What to do and see in Chios

Introduction

One of the first things that will capture your attention upon arriving in Chios is its impressive medieval architecture. The island’s main town, also called Chios, is home to a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with stone mansions and Byzantine churches. Discover the secrets of the past as you wander through its historic neighbourhoods, taking in the enchanting atmosphere of this living museum.

Chios is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of mastic production. Explore the picturesque Mastic villages he medieval villages scattered across the southern part of the island, where mastic trees grow abundantly. Learn about this unique resin and its significance to the island’s economy and traditional way of life. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Mastic Museum to delve deeper into the fascinating world of mastic cultivation.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the diverse landscapes of Chios. Explore the island’s stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply unwinding. Some of the most popular beaches include Karfas, Agia Fotini, and Mavra Volia, known for its black pebbles and dramatic cliffs. For those seeking adventure, embark on a hiking trip through the lush greenery of the northern part of the island, where hidden trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and untouched natural wonders.

The island of Chios also boasts a rich culinary heritage that is sure to delight food enthusiasts. Indulge in local specialties such as souma, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from figs, or sample the famous Chian cuisine, which includes mouthwatering dishes like mastelo (oven-baked lamb) and bourekia (pastries filled with cheese or herbs). Don’t forget to visit the colorful markets and grocery stores to taste the island’s fresh produce, olive oil, and aromatic spices.

For history buffs, Chios offers a wealth of archaeological sites and cultural landmarks. Explore the imposing medieval fortress of Chios, where you can take in panoramic views of the town and the sea from its ancient walls. Visit the Kambos area, famous for its neoclassical mansions and citrus orchards which reflect the island’s prosperous past as a major trading center.

When it comes to filling your days on Chios you’ll find there’s a wealth of fascinating day trips and excursions to choose from. The island has some of the most enchanting medieval villages in Greece, important Byzantine monuments, several interesting museums and many disturbing reminders of the islanders’ disastrous 19th century rebellion against the Ottoman occupiers.

Castle of Chios

On the northern side of the port, with a total area of 180,000 square meters, the Castle of Chios, also known as the “fortress”, seems to have been first inhabited during the Hellenistic period. It was built in the 10th century by the Byzantines and then expanded by the Genoese and the Turks. It was the center of the political and military administration of Chios, it housed within its walls Genoese, Turks and Asia Minor refugees.

Today it counts about six hundred permanent residents. The main gate is called Porta Maggiore, there, a covered corridor leads to the building of the “Dark Prison” and the “Palace of Justiniani” which today functions as a museum, the exhibits of which include Byzantine frescoes and sculptures, as well as post-Byzantine icons, small crafts and sculptures from the Genoese era.

Then the road leads to the central square of the castle where the old Ottoman cemetery is located. In the castle there are also two mosques, one of which has been converted into a church of Agios Georgios, in the courtyard of which there is still a fountain. Other attractions you will encounter there are a semi-underground medieval reservoir known as the “cold fountain”, the Turkish baths, and the Kula tower which is considered the center of a series of stone towers, the “vigles”.

Discover Pyrgi and Mesta

As diverse as the nature of Chios is, so is its architecture. The village of Pyrgi is the so-called “painted village” and one of the largest mastic villages.

In its narrow streets you will admire and photograph houses whose facades are characterized by black and white engraved designs.
One of the most beautiful villages of the island, Mesta, is medieval, classified as a preserved monument.

Built like a castle, its elaborate architecture stems from the Byzantine period, its houses are small and stone, built next to each other, and form a strong protective wall on the outer perimeter of the settlement.

Of all the Mastic villages, the most famous are Pyrgi and Mesta. The first is also known as the “painted village” and stands out for the exterior decoration of the houses with special geometric shapes.

The second is the well-preserved Mastichohori and one of the most beautiful medieval castle villages on the island.

Its special architecture stems from the Byzantine period and it is really worth walking around and getting lost in its labyrinthine streets.

Walks and hikes

For those who prefer to get to know a place by walking its organized paths, they can get in touch with the natural landscape of Northern Chios starting from the settlements of Volissos and Kardamylos.

But apart from the morning walkers, there are many who visit the capital village of northwestern Chios just before the sun sets. Built amphitheatrically on the hillside, Volissos is a destination for those who collect snapshots of the best sunsets – the nearby beach of Agia Markella is famous for this.

Eat fresh fish in Lagada

Because in the summer the sea and good fish, you can’t help but take a walk from Lagada, a picturesque fishing village, northwest of the city of Chios.

Amphitheatrically built on a hill, which gives it its name, it is particularly rich in olives, eucalyptus, fruit trees and water.

The beach is full of restaurants and taverns, which fill up at lunchtime. There you will also find the restaurant “O Passas”, one of the best on the island, which is famous for its fresh seafood.

If the road leads you there, look for him and Giorgos Passas, who has taken over its management. It is a given that he will make sure that nothing is missing from your table.

Have dinner in Volissos

The evenings in Volissos, the largest village in north-western Chios, are different.

The specific village is built amphitheatrically on the slope of the hill, while a Byzantine castle survives on its top.

As the sun goes down, the setting is perfect for photos. After it is “lost”, it is time for food.

Perhaps the best place to dine there is “Fabrica”, the best known traditional tavern of Northern Chios.

Try the local delicacies

What ultimately remains from every trip are its images and tastes. Masouraki and souma, two of the most traditional local products of the island and certainly less well known than the famous mastic.

Marouraki is a traditional sweet of Chios, which is made with phyllo crust and almond chips, while souma is a fig spirit, which is made exclusively on the island.

Before you leave you can also buy some mastic treats to eat when you get home. So that you don’t miss the mastic from your trip to Chios.

Take a dip in Mavra Volia

It is impossible to write a guide with things about Chios and leave out its best and most famous beach.

The reason for “Mavra Volia”, a small cove that impresses every visitor with its black volcanic pebbles, as well as its deep dark, but crystal clear waters.

This beach is located approximately 30 kilometers south of the island town and 5 kilometers south of Emporio and you can combine your stay there with wandering around the south side of Chios.

Explore the Mastic villages of South Chios

The truth is that South Chios is fascinating and different from any image you have in your mind. There are the famous Mastichohoria, which preserve their medieval architecture.

Their centuries-long history begins around the middle of the 14th century, when the Genoese conquerors built these villages to house the lords who would control the production of mastic.

Today, 24 Mastichohoria are preserved, with most of them preserving intact the characteristics of a medieval fortified settlement.

Enjoy the view from Agios Georgios Sikousi

Most people may not even know of its existence before arriving in Chios. And it makes perfect sense. It is a small beautiful medieval village, which is “hanging” on the central mountain range of the island with a magnificent view towards Kampos, the vastness of the Aegean and the coasts of Asia Minor.

The photos from this place are stunning. Do not miss the opportunity to walk through the traditional settlement, until you reach the church of Agios Georgios.

The original core of this church was founded as a Catholic monastery in the Middle Byzantine era, probably in the 12th century. Although it was destroyed during the Massacre of Chios in 1822, it was repaired with the help of all the inhabitants of the village and today it is an important monument of the island.

Admire the mansions in Kampos

The Kampos of Chios, a short distance from the city, is a must for every visitor, as it offers countless options for wandering through the narrow streets, among the citrus groves and the mansions.

Here you will take your afternoon walk, admire the well-preserved buildings and end up at the Citrus multipurpose hall.
It is a visitable orchard, which includes a small museum dedicated to Campo and its citrus fruits.

At the same time, it also has a small café in its courtyard, where you can try spoon sweets made there. Immediately afterwards, if you are hungry, a good choice for your dinner is the old mansion “Riziko”.