This Chios town neighbourhood guide takes you through the island’s largest town, from its central waterfront and market streets to the medieval castle quarter. Chios town, also called Chora, is the island’s administrative, cultural, educational and commercial centre, as well as its most important port.
- Chios town sits midway along the island’s eastern coast, opposite the Asia Minor coastline.
- Prokymaia is the central waterfront, lined with cafés, taverns and restaurants.
- The medieval castle quarter is connected to the central square by Kennedy Street.
- Central landmarks include Plateia Vounakiou, the Byzantine Museum and Aplotaria Street.
Orienting yourself in Chios town
Plateia Vounakiou contains the Regional Unit of Chios offices and Town Hall. The Municipal Park is nearby, while Prokymaia, the waterfront area, brings cafés, taverns and restaurants together along the shore.
The town’s history reaches back much further than its present-day street plan. Archaeological evidence indicates that Chios island has been inhabited since 6,000 BC, and Ionians built Chios town shortly before 1,000 BC.
The town’s historic fabric was later affected by the 1822 catastrophe, the 1881 earthquake and extensive post-war rebuilding. Architectural-interest sites remain in the centre and its neighbourhoods.
The castle quarter and old streets
The Castle of Chios is a lived-in historic quarter with narrow streets and buildings from different eras. The castle dates to the 10th century and has remained inhabited. From Plateia Vounakiou, Kennedy Street leads to Porta Maggiore, the castle’s main gate.
Nearby, Bayrakli Camii, Osmaniye Camii and Ottoman fountains add further historic sites around the central square. For a closer look at the castle’s lanes and landmarks, use this practical guide to the Castle of Chios while planning your route.
Museums and central landmarks
Chios town’s museums and historic buildings are spread between the central square, the old market streets and the southern neighbourhoods. The Byzantine Museum occupies the former Ottoman Mecidiye mosque on Plateia Vounakiou.
South of the square, Aplotaria Street is the town’s main market street and crosses the centre of the old town. Its streetscape includes many 19th- and 20th-century bourgeois buildings.
Near Aplotaria’s eastern end, Philippou Argenti Street leads towards the historic High School of Chios, founded in 1792, as well as the Town Cathedral and Koraes Library. The library holds 135,000 books and also houses the Argenti Gallery and Folklore Museum.
Further south, neighbourhoods that developed during the 20th century are home to the Archaeological Museum, University of the Aegean, town stadium and Maritime Museum. On the town’s perimeter, Kammenos Pyrgos (Burnt Tower) and the Gothic Tower date from the Genoese period.
How do you get around Chios town?
Walking is a practical way to connect the central sights, and the official tourism website provides a suggested town trail with points of interest and information on its map.
A one-day Chios Town walking itinerary can help you plan stops along the way. The regional tourism authority’s interactive map can help you filter cultural, religious and natural-interest sites, along with services and transportation.
If you are driving, the official tourism guide suggests leaving your car in peripheral parking areas to avoid central-town traffic. Farkaina and the Nautical Club are options at the southern entrance; Ramnis Street and Evodos are options at the northern entrance.
Chios City Bus groups routes under North, South, Airport, Hospital and Residences. For a broader look at options around town and the island, read about Chios transport as you decide how to connect your stops.
Choosing a convenient area for your plans
Choose your starting point around the places you plan to visit: the waterfront and Plateia Vounakiou put you among central landmarks, while Aplotaria Street runs through the old town’s main market area. The castle quarter sits just beyond the central square along Kennedy Street, and the southern neighbourhoods gather several museums and other town destinations.
Castro Rooms is about an 8-minute walk from Chios city centre; you can view Castro Rooms.
FAQs
What is Chios town also called?
Chios town is commonly called Chora. It is the island’s largest town and most important port.
Where is the main market street in Chios town?
Aplotaria Street, south of Plateia Vounakiou, is the town’s main market street. It crosses the centre of the old town.
Where can you find historic towers in Chios town?
Kammenos Pyrgos (Burnt Tower) and the Gothic Tower stand on the town’s perimeter. Both date from the Genoese period.