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Emborios - 3,000 Years by the Sea of Antiquity

By Giorgos Kontopoulos
May 10, 2009
Emborio is a small village surrounding the first of three successive coves down the north most end of Chios. This beautiful postcard of a town is as ancient as the sea it nests within its cove. While it seems like a picturesque fishing village, recent archeological research on the hill of Profitis Hlias just overlooking the town has uncovered fragments of an ancient acropolis, the temple of Athena and objects that date back to the 8th and 6th century B.C. , while on the western side of the hill archeologists uncovered 50 dwellings dated to the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. It is an excellent opportunity to combine a sunny island vacation with some historical site seeing.

This peaceful town is a popular destination of shipping moguls and oftentimes the small marina and surrounding shore is adorned by multimillion dollar yachts. One could argue that Emborio is one of Chios best kept secrets and for good reason considering the worlds glitterati would want to keep it to themselves. Just over the first cove a few hundred meters is the world renowned beach of Mavra Volia (Black Stones). The large cove beach of round black stones, or large pebbles more accurately, created by the now inactive Psaronas volcano is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The water is a little steep and may require some caution for the novice swimmer but nothing will ever compare to swimming in crystal clear waters surrounded by black scenery.

So much is true for the third successive cove which is more secluded and preferred especially during the high tourist season. The beach is peaceful even during the busiest of seasons and is wide and long enough to accommodate all visitors without creating any discomfort. You will have to bring along your beach essentials however, umbrellas and beach loungers because the shore is protected by the Natura proclamation and therefore devout of any and all commercial intrusions. Also remember to control the urge to take some pebbles home for souvenirs as it is strictly prohibited by law.

Emborio is just a hop skip away from the unique village of Pyrgi where all the buildings are adorned by geometric shapes scratched into the frescoed walls, an ancient technique used to this day. One of the largest mastic tree groves in Pyrgi is a must see destination where you will have the opportunity to participate in the process of gathering the mastic from the trees if you happen to be there during harvest.

Emborio is a great place to stay while passing through exploring Chios if you have enough days to spare. If on the other hand you only have a short vacation it is ideal to choose to spend your time in Emborio just a short walk by one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see. There is a variety of places to stay along the cove whether you prefer elegant hotel resorts or quieter rooms and small studios for rent. There are many cafe-bars and taverns by the shore as well as mini-markets and grocery stores. The town is roughly a 30 minute drive from the port of Chios and relatively close to the main city.
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