A trip to Chios is a trip of discovery. Wander around the picturesque countryside of Kampos and visit the medieval villages of the southern Mastiha tree region. Discover the wild beauty of north and west Chios.
The variety of remote and secluded beaches, the dramatic changes of the landscape in the north, and the well preserved architectural sites of Kampos and the Mastiha villages in the south render Chios a hidden treasure of the Aegean Sea, waiting to be discovered.
Once in Chios, you feel at home. The people of Chios always welcoming and polite will introduce you to their way of life. Proud of their homeland and determined to enjoy life no matter what, Chiots are known for their generous hospitality and relaxed way of life. Meet the locals at the village square and don’t miss the summer festivals, where you can enjoy traditional music, local dishes and spirits such as ouzo and souma.
Chios lies in the East Aegean, very close to the Asia Minor coