The 11 things to do in Chios

On a trip to Greece? Follow the guide to the island of mastic: we take you to Chios, the mysterious of the archipelago!

Located in the Aegean Sea, Chios is incomparable. This island is distinguished by a singular architecture directly related to its history. Indeed, Chios is close to Turkey. As a result, she was full of whip War of Independence between 1821 and 1829. Today, the island has more than 50,000 inhabitants.

In addition, on its 842 km2, Chios presents contrasting landscapes. You will cross steep mountains to the north, fertile land to the south and sumptuous beaches. Finally, Chios is one of the cities claiming the origin of Homera. Thus, during your discovery of the island, you will certainly find several sites evoking this mysterious character.

So you're wondering what to do in Chios? Find here the list of our 11 things to do on the island!

1. Chios Castle and Turkish baths

Visiting Chios is meeting the traces of a rich past. Chios Castle and its Turkish baths are a wonderful example. The first traces of this castle date back to the 14th century. The walls of this building form a enclosure with multiple bastions. Most of them are still standing. As for the Turkish baths, they date from the eighteenth century, a prosperous era for the island. The restored bathroom site is particularly impressive.

We advise you to visit the castle of Chios by starting with the main entrance. Finish your walk further north with Turkish baths.

2. Korais Library

If you're wondering what to do in Chios, we recommend the Korais library. This place dates from 1792, we owe it to Adamantios Korais . After the massacre in Chios, this Greek scholar restocked the library. This explains the origin of its current name.

In addition, this magnificent place contains the folklore museum Filippos Argenti. This man also appears in the registers as a benefactor of the library. Located on the upper floor, this museum contains the small treasures of the Argenti family.

3. Mastihohoria

The Mastihohoria represents all the villages producing mastic. Visiting Chios requires an overview of these hamlets in the south of the island. First, go to Pyrgi. It is the largest of the villages in the Mastihohoria. Grey and white, geometrical, animal or floral motifs dress the facades. This technique uses a mixture of lime, cement and volcanic sand. Once applied to the walls, the craftsmen draw the motifs. During your walk, go back to the church of Agios Apostolos. It is located on the main square.

After Pyrgi, if you know what to do in Chios, go to Mesta. This village offers a whole new setting. Thus, you will enter a fortified village built in the 14th century. There is no traffic in Mesta. Enjoy it to stroll through the alleys. Then you can take a hiking path for 3 kilometers. This route will take you to the village of Olymbi. This village is also a producer of mastic and has a typical architecture. South of Olymbi, you can visit the cave of Sykia Olymbi.

Finish the Mastihohoria tower by Emborios. This village was the port from which all the mastic production started. Taking the time to explore these villages allows you to visit Chios in its heart.

4. Mastic Museum

During your visit to the Mastihohoria discover the mastic museum. This elegant modern building opened in 2016. You will understand the process of operating the famous Lentisque sap.

In addition, the exterior of the museum allows to discover this plant in its natural environment. Mastic is very important for Chios since it was the basis of the local economy. Also, since 2014 this know-how has been part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

5. Chios Microbrasserie

What to do in Chios when you love beer? Going to a microbrewery! You will find the factory and the shop Chios Beer south of Chios. At this place you can make a microbrewery tour and a tasting.

Note that among the different beers, several contain mastic. This is a 100% local and successful beer that you will taste. An idea of original memory.

6. Vrontados and the Daskalopetra

Vrontados is a small coastal town of about 5,000 inhabitants. This village presents a charming small port and a rather dynamic life. From Vrontados beach, you reach Daskalopetra. The rock of the Daskalopetra is a legendary site.

Indeed, the story would like the Daskalopetra to be the stone chair of Hormer. Its elevated situation facing the sea seems ideal. Chios claims the origin of this famous character and this would bring additional proof.

7. Nea Moni

If you are looking for what to do in Chios, consider visiting Nea Moni. This monastery of the 11th century is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. He is one of the largest sites in the Byzantine era. Thanks to its size and wealth, this place of worship was very attractive.

As a result, many and talented artists went there. This is why this monastery presents magnificent mosaics and mural paintings.

During your visit to Nea Moni you will notice skulls placed behind a window. These are the monks killed during a fire. This tragic event was perpetrated by the Turks during the war of Independence.

8. Anavatos

Anavatos is located at the end of a busy road. This site is an abandoned village located at the top of a cliff in-pic. It is composed of stoneware house and staircase alleys.

The tragic end of this village dates back to 1822. The villagers jumped into the void so as not to fall into the hands of the Turks. Visiting Chios is also touching a funest story.

9. Lithi beach

In a beautiful day, visit Chios and discover its most beautiful beaches is rigour. So go to Lithi! In the village, quickly stop at the church of Saint Nicolas. From there you will have a wonderful view of the bay of Lithi.

Get down to the beach, settle down and swim peacefully. Lithi is a charming beach located between hill and small fishing boats. It is an ideal place for a day combining relaxation and idyllic frame. In addition, the surrounding taverns will welcome you with open arms.

10. A boat ride

Visiting Chios is also enjoying its coastline! Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat from Chios, they will allow you to discover the island otherwise, from its crystal clear waters.

It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Chios , and thus fail to discover the magnificent setting to get there! With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the most pleasant afternoons of your stay!

11. Cave of Agio Galas

North of Chios Island is the small village of Agio Galas. The first traces of human life go back to the middle of the Neolithic. The first inhabitants of this site used the cave as a place of refuge.

Then, at the end of the 12th century, a Byzantine church was built at the level of an entrance to the cave. Today you will find it still in condition. Inside, admire the remarkable work of wood decors.

At the opposite of the church entrance, a whitish liquid flows from a stalactite on a rock. According to legend, this water would have healing properties.

Then visit the cave of Agio Galas. This cave consists of three large spaces. A course of more than 200 meters long is set up in this cave.

How to go to Chios?

By plane

Know that the island has an airport. This one is in 4 kilometres north of Chios. If you would like to visit Chios from France, plan one port of call Athens. Several daily flights connect the Hellenic capital to this island of the Aegean Sea.

Direct flights exist from Chios to Lesbos, Thessaloniki, Mytilène and Samos. We advise you to check the frequencies of these flights. These may vary depending on the periods of the year. To compare prices and book flights we recommend using Ulysses .

From the airport, the taxi costs 8€ to reach downtown. Depending on your program, you can also rent a vehicle directly to the airport. However, we advise you to anticipate your reservation.

By ferry

To go visit Chios, you can also take the ferry . Links exist between Chios and Icaria, Inousses, Kavala, Le Pirée, Lesbos, Lemnos, Psara and Samos. Also, you can reach Laurion from the small port of Mesta. And from Volissos, you can reach Psara. If you leave out of season, learn about the frequencies of the boats.

Once on Chios, you can transport by bus on the island. A green bus network serves the main cities. Blue buses are municipal buses.

If you wish to take taxis In Chios, know the reds are for the city. And the grey taxis radiate over the rest of the island. Finally, if you want to visit Chios by your own means, rent a vehicle.

Where to stay in Chios?

When you know what to do in Chios, you'll look for accommodation. Then, different possibilities are available to you. In the northwest part of Chios, towards Agio Galas, the wild campsite is allowed. A disappointing and economic solution if you like contact with nature.

You want to visit both Chios and meet locals? Think about looking at room offers on Airbnb . Finally, know that the hotel offer on Chios is relatively provided. We advise you to use this Compare hotels to find the best offers.

Chios is a rather popular island, we recommend you book your accommodation quickly! You will benefit from a greater choice and competitive rates.