Kambos, one of the most beautiful areas of the island, is a unique residential complex, harmoniously combining exquisite natural scenery with local architecture. Most of the land is planted with lush citrus orchards, interspersed with old mansions. It is just 6 km to the south of the main town of Chios. Kambos has been declared a “historic site” and a “traditional settlement”, protected by the Ministry of Culture.

With more than 38 Byzantine churches and many mansions (64 of them have been declared as protected monuments by the Ministry of Culture, but in all there are more than 200), the visitor may begin to apprehend the nobility and wealth that Chios had thanks to trade and shipping.


It is no coincidence that the site was chosen by the Genoese conquerors to build their houses in the 14th century. One of their first steps was the systematic cultivation of citrus trees on their lands. They also are the instigators of export trade on the island. In a continuous manner, local aristocrats lived in this area (Rallides, Argentides, Petrokokkinoi, Kalvokoresides , Mavrokordatoi, etc.) The latter were a strong ruling class, with nobility titles, and an international presence in commerce.

Kambos met with great prosperity during the 17th and 18th centuries. But both the massacre of Chios in 1822 and the devastating earthquake of 1881 destroyed many important buildings. From the oldest mansions, some are preserved but in a damaged state (Rallides, Petrokokkinoi, Skillitsidoi, Chrysolorades). Most well-preserved villas were rebuilt after the earthquake, combining local architecture with many neoclassical elements. These residences belong to the families Kalvokoresi, Mavrokordatou, Zigomala Kalouta, Casanova etc.

Foreign travelers who visited Chios describe with great enthusiasm the gardens and majestic holiday villas in Kambos. Genoese elements of architecture were combined with the local architectural traditions, creating a distinctive architectural character. Indeed, in this area you will see high walls built of local stone from Thymiana that were made in order to protect the orchards from dust, winds and cold.

In these large demesnes, you can discover the house-tower, an imposing two or three storey building, its purpose was to give a panoramic view and ensure control of the estate. Furthermore, these residences hide impressive staircases, huge gates with coats of arms and reliefs, arched windows, archways of marble pillars, balconies supported by small arches.

Each visitor should also have the chance to see these mansion’s courtyards: ornate fountains, adorned in most cases with marble reliefs and hydrants, wells and a watering system for the garden, the shady alleys, gardens planted with odorant flowers: a truly unique environment.

One of the most beautiful villages, Mesta, is located 35 kilometers southwest of the main town of Chios. It is a medieval village classified as a historical monument. The elaborate architecture stems from the Byzantine period and the village itself is built like a fortress-castle. The small stone houses, built one next to the other, form the outer perimeter of the village; it is a strong protective wall.

A walk through the small streets of the village, passing under the arches formed by the balconies, offer the visitor a unique experience, in which one can truly feel the 14th century spirit of the village.

The wooden iconostasis “Μικρού Ταξιάρχη” (Small Commander) is considered as an elaborate example of woodwork in Chios.

The open-hearted and kind people of Mesta still preserve the traditions of the 14th century village. The village’s most important custom takes place during the carnival festivities where the “Agas” trials, a satirical replica of the trials that used to take place under the Turkish Occupation, are represented.