than 20 kilometers from Chios Town, this Byzantine village adds distinct color to the wider area. From the medieval times till now, it has remained an awe-inspiring attraction. Two gorges surround the village, offering fresh water. Approximately …
At least 95 percent of all Greeks claim membership in the Greek Orthodox Church, part of the Eastern Orthodox Church, as the official state of Greece dictates. Until 1054, the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches were one body. Theological, political, and cultural differences split the church in two, and those differences were never completely …