It has about 450 residents and it is located on the northwestern side of the island, 41km away from the capital.
It‘s amphitheatrically built on the side of a hill, with the characteristic cobbled streets (locally known as liladia) giving the village a distinct flavor. It used to be a very important financial center during the Middle Ages. According to Thucydides, this is where the ancient city of Voliskos used to be located. On top of the hill you can still make out the ruins of the medieval castle that once crowned the city. Some believe that Volissos used to be Homer’s birthplace, while others claim that it was an educational center for the children of Lord Chios. Volissos is also considered to be the birthplace of Agia Markela (Santa Marcella), with a homonymous monastery to prove it. The harbor of Volissos is the picturesque settlement of Limnia, with lots of small taverns where you can enjoy fresh fish. If you want to visit Psara, a boat can get you there in two hours. |