Chios
Greece · North Aegean · 10 m
Description
Chios (Χίος) is a historic Greek island in the eastern Aegean, renowned for its unique mastic culture. The island combines medieval villages, Byzantine heritage and a diverse coastal landscape. Highlights include Pyrgi with its distinctive geometric Xysta facades, the fortified village of Mesta, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nea Moni and the dramatic hilltop settlement of Anavatos. In the south, mastic groves and historic villages shape the landscape, while Kampos is known for its citrus gardens and Mavra Volia for its dark volcanic pebbles. Chios Town combines a busy harbor, medieval castle and historic quarter with the everyday life of an island shaped by seafaring, agriculture and trade.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – June or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Chios Town & Byzantine castle
- Pyrgi mastic village & xysta facades
- Mesta medieval fortified village
- Nea Moni Monastery (UNESCO)
- Mastic cultivation & mastiha tasting
- Karfas Beach
- Mavra Volia black pebble beach
- Anavatos deserted tower village
- Kampos citrus estates
- Chios Mastic Museum
- Emporios black beach
- Avgonyma stone village
- Olymbi village & Sykias Olympon cave
- Volissos village & castle
- Byzantine Museum of Chios
- Archaeological Museum of Chios
- Agia Markella pilgrimage church
- Daskalopetra, the Stone of Homer
- Chios hiking trails
Getting there
- Airports:
- JKH
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry