One of the main shrines of Chios is undoubtedly the monastery of Agia markella. It is located in a small picturesque Bay about 8 km from Volissos and 45-47 km from the island's capital.

According to the legend Saint markella of the patron Saint of Chios) was born and lived in the village of Volissos in the mid-14th century. Her mother was a Christian, while his father was a Gentile. Despite the fact that the mother Marcella died when the girl was still small enough, laid in early childhood, a strong Christian foundations Markell strictly complied with throughout my life. When the girl was 18 years old, his father began to show to his daughter's sinful desires. Frightened by the harassment of his father, Markell ran away from home to the mountains and hid in the dense prickly thickets. Father discovered her hiding place and set fire to the bushes in the hope to lure the fugitive. Markel rushed to the sea, but his father shot an arrow and wounded a girl. Realizing that her not far to go, Markell began to pray to the Lord for help. God heard her prayers, and the rock opened up, engulfing her body. On the surface only the head. Distraught father beheaded his daughter and threw the head into the sea. It is believed that under this rock and to this day the relics of Saint Markella. From the same cleft in the rock today has warm springs, whose waters are considered curative.

In the year 1500, in honor of the Holy virgin-Martyr Markella here was built the monastery, which today is open to all comers. In the monastery there are special cells to stop for the night. Every year on July 22, the day of the Holy Marcelly thousands of pilgrims from different corners of the world come here to honour the memory of the Saint. In this day, throughout the service life of the Holy source swirls pairs.

In front of the monastery there is a great sand and shingle beach. Usually not crowded here, as the beach is not organized, and its crystal-clear waters are characterized by excessive prohladnosti and depth. However, this is a great place for lovers of peace and solitude. At the very end of the beach about a 20-minute walk from the monastery, and is the place where he took his martyrdom of Saint markella. Next to the sacred source of a small chapel built.