Agios Galas – Tour In The Unexplored Northern Chios

Agios Galas cave, in Amani

It consists of three levels, the lower and main cave (visitable), the middle section, which is at its entrance Temple Panagia Agiogalousaina and the highest part, on a rock above the temple, no public access.

Cave entrance - Panagia Agiogalousena

The Agios Galas cave it is of great archaeological interest as it is connected to the first habitation of the island, one of the first in Greece, during the Neolithic Period (about 5.800 B.C.).

In the cave you will see from the oldest sedimentary rocks in Greece, about 350 millions of years.

The first archaeological excavation took place in 1959 and the exploration began the 1969. The findings were objects of everyday use, sharp tools and animal bones, which are found in Archaeological Museum of Chios, downtown and a small collection at Archaeological Museum of Athens, (more information at https://chioscaves.gr). The Agios Galas cave is located in the homonymous village near the beautiful valley of butterflies, in Freshwater , 67 km ΒΔ. of the city of Chios.

It is the second most visited cave on the island, after the Cave of Olympus in N. Chios. It is divided into rooms, the temperature ranges from 12,5 -17,5^the C, moisture from 80-100% and from the openings of the roof comes in fresh air. For reservations and tickets (with a tour) address to Much space «Agios Galas», located at the entrance of the cave (entrance to the cave only with an escort). Open daily except Monday, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., from the beginning of May to the end of September, while for visits outside the tourist season an appointment is required, tel. : 22740 22004, 6945 331354697.

THE Multipurpose space «Agios Galas» remains open every day except Monday from 11 a.m. until late at night (the tavern) and you can come without a ticket, regardless of your visit to the cave.

From 15 July to the end of August you will find both open daily at the same times (Info on the tel. : 22740 22004, 6945 331354697.

Church of Panagia Agiogalousaina (13^o h.) – chapel of Agia Anna (11^o h.).

Panagia Agiogalusana is built at the entrance of the middle cave as the cave was later used as a place of worship. It has a colored wood-carved iconostasis (1721), Chiot woodcarving art, with special symbols, like Angels and mermaids in pregnancy, which show fertility, plants, livestock, meanders, dragons etc.

OR Panagia Agiogalousaina is considered by the locals patroness of fertility and motherhood and is particularly popular for Baptisms.

With the entrance ticket to the cave you will also have a guided tour of the temple.

The name Agios Galas derived from a calcareous fluid, that looks like milk and drips from two rocks, inside the cave, reminiscent of female breasts.

More details on the legend associated with the village name Agios Galas you will learn during your tour of the temple.

"Agios Galas" multipurpose hall

In a green area, lush, running water, creek, duck ponds , flower beds with aromatic plants, organic vegetable garden, playground, Tavern for coffee, drink, φαγητό, you will find an oasis of coolness ideal for young and old.

at "Agios Galas" multipurpose hall a small outdoor area has been set up Folk Museum , including photo exhibition and information on bread preparation stages, wood oven with useful items and pictures of butterflies. Here you will taste traditional Chios food, made by Anastasia, the owner of the mall, must cock of wine, braised goat, fresh manually spaghetti (the handmade Chios macaroni that they still make in B. Chios).

Greek coffee, Chiotic spoon sweets and orange pie, which Anastasia makes, fresh lemonade, Chios sum (drink made from figs), Chios beer and ouzo, all infused with Chios mastic.

Handmade spaghetti from Chios, the "hands"

NEARBY ROUTES – REMOTE BEACHES OF N-NW CHIOS NEAR AGIOS GALAS

Walking route of Agios Galas – Saint John.

The Agios Gala villages is built at an altitude 240 m., in Amani, 67km NW of the city of Chios. In the sights o Tower and its churches Αγ. Friday and Αγ. Thalalaios (or warmth), the oldest church of Chios with a wood-carved iconostasis (1711), which you will meet on the walking route to Agios Yannis village, which has now been abandoned (1,5 km to be from Saint Galas).

Agios Thalalaios

Beach Ag. Giorgis Krasas, B, beach near Nenituria.

Black pebble, tall rocks and chapel (Access by dirt road)

Pigeons and Quick

Mountain villages of Amani, with vineyards and wine production linked to the known since ancient times "Noble Wine». The Ariosios Winery, https://ariousios.gr, it is visitable (upon request), tel. : 22740 71553, place of Sage, Quick, 59 km N of the city of Chios.

Sanctifications, B., after the village Tile.

Thermal baths and black pebble beach. Small and neat hydrotherapy center that takes advantage of the thermal springs of the area that help with arthritis, backaches, rheumatism etc. (open from 1/7 – 10/10).

Freshwater and Lichena beaches, NW, near Agios Galas.

Wild beaches, with black pebbles and difficult (Access by dirt road).

Ink, village with a view of Psara and Memorial Monument for the victims of the Chios Massacre (1822).
Ezousa Beach Holes, NW., about 20' from Agios Galas (asphalt).
Agios Isidoros, NW., in Parparia.

Beach ideal for families, windless, about half an hour from Agios Galas (asphalt).

Saint Markella, NW., at Volisso.

Beach and monastery on the sea, at a distance 8 km from Volissos, the main town of Chios (asphalt access). OR Saint Markella the Hiopolitis is the largest pilgrimage of the island and celebrates on 22/7 (official holiday). Nearby is the place that the Saint martyred about 1555 A.D. (path access).