Chios
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===Ports and Popular Stops=== | ===Ports and Popular Stops=== | ||
| - | There are | + | There are 5 harbors in Chios, 1 marina, and several coves. Also, nearby in the NE is the very attractive small island group of Oinouses. |
==== Chios==== | ==== Chios==== | ||
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</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
| - | [[Image:Chios_Limn.jpg| | + | [[Image:Chios_Limn.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Limniá Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]] |
==== Marmaro==== | ==== Marmaro==== | ||
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==== Limenas==== | ==== Limenas==== | ||
| - | + | <table border="0" summary="Picture" cellspacing="6" cellpadding="1"> | |
| - | The harbor of Mesta (Μεστά) or Limenas (Λιμένας) [38° 17.4' N 25° 55.8' E] is on the S side of the W coast of Chios. While there is protection from the ''meltemi'' behind the mole, the swell can be uncomfortable. Excellent protection from the southerlies.There is plenty of docking space. Come side-to, there is at least 3 m depth. Be aware of the large car tires on the quay, they leave hard to remove black marks on the hull and fenders. There are some ugly buildings near the dock, two restaurants but no provisions. The bay looks attractive. Short (about 4 km) distance to the picturesque town of Mesta. There are regular buses to Chios. The ''Limenarchio'' (Coast Guard) here always comes to ask for the harbor dues. | + | <tr align="left" valign="top"> |
| + | <td>The harbor of Mesta (Μεστά) or Limenas (Λιμένας) [38° 17.4' N 25° 55.8' E] is on the S side of the W coast of Chios. While there is protection from the ''meltemi'' behind the mole, the swell can be uncomfortable. Excellent protection from the southerlies.There is plenty of docking space. Come side-to, there is at least 3 m depth. Be aware of the large car tires on the quay, they leave hard to remove black marks on the hull and fenders. There are some ugly buildings near the dock, two restaurants but no provisions. The bay looks attractive. Short (about 4 km) distance to the picturesque town of Mesta. There are regular buses to Chios. The ''Limenarchio'' (Coast Guard) here always comes to ask for the harbor dues. | ||
| - | There is a taxi in Mesta, tel +30 6972 543 543 and one in Olympoi, tel. +30 2710 76 357 or +30 6937 937 758. Also in Pyrgi Konstantinos Tomazos (+30 22710 722 190) rents scooters. | + | There is a taxi in Mesta, tel +30 6972 543 543 and one in Olympoi, tel. +30 2710 76 357 or +30 6937 937 758. Also in Pyrgi Konstantinos Tomazos (+30 22710 722 190) rents scooters.</td> |
| + | <td>[[Image:Chios_Limenas_h.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Chart of Limenas Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]]</td> | ||
| + | </tr> | ||
| + | </table> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Líthi==== | ||
| + | [[Image:Chios_Lithi_h.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Chart of Líthi Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]] | ||
| + | Líthi (Λίθι) [38° 20.6' N 25° 59.7' E] has a small harbor which provides good shelter from the ''meltemi''. Dock side-to on the mole. There is room for 2-3 yachts. Alternatively you can anchor off in 5-6 m, good holding in sand but you are more exposed to the N wind. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are 3 tavernas ashore of which ''Kyra Despina'' and the ''3 Adelphia'' have good fish. | ||
| + | [[Image:Chios_Lithi.jpg|200px|thumb|center|The Harbor of Líthi<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]] | ||
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs=== | ===Marinas & Yacht Clubs=== | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
| - | [[Image:Chios_Volia.jpg| | + | [[Image:Chios_Volia.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Mavra Volia<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]] |
====Angelia, Salagonas, Trachilia, and Kato Faná==== | ====Angelia, Salagonas, Trachilia, and Kato Faná==== | ||
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</gallery></center> | </gallery></center> | ||
| - | ==== | + | ====Elyndas==== |
| - | + | [[Image:Chios_Elindas.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Elyndas<br/>''Click for larger view'' ]] | |
| + | Elyndas (Ελύντας) or Alindas (Αλύντας) is lovely cove on the W coast of Chios [38°23.4'N 25°59.4'E]. It has a wonderful beach which when I visited it was occupied by a few campers, all local, out for the Sunday. Anchor at 10 m depth, very close to the beach. The cove looks well protected from the NW wind and it could be a good anchorage, although it is not mentioned by the pilot books. The only fault that I can find with this cove is that its water is not crystal clear but somewhat murky and greenish. | ||
| - | + | ====Avloniá==== | |
| + | Avloniá [38° 09.8' N 25° 59.6' E] is a small cove about 1 M west of Cape Masticho. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers good protection from the ''meltemi''. Anchor in 4 m on sand, good holding. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Langadas==== | ||
| + | Langadas or Kolokithia is a small picturesque harbor. It is not very good with the ''meltemi''. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Ayios Ioannis Tholis==== | ||
| + | Well protected from the ''meltemi'' but it is occupied by a fish farm which pollutes the water and makes this cove unattractive. | ||
===Offshore Islands=== | ===Offshore Islands=== | ||
Revision as of 14:52, 28 April 2008
Chios
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Background
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Chios (Χίος) or Hios or Khios is a craggy island of 858 km2 with the highest peak Profitis Ilias of 1297 m (4297 ft.) in the arid North and the lush Cape Masticho on the South where the unique gum mastich (μαστίχα) grows. It is one of the alleged birthplaces of Homer.
