Chios Travel Guide / The island of mastic gum combines all the landscapes that can be found in Greece:

The north is harsh and rocky, while the south is captivating with green valleys, pine forests and citrus groves.

Almost deserted pebble and sandy bays lie along the coast. If you want to spend your vacation away from the big crowds of tourists, you will find ideal conditions for a dream vacation on Chios. But fans of active holidays also get their money’s worth on the Mediterranean island.

Chios: Overview

Chios is a very mountainous island and is located in the eastern part of the Aegean, just a few kilometers off the Turkish coast. That’s why you can combine a holiday on Chios with day trips to Çeşme in Turkey or Ephesus, which is a little further away. Although Chios is the fifth largest island in Greece after Crete, Euboea, Lesbos and Rhodes, it is still relatively unknown to many travel enthusiasts compared to the aforementioned islands. However, it has been known to mankind for much longer: the traces of settlement go back 5,000 years. Chios was under Persian, Byzantine, Venetian, Genoese and Ottoman rule.

Chios story

The history of the Greek island in the Aegean is a moving sequence of despotic rulers, resulting in constantly changing cultures, natural disasters, the massacre of Chios, but also times of great wealth and constant economic growth. One could almost think that their history would have left geographical traces on the Mediterranean island. Rocky and rough on the one hand, overgrown and thriving on the other.

The region has enjoyed great prosperity since the Middle Ages. Italian merchants in particular made a claim to the island. From 1272 Chios was under the government of Venice, from 1346 Genoa took over the rule. In 1566 the Ottomans finally ruled. During the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) there were numerous uprisings against the Turks.

Sightseeing features

Photogenic windmills, wildly romantic medieval streets and museums that offer a detailed insight into the island’s history: A colorful mix of architecture, natural phenomena and UNESCO World Heritage Sites awaits you on Chios.

Mastic villages / Chios Travel Guide

Mastic is a rare and very popular resin obtained from the so-called mastic tree. The entire southern region of Chios island has the name Mastichoria. There are numerous ancient settlements built in the style of the Italian architecture that was prevalent at the time and included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The buildings were erected in such a way that the outer walls formed a defensive wall with loopholes.

Of all the mastic villages, the best preserved are those that were not significantly damaged by the 1881 earthquake. These are the villages: Pyrgi, Mesta, Olimpi as well as Vessa, Kalamoti and Elata. Mastic is still extracted today, all summer long. The process is relatively complex: the ground around the tree is cleaned and then the tree is scratched about three millimeters deep with a special needle so that the mastic can slowly run out. After fifteen days, when it has solidified, it is collected. In Europe, Chios produces the most mastic. If you want to take home a souvenir from the island, buy a product in which the resin has been processed. A classic is chewing gum, but mastic can also be found in toothpaste, baked goods, lemonade and spirits.

Monastery of Nea Moni

Located in a green valley in the center of the island, the Byzantine monastery of Nea Moni awaits visitors. It is known for the beautiful mosaics in the church of the complex. These depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The church’s dome and bell tower collapsed in an earthquake in 1881, but were rebuilt 19 years later. The mosaics were restored in the 1960s.

Today nuns live in the monastery and in the northwest of the complex there is a small museum where visitors interested in culture can find out about the eventful history of the complex.

Olimpis Cave / Chios Travel Guide

Not far from the mastic village of Olimpi is the stalactite cave of the same name, which was discovered by archaeologists in 1985. Visitors reach the entrance of the cave via a large hall. With a size of only 30 x 30 meters, the Olimpis Cave is quite small, but absolutely worth seeing thanks to the fascinating stalactite cascades and is an absolute must-see on Chios. A hole in the cave ceiling creates extraordinary light effects and takes you to a magical place where you can let your imagination run wild.

Ghost village of Anavatos

Are you fans of lost places and ghost towns? Then this sight is an absolute must for you! Spooky, mysterious and intriguing, the medieval-Byzantine village of Anavatos draws you in immediately. Wandering through the ruins of the settlement, you’ll come across the remains of an old school and several churches. After numerous military conflicts in the area, the reconstruction of the village was not under a good star, because in 1881 the old walls fell victim to an earthquake. Except for a café at the entrance to the village, the village, which is 19 kilometers from Chios town, is completely deserted.

Museums in Chios

With an impressive total area of ​​2,500 square meters, the Archaeological Museum of Chios Town is definitely a must for anyone interested in culture and history. But laypeople will also be entertained by the exhibition on the third floor of the building, which was completely renovated in 1999. Here you can marvel at artifacts such as vases, gold jewellery, terracotta figurines and grave goods.

Just a short walk away, the Byzantine Museum awaits you near the central square (Vounaki Square). Sculptures from the early Christian and Byzantine periods, art from the Genoese period and also collections of Islamic art are exhibited here.

The painted Pyrgi

Because of the lovingly decorated exterior facades of its houses, Pyrgi is also called “The Painted Village”. The Greeks call these unusual motifs “Xistà”. Scientists assume that the medieval settlement was established before the 10th century. At that time, the residents settled here to protect themselves from pirate attacks.

Even today, Pyrgi is authentic and, above all, traditional. The idyllic village square Platia Livadi invites you to linger and stroll past numerous old Byzantine churches on a dreamy walk through the narrow streets of the village. The construction of the church of Kato Panagia in the main square was provided with the “scratch patterns” typical of Pyrgi.

The best beaches in Chios

After this extensive sightseeing, are you in the mood for a little rest and cooling off? Then we come to other highlights of the island of Chios: The beaches of the region are all suitable for their crystal clear water and optimal conditions for a relaxing bath in the sun. And once again the advantage of a tourist insider tip is evident, because none of the coastal sections are overcrowded. Chios is a truly (still) unknown pearl in the Aegean.

