Welcome to Chios
Chios is a picturesque Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Turkey. It is the fifth-largest island in Greece, known for its stunning beaches, impressive mastic trees, medieval villages, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Chios can explore the beautiful island landscape, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the traditional Greek way of life. Chios has a history that dates back to ancient times, with remains of ancient settlements and ruins visible throughout the island. Over the centuries, Chios has been under the rule of many different cultures, including the Persians, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Greeks, each leaving a lasting impact on the island’s cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of Chios is the traditional villages, found dotted throughout the island’s countryside. These picturesque villages feature narrow streets, stone houses, and local architecture that have remained unchanged for centuries. Some of the most popular villages in Chios include Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympi, all of which are famous for their stunning medieval architecture.
Another highlight of Chios is the unique product of the island, which is the famous mastic. The mastic trees that grow on the island are used to produce a natural resin with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which is used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. The area where the mastic grows is also known as the Mastic Villages, and visitors can explore these villages and learn about the history and cultivation of the mastic. Chios also has beautiful beaches that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Some of the most popular beaches in Chios include Karfas, Mavra Volia, and Nagos, where visitors can relax, enjoy the turquoise waters, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
How to reach it
Chios is accessible by air and sea, with a range of transportation options available.
By Air:
Chios Island National Airport is located in the south-central part of the island, approximately 4 km from the capital Chios Town. The airport offers direct flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as seasonal flights to several European cities.
By Sea:
Chios is connected by ferry to the port of Piraeus in Athens, as well as other ports, including Thessaloniki, Mytilene, Samos, and Cesme (Turkey). The ferry journey from Piraeus to Chios takes around 9 hours, and there are several ferry companies that operate daily services.
If you are travelling from Athens, you can also reach Chios by taking a domestic flight to Mytilene or Samos, then taking a ferry to Chios.
Once you arrive in Chios, there are several options for getting around the island. Local buses connect most of the villages, and there are also taxis and rental cars available. It’s important to note that some of the villages in Chios are spread out and may require a car for easier access.
Where to stay
Chios has many wonderful accommodation options from hotels to guesthouses and villas. The most popular areas to stay in Chios are Chios town, Karfas beach, and Mesta village.
Chios town offers the most options with hotels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses. The town itself is charming with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and a lively port area.
Karfas beach is perfect for those who want a more relaxed holiday atmosphere. The beach is sandy and lined with tavernas and cafes. There are many hotels and apartments that offer beautiful views of the Aegean sea.
Mesta village is an ideal accommodation option if you want to get away from the crowds and explore the island’s medieval past. There are many historic mansions that have been turned into guesthouses throughout the village.
Other great places to stay include Langada and Kardamyla, both located on the northern part of the island. These areas offer a peaceful and remote seaside getaway with traditional tavernas and small hotels.
Highlights: what to see/what to do
Chios is a beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea that offers a variety of interesting and unique experiences to visitors. Some of the highlights of the island include:
1. Stunning beaches:
Chios is home to many beautiful beaches, such as Mavra Volia, Karfas, and Daskalopetra Beach. Each beach offers its own unique charm, and visitors can enjoy clear blue waters, soft sand, and stunning scenery.
2. Medieval villages:
Chios has several medieval villages that are well-preserved, including Mesta, Pyrgi, and Olympi. The narrow streets, stone houses, and beautiful architecture make these villages a must-visit destination.
3. Mastiha:
Chios is famous for its production of mastiha, a resin that is used in many products, including cosmetics and food. Visitors can learn about the history and production of mastiha at a museum in the village of Pyrgi.
4. Byzantine churches:
Chios has a rich religious history, and there are many impressive Byzantine churches on the island. One of the most notable is Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 11th century.
5. Local cuisine:
Chios is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as souma (a local liquor made from figs), mastic ice cream, and seafood.
6. Annual festivals:
Chios hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the famous Easter Rocket War, a unique tradition that involves firing homemade rockets at neighboring villages.
7. Outdoor activities:
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities on Chios, including hiking, cycling, and water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.
