A picturesque Medieval village with a rather unusual name, Avgonima is built atop a rocky hill that emerges from the surrounding pine forests. Visitors are sure to be charmed by its square stone houses, narrow, winding streets and stone-paved central square. However, the place hides an eye-opening common architectural detail: all the buildings here have small, narrow windows, tangible evidence of the medieval population’s efforts to protect themselves from pirate raids.
The village features breathtaking views, with the endless Aegean blue and the island of Psara on one side, and the lush green natural environment on the other. Just 10 minutes from here, visitors can take a swim at the one-of-a-kind beach at Elinta and experience its crystalline waters. Those wanting to stay in the village can find welcoming traditional guesthouses as well as taverns that serve all the local delicacies. In fact, Avgonima might just be one of the most popular culinary attractions throughout Chios.
A memorial, erected in 2011 to commemorate all the inhabitants of Avgonima who lost their lives in the fight for the liberation of Chios, is located near the village. It is a formless stone shape crowned by a marble cross, erected on a square stone pedestal. A marble inscription on the pedestal reads as follows:
«ΑΓΗΡΩ ΤΟΔΕ ΧΑΡΙΤΟΣ ΣΗΜΑ ΑΥΓΩΝΥΜΟΥΣΙΟΙΣ ΘΑΝΟΥΣΙ ΠΙΣΤΕΩΣ ΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΤΡΗΣ ΧΑΡΙΝ.» (This sign has been erected in honour of the people of Avgonima who sacrificed themselves for God and country).