Volissos, a traditional hilltop village of Chios

Volissos is situated 40 kilometers north of Chora and serves as the central hub of the Northern Villages in Chios. Nestled on the slopes of a small hill, it is reputed to be the birthplace of the epic poet Homer, and locals are often eager to show visitors his ancestral home.

Dominating the village’s skyline is a castle, a medieval defensive fortress rumored to have been built by Belisarius, a general of Emperor Justinian. The castle once housed buildings, reservoirs, and churches. It even had a tunnel connecting it to the coast. Today, the castle, illuminated by spotlights at night, exudes an air of mystery and grandeur.

Characteristic of Volissos are its narrow alleyways, old houses, and stone mansions, which lend the area a picturesque charm. Additionally, the village boasts windmills and Byzantine churches, including a temple dedicated to the “Transfiguration of the Savior” and a church devoted to the Virgin Mary.

Volissos has developed into a tourist destination, offering tavernas, accommodation, a renowned bakery famous for its village bread, pharmacies, and a vast olive grove that contributes significantly to the island’s olive oil production.

The village’s port, Limnia, is a small harbor equipped for the mooring of recreational boats. From here, excursion boats set off for Psara and other Chios coasts.

Not to be missed is the monastery of Saint Markella, the patron saint of the island, the Byzantine Monastery of Moundon (16th century) in Dieucha, and the Church of Taxiarchis with its notable wood-carved iconostasis.

For beach lovers, the nearby beaches of Limnia, Managros, Gonia, Lefkathia, Limnos, and the area beneath the monastery of Saint Markella offer excellent swimming spots. Volissos also provides a few rooms and traditional apartments for accommodation.

Visitors should experience the grand three-day festival of Saint Markella on July 22, where pilgrims gather from all over Greece. Other local festivals include the Feast of the Virgin Mary on August 15, the Savior on August 6, and Saint Panteleimon on July 27.