Chios

Chios, the amazing and tranquil island of Aegean Sea, an unspoiled quiet place with a wealth of things to see.

Chios is there to be explored and discovered.  This spectacular island is found between Lesvos and Samos offering a heavenly escape for relaxing holidays.

Getting there

By air

Chios Island is directly connected by air with the airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos as well as the airports of Thessaloniki, Limnos, Lesvos, Samos, and Rhodes. The airport of Chios is situated near the town and port and the flight lasts approximately 45 minutes from Athens.

By boat

The port of Chios, situated in Chios Chora, is connected by ferry with the ports of Piraeus (Athens), Oinousses, Corfu, Kavala, Lesvos, Limnos, Psara, Rhodes, Samos, Thessaloniki and Tsesme in Turkey.

Beaches

Beaches in Chios have lovely surroundings and clean water. Mavra Volia and Karfas are the most famous Chios beaches, organized with tourist facilities. Driving around the island, visitors will come up with many secluded and unorganized Chios beaches, perfect for total relaxation and privacy.

Mavra Volia

Its name comes from the black pebbles and sand that were debouched there from the volcano that is now extinct. Thanks to this unique feature, Mavros Volia Emporios, has gained good reputation. It has an incomparable natural beauty with blue crystalline waters that are quite chilly, even in the middle of the summer. It is surrounded by rocky hills with low vegetation and greenery. The area distinguishes for the natural landscape and the relaxing surrounding. There are no tourist facilities like umbrellas and sundecks, but it remains a cosmopolitan beach visited by many tourists every year and a great sight in Chios.

Karfas beach

It is the largest tourist resort of the island and every summer it receives many visitors. The beach has fine sand and clean waters and offers all the needed tourist facilities such as sun beds, umbrellas and water sports equipment for rent. Large hotel units, inns and rented rooms are surrounding the beach as well as bars, cafes, night clubs and restaurants.

Vrondados beach

This rather small and partly organized beach is situated 4 km north of Chios Town. There is a small number of tourist facilities such as umbrellas and canteen for your refreshments and cold water as well as delicious snacks. Due to the short distance, the beach is easily reachable.

Agia Fotini beach

It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Chios lying in a bay with a pebbled shore and crystal clear waters. Due to the development of the area there are tourist facilities, taverns  and all types of accommodation. Also you can have access to the city center easily.

Museums

For a comprehensive view in the rich history of Chios you can start from the Byzantine Museum housed in 19th century mosque in the heart of the town. Its extensive collection covers a long period from the Christian times to the 17th century with sculptures and marble tombs from the Jewish cemetery.

 Equally interesting is the Maritime Museum which illustrates the long nautical history of the island through many forms of art like paintings and photos as well as ship models and tools. In the traditional village of Pyrgi there is a Folklore Museum that depicts the agricultural life in Chios through various items and photo archive.

Those who visit the Monastery of Nea Moni will be surprised to see the small Ecclesiastical Museum which hosts an interesting collection of icons and embroideries made by the nuns.

Sightseeing

Medieval Castle

Its construction started in the 10th century by the Byzantines and went through some reconstructions by the Venetians in the 16th century. Today it is an impressive and strong building that reminds the historical importance of Chios.

Windmills

The picturesque Windmills are situated near Chios town and are a photographic landmark of the island.

Kampos is an Eden made by human hands 4 km from the town of Chios. Filled with citrus orchards this fragrant valley is one of the most fertile areas on the island. The enchanting mansions and narrow winding paths that are set within Kampos, the well, colourful gardens and cisterns are engulfed by pinkish towering walls made by local Thymiana stones.

Accommodation

Most hotels in Chios  are concentrated in beaches close to the Town. Karfas, Vrondados, Agia Ermioni and Agia Fotini are some of the most popular seaside resorts on the island that offer good accommodation options and tourist facilities. Hotels and apartments in Chios keep a traditional profile with simple facilities. Some hotels are more luxurious and offer pools and spa therapies. In addition some of the best hotels in Chios and best places to stay are set in the most enviable locations, overlooking the emerald waters of the Aegean sea and Asia Minor at a distance.

Local products

Chios is worldwide famous for the mastic product but also for its wild tulips. The mastic trees are situated on the southern part of the island. The most famous drink of Chios is called soumada and is made from the sycamore trees (figs) and almonds. It is a very strong drink.

Local spoon sweets are a tradition in Chios, made with mastic, eggplant, pistachio, cherry, almonds and rose. Chios also produces rose-water and flower water.

Religious feasts

July 22nd

On July 22nd is the celebration of Agia Markella, the protector of the island. This feast lasts for 3 days and there are many people who go on foot from Chios Town to the Monastery of Agia Markella, on the north western side of the island.

August 15^th

 The largest celebration on August 15th takes place in Pyrgi, in the church of Virgin Mary. In the evening, the locals gather at the village square and dance pirgoutsikos traditional dancing.