In antiquity the island was very prosperous and after the Persian wars it was an ally of Athens and then Sparta. In the 11th century AD it was taken from the Byzantines, then by the Venetians, who were succeeded by the Genoese, who formed a special company in the 14th century just for the trade of the mastich. In 1566 the Ottomans took the island from the Genoese and held it until 1922 when it joined Greece. During the Ottoman period Chios was granted many special privileges and joined the Greek revolution very reluctantly under the coercion of the Samians in 1822. The Ottoman reaction was devastating. After beheading three Chians who were hostages in Istanbul they send the Turkish armada to invade the island. On March 30, 1822 they landed on the island. Within 24 hours they massacred over 8,000 unarmed inhabitants. The horror lasted for months. Over 25,000 were killed and 47,000, mostly women, were sold into slavery. Within 6 months from the original 120,000 inhabitants only 18,000 were left. The repercussions of this tragedy were felt all over Europe. Intellectuals like Lebrun, Müller, and especially Victor Hugo with The Child of Chios and the painter Delacroix with his Massacre of Chios painting publicized the event which proved crucial for mustering support in Europe for the Greek revolution.
Click for larger view
The production of mastich (μαστίχα- masticha) gum (Pistacia lentiscus) is a tradition particular to Chios. It is the resin of a bush that is said to grow only in this SW corner of the island. The bush does not grow very big, and at the appropriate time the growers make tiny slits on its trunk. From these slits, the gum oozes out, and it is collected. Tiny droplets are also collected from the ground, hence the sieves. The gum then is taken home, and over long hours during the winter, it is sorted according to quality and size. Families own individual bushes scattered over a wide area. The mastich gum is used as a particularly flavorful chewing gum, as a flavoring for ouzo, in a toothpaste, for a very sweet and sticky favorite of Greek children served in a spoon submerged in a glass of water and called appropriately a submarine, for folk medicines, etc. This information was given to me by one of the women I met on my way near Salagonas. During the Ottoman years, the production of mastich reached its highest point, it being the favorite chewing gum of the ladies in the seraglio because it gave them a sweet smelling mouth.
Charts
BA 1645 Nísos Khíos and Izmir Körfezi
Imray-Tetra G28 Nísos Khíos & the Coast of Turkey
NIMA 54380 Tuzla Burnu to Samos
NIMA 54386 Khios Strait Greece and Turkey
Greek 334 Chios Island & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 & telephone +30 22710 44 432 (Chios), +30 22720 76 239 (Limenas)
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 85, 25, or 28
The approaches to Chios are straightforward, however,
Danger: With a strong meltemi (northerly winds) the seas on the channel, with its north going current, between Chios and the Turkish mainland can built up to dangerous levels.
Ports and Popular Stops
There are 5 harbors in Chios, 1 marina, and several coves. Also, nearby in the NE is the very attractive small island group of Oinouses.
Chios
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This is a large and bustling harbor of a very vibrant town.
Limniá
| Limniá (Λιμνιά) located on NW side of the island [38° 28.2' N 025° 55.1' E] is the harbor of Volissós (Βολισσός) a picturesque town about 4 km up the hill from the harbor. It is a safe harbor providing all-weather shelter. Go stern-to on the new quay NE of the old dock used by local fishermen.
