Pityos’ Identity

Site

The village is nestled in a narrow valley, nestled between two imposing mountain masses.

To the west lies Mount Oros, the second-highest peak (1,126 metres) on Chios, following the neighbouring Pelineon (1,297 metres in height). Although separate, they form a compact mountainous mass, one of the most significant and tallest in the Aegean islands.

To the east of the village is the edge of the vast Aipos plateau, stretching up to 10 kilometres in depth. Starting above Vrontados and ending in the valley of Pityos, it is a karstic plateau with limestone rocks sculpted by the erosive action of water, creating numerous small and large caves and sinkholes. It is dry and arid, with scrubland vegetation and minimal signs of artificial afforestation.

Flora and Fauna

The valley where the village is situated is filled with olive groves, while fig trees, pear trees, walnut trees, almond trees, vineyards, and small vegetable gardens are also present. Towards the higher elevations to the southwest of the village, there are pine forests, but one can find oak trees, wild olive trees, terebinths, carob trees, laurels, and more throughout the area.

Domesticated animals are now limited to a few chicken coops, rabbits, and small pigsties near the settlement. There is also a small population of working animals, such as donkeys, mules, and horses. It is common for villagers to keep a few goats or sheep for domestic use. A small dairy unit with cows is located at the northern exit of the village towards Kardamyla. However, the village’s hallmark is its extensive shepherding tradition and the population of goats, which will be discussed later.

The local wildlife is equally interesting, with encounters possible with foxes, hares, hedgehogs, wild boars, frogs, and reptiles such as lizards, Balkan whip snakes, Eastern Montpellier snakes and vipers. The latter, of the local species of the Ottoman viper, is the only animal in the area that poses a threat to humans, provided it feels threatened by them.

Birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, crows, owls, chaffinches, and numerous partridges, also inhabit the region. The Pityos valley is one of Chios’s most popular migration routes for birds, making it an important hunting ground for enthusiasts and an ideal spot for bird watching clubs and associations.