Kampos
The area has low traffic so it is also nce to cycle around. The natural environment and the traditional architecture with genovese influences is more than impressive. Kampos is a uniquely and ideally combines a very particular urban architecture with the preservation of natural environment, where citrus gardens prevail.
You will come across the beautiful small church of Panagia Syriotissa, and start walking by the torrent Kokalas, along the stone paved Karava street.
Turn left towards the well preserved Kolakis Mansion. After walking by Galatoulas and Mylonadis Mansions, you will reach Mavrokordatiko, which was built in the 14th century. The tower, known as the Mavrokordatos Tower, was completed in 1736.
Going on southwards, you will pass by the street leading to St. George Stafylas, and come across Mitarakis Mansion, which belonged to the painter Yanis Mitarakis. The estate has one of the most beuatiful gates of Kampos.
Turn to Vitiadis street, to see Vitiadis Mansion and the chapel of Panagia Pachia, which has an impressive black and white pebbled yard. This mansion is not preserved, but you can still feel its grandeur and imagine the period of its glory. After Vitiadis mansion you will see Perleas, a beautiful traditional hotel, with a well kept citrus orchard and a gorgeous patio. Perleas often hosts culural events, so the public can visit and enjoy the beauty of this estate. For example, the Chios Half Marathon race route crosses Perleas citrus orchard. During the summer weeekends, they often open their cafe to the public, offering coffee or brunch.
Citrus Museum
Argentikon is more than a luxury hotel. It is one of the oldest estates of the area, part of its history and an exquisite example of the architecture and grandeur of Kampos aristocracy, which dated back to the Genovese years.
Head back, through Kalaroni Street which will take you again to the main road of Agios Minas. Turn left and then right to Karava street, where you will reach the starting point of this small tour. After you finish the tour, you can visit Thymiana village to admire the main church of Agios Efstratios, an impressive church built with the local reddish Thymiana stone and featuring an impressive yard decorated with black and white pebbles, according to the local tradition. Thymiana is a great spot for eating out, too, since it has a lot of taverns and restaurants to choose from.
