Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Markella

On Chios’s northwest side, at Volissos, stands the monastery and place of martyrdom of Saint Markella, the island’s patron. The large beach beside the monastery consists of sand and fine pebbles and is known for its cold waters. At the end of the beach a path leads to the place of the saint’s martyrdom. The beach’s stones bear a reddish hue symbolizing her blood. At that spot, warm water bubbles up from the seabed. 22 July, her feast day, is a public holiday for the island, and thousands from all over Chios, neighboring islands, and the rest of Greece flock there. Many cover the distance from Chios town on foot (50 km) to fulfill a vow.