RELIEF AND LIMITS
Kambos extends south of the city of Chios, in a plain area enclosed by small mountains, the sea and the villages known as Kambochora. Part of the southern part of the city of Chios, as well as the Kambochora villages, could be considered part of Kambos, so the limits of Kambos have fluctuated over time. Historically, the region south of the city of Chios is characterised by the flatland that during Turkish occupation was called “Varvasi”, deriving from the Turkish word “varos”, meaning suburb. Sources of the 19th century mention upper and southern “Varvasi”, whereas in the 20th century, in the election catalogues of 1928, “Varvasi” consists of parishes that belong to Kambos. In any case, Kambos’ type orchards exist from the shores of Parthenis river in the north, until the village of Thymiana and Neochori in the south. But there are also large properties and churches owned by known landholding families of Kambos positioned in higher grounds, on the western hills of the area.
In brief, we can say that historical Kambos starts at the shores of Parthenis river and spans the whole area from the hills to the beaches of Leukonia and Kontari, until the electrical power plant.
Electricity generation area, PPC
Kambos and the sea
Kambos opens to the sea on its northern and northeastern sides for a few kilometres. It is bordering part of Chios Bay that is most protected from the storms: the sea between the island and the shores of Erythrae, in Turkey. A large part of the area, the whole of Leukonia beach, was created from silt. The natural flow of the water from the mountains towards the sea has provided Kambos (and still does) with precious solid elements, soil, and water. Despite the proximity, Kambos and the sea have more of a contradictory relationship. Above ground, the sea with its winds and saltiness threatens the fragile citrus trees and therefore high walls have been built, and natural fences of reed and pomegranate trees have been planted, to cope with the problem. Under the ground, the saltwater threatens the invaluable wells of the fields, in a poetic battle between the beneficial rainwater and the destructive sea water.
Of course, this did not prevent the inhabitants of Kambos to enjoy summer baths in the sea, especially children and visitors from the diaspora; this is documented in pictures and in narrations of the inhabitants and the owners.
Besides, the sea was the main factor of wealth for Kambos since it allowed for the maritime trade of citrus fruits. Furthermore, even today, wealthy shipowners own the most productive orchards and the most beautiful mansions in Kambos.
Today, the coastal area of Kambos is dedicated entirely to activities and constructions that support the city and the island in general, and Kambos does not even touch it.
Kambos and the mountain
It is the mountains that give life to Kambos.The mountain Korakaris, which provides water to the plain, looms in the north. On the east, the hills of Aghios Konstantinos and Aghios Minas, create a natural mound, protecting from the sea winds. From southeast to the west, Kambos is circled by the Kambohora villages, the Anemonas hill, and profitis Elias. Despite the fact that the heights around Kambos do not exceed 650 metres, they create the necessary climate, with abundance of water and fertile ground.
The hill of Aghios Konstantinos constitutes a double blessing, because it provides the precious stone that was used mainly for building and decorating not only Kambos but also the town of Chios. It has distinct colourings, is of excellent quality and is easy to process.
