Chios town is located on the eastern coast of the island, facing the coast of Turkry and the town of Cesme. The town has a population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants and is the main port of both the island and the prefecture of Chios. The town is often referred as «Chora» or «Κastro»  to distinguish it from the island itself.
Chios town is the administrative, economic, cultural and educational center of the island and its inhabitants are mainly engaged is seafaring, commercial and fishing activities. The town covers a wide area with semi-urban districts extending as far as Kambos in the south and Vrondados in the north.
Most of the hotels, restaurants, cafes, gift shops and travel agencies are located around the large harbor.
Entering the harbor, the visitor can see the Castle of Chios. On the one side of the central square, one can admire the wonderful marble mountain made of materials brought from Asia Minor.
After the earthquake of the year 1881, the town was rebuilt in neoclassical architectural style.