There are water outlets on the quay also there are two inoperative water/electricity posts (2006). The nearest fuel station is outside of Volissós but they will deliver except on Sundays. Call VHF channels 21. Just SW of the fishing dock there is the friendly restaurant Ta Limnia (tel. +30 22710 21 014) which not only provides good food but the owner, Mr. Tsikalas, can assist you with getting fuel or renting a car. The convent of Ayia Markella is but a few km to the E of Limniá. In the village of Volissós there is wonderful wood-fired bakery. |
File:Chios Limnia h.jpg Chart of Limniá Harbor Click for larger view |
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Marmaro
| Marmaro (Μάρμαρο- marble) or Kardamyla is located on the E of N coast of Chios. It is small man-made harbor which while being protected from the meltemi allows uncomfortable swell to enter from the N and spray on jetty. Moor alongside on the S side of jetty. Fuel can be obtained from a BP station (tel. +30 22710 23 565 or 22 955) located approximately 1 km uphill from harbor. They sometimes deliver. A second BP is another km further up the road from the first. Marmaro is not a particularly interesting place but there are some nice beaches nearby. | File:Chios Marmaro h.jpg Chart of Marmaro Harbor Click for larger view |
Limenas
| The harbor of Mesta (Μεστά) or Limenas (Λιμένας) [38° 17.4' N 25° 55.8' E] is on the S side of the W coast of Chios. While there is protection from the meltemi behind the mole, the swell can be uncomfortable. Excellent protection from the southerlies.There is plenty of docking space. Come side-to, there is at least 3 m depth. Be aware of the large car tires on the quay, they leave hard to remove black marks on the hull and fenders. There are some ugly buildings near the dock, two restaurants but no provisions. The bay looks attractive. Short (about 4 km) distance to the picturesque town of Mesta. There are regular buses to Chios. The Limenarchio (Coast Guard) here always comes to ask for the harbor dues. There is a taxi in Mesta, tel +30 6972 543 543 and one in Olympoi, tel. +30 2710 76 357 or +30 6937 937 758. Also in Pyrgi Konstantinos Tomazos (+30 22710 722 190) rents scooters. | File:Chios Limenas h.jpg Chart of Limenas Harbor Click for larger view |
Líthi
Click for larger view
Líthi (Λίθι) [38° 20.6' N 25° 59.7' E] has a small harbor which provides good shelter from the meltemi. Dock side-to on the mole. There is room for 2-3 yachts. Alternatively you can anchor off in 5-6 m, good holding in sand but you are more exposed to the N wind.
There are 3 tavernas ashore of which Kyra Despina and the 3 Adelphia have good fish.
Click for larger view
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
Vrondaros
This is a very small harbor N of the town of Chios. It provides good shelter but room is very limited.
Emborio
| Emborio (Εμπορειό- commerce) is lovely little natural on the SE coast of Chios. It provides good shelter from the meltemi but because it is so small it good be difficult to find where to anchor. Good holding. There are a couple of tavernas ashore, telephone, and a small store with limited supplies. On the NE of the cove, and up the hill there is a Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) excavation but there is not too much to see. If you continue along this road you come to Mavra Volia, a beautiful black pebble beach, totally deserted. | File:Chios Emborio h.jpg Chart of Emborio Click for larger view |
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Angelia, Salagonas, Trachilia, and Kato Faná
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West of Cape Masticho and just before reaching Cape Mesta on the S coast of Chios there are 5 wonderful coves, my favorites in Chios. All of them are well protected from the meltemi but exposed to the SW.
The easternmost cove is Kato Faná Bay (Κάτω Φανά). There only here some abandoned campers. Nearby there are the ruins of a temple of Apollon and a small church. The road from here leads you to the medieval village of Olýmpoi (Ολύμποι), about 8 km away, a good walk.
Next going W is the small cove of Ayia Dynamis (Αγία Δύναμις). There are a few buildings associated with a church. The road from here leads you to the medieval village of Olýmpoi, about 8 km away, a good walk. About 1.5 km from Ayia Dynamis there is the cave of Olýmpi, open every day except Mondays, 9:00-19:30 with guided tours, well worth the visit.
To the E of a promontory there is the larger Salagonas (Σαλάγωνας) [38° 13.2' N 025° 54.8' E], totally deserted, save for few people during the day harvesting the mastich.
Next, to the W of the promontory is Angelia (Αγγέλια) with a small hamlet.
Finally the westernmost cove is the narrow inlet of Trachilia (Τραχείλια), totally deserted. Anchoring is easy in all of these cove. In Trachilia it is best to take a shore line to the W shore.
About one hour walk from here, up the dirt road, there is the medieval village of Olýmpoi, well worth a visit. Turn left when you reach the paved road. The other medieval village, Mestá is about a two hour walk, turn right when you reach the paved road.
You can call for a taxi either from Mesta, tel +30 6972 543 543 or from Olympoi, tel. +30 2710 76 357 or +30 6937 937 758.
 Angelia Cove |
 Salagonas Cove |
 The Cove of Kato Fana |
Elyndas
Click for larger view
Elyndas (Ελύντας) or Alindas (Αλύντας) is lovely cove on the W coast of Chios [38°23.4'N 25°59.4'E]. It has a wonderful beach which when I visited it was occupied by a few campers, all local, out for the Sunday. Anchor at 10 m depth, very close to the beach. The cove looks well protected from the NW wind and it could be a good anchorage, although it is not mentioned by the pilot books. The only fault that I can find with this cove is that its water is not crystal clear but somewhat murky and greenish.
Avloniá
Avloniá [38° 09.8' N 25° 59.6' E] is a small cove about 1 M west of Cape Masticho. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers good protection from the meltemi. Anchor in 4 m on sand, good holding.
Langadas
Langadas or Kolokithia is a small picturesque harbor. It is not very good with the meltemi.
Ayios Ioannis Tholis
Well protected from the meltemi but it is occupied by a fish farm which pollutes the water and makes this cove unattractive.
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Also see each Port/Stop
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Chios (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