Glaroi Beach

Glaroi beach, also known as Moni Mirsinidiou, is one of the best bathing spots in Chios. Mirror-smooth water and impressive landscapes await you. The stretch of coast is only seven kilometers from Chios town and can also be easily reached by bus if required. Numerous sun loungers and a beach bar at the back of the beach ensure carefree comfort.

Mavra Volia / Chios Travel Guide

This dream beach owes its black pebbles to a volcanic eruption from ancient times. Mixed with the azure blue of the sea and the many colorful flowers that can be found at the edge of the beach, the result is a unique color composition. Parasols are absent from this desolate corner of paradise. So remember to apply lotion before your visit or to have a parasol with you in your luggage. Snacks and drinks are available in a bistro within walking distance from the beach. On Chios, there is a kind of unwritten law for the Mavra Volia that all locals and tourists alike adhere to: the fascinating volcanic pebbles definitely do not disappear in the beach bag as a souvenir. This is the only way for all visitors to be sure that this idyll will still exist in a few years.

Ayia Dinami / Best beaches in Chios

This beach is mostly sandy except for a few scattered pebbles. An ideal place for a long walk along the water. There is a small chapel nearby, after which the beach is named. You will look in vain for amenities such as public toilets, restaurants and sun lounger rental. A quiet natural idyll awaits you in which time seems to stand still.

Metochi Beach

Located in the northwest of the island and only two kilometers south of the village of Sidirounta, this beach is an absolute insider tip on Chios. Here you can enjoy the original Greece. The stretch of coast itself offers a lot of peace and seclusion. After a short walk into the interior of the island, however, you will find plenty of taverns and restaurants. The water promises a refreshing cool down and is extraordinarily clear. An ideal beach for snorkeling.

Activities in Chios

The cultural highlights of Chios have been visited and after a few relaxing hours on the beach you already have bumblebees up your butt and want to move on to the active part of your holiday, then we have a few tips for spending your free time on Greece’s fifth largest island.

Hike

If you want to experience the intoxicating scents and the medieval villages that have preserved their unique atmosphere, you should also go hiking on Chios. There are numerous paths of varying difficulty to choose from, from easy walks to challenging climbing tours. The wild limestone massif of the Pelineon Mountains with its villages, where time seems to have stood still, is worth exploring on foot.

Zakynthos Turu

The Giosonas hiking trail leads through the gorge of the same name and, with a total of twelve kilometers, is not necessarily something for beginners. Dogs are allowed and can sometimes even walk without a leash. The route is particularly popular with adventurers as it combines hiking with canyoning. While the ascent is still relatively easy, the adrenaline production kicks into high gear on the descent, some of which can be mastered by abseiling. The Lithi hiking trail is much more leisurely. The route is only four kilometers long and can also be managed as a hike with children. The path was particularly popular with the inhabitants of Chios during the Turkish occupation. Today there is no longer any reason to wander on secret paths, but the view of the small hamlet of Lithi, the coastal area and the secluded bay surrounded by unspoilt nature reward the idyllic detour around the main roads.

Day trips to Turkey from Chios

With the ferry you can get to the Turkish mainland easily and quickly. The crossing takes only half an hour and offers a beautiful view of the entire region from the sea. There is not much to consider for German citizens when entering Turkey. You don’t need a visa for a short stay and a passport or identity card is sufficient for border control.

The ferry takes you to Çeşme, a jewel on the coast known for its beautiful marina, imposing castle and numerous water sports such as surfing and parasailing. The Mediterranean port city of Alaçatı awaits you in the immediate vicinity. In addition to lots of dream beaches, there is also a famous thermal spring, the Pazaryeri Camii Mosque and a colorful weekly market to visit.

Dive / Chios Travel Guide

We have already raved about the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. On Chios it is a good idea to dive down. Because there is a lot to see under the sea surface. With an introductory course, beginners don’t even have to dive particularly deep to encounter fascinating fish and beautiful corals. Experienced divers recommend the so-called “Great Wall”. There are lots of colorful coral reefs and a shipwreck to discover here.

Travel Info

Are you now in the mood for a holiday in Greece? Finally, as always, we will give you a few helpful travel tips that could be very helpful to you in advance when planning and booking.

Best time to visit Chios

In the period from April to mid-October, Chios can be endured well, then it is mostly dry. Then the rainy months begin, although November is still moderate. Daytime temperatures between 11 and 17 degrees allow for city tours and hikes without any problems. Between April and September you go to Chios for swimming, when the temperature of the Aegean Sea is over 20 degrees. The high point is reached in July and August with 25 to 26 degrees, but then it is quite hot with air temperatures of over 30 degrees. If you don’t mind a Mediterranean Sea that is just under 20 degrees, you are still in good hands for a beach holiday in October.

Locomotion & communication on site

Public transport is the cheapest means of transport and at the same time a fun way to explore the region. Local buses take visitors to the most popular hotspots on the island. The central bus station is in Chios town. Taxis and transfer buses for larger groups offer independence from timetables, but also cost significantly more and often have to be booked in advance.

Due to the proximity to the Turkish mainland and the turbulent past of the island, there are some residents who still speak Turkish. However, the national language is Greek. We advise you to learn a few polite phrases in advance, as Chios is not yet so well developed in terms of tourism that everyone here speaks English or even German. And always remember: A friendly smile opens doors all over the world.

Food & Specialties

Chios residents traditionally use mastic as incense, medicine or chewing gum. For some time, however, resin has also found its way into the kitchen. Here it is mainly used to refine desserts. Another special feature of the island are tomato plants, which can survive almost without water. Their small fruits are hung out in the fresh air to dry. This keeps the inside juicy for a particularly long time.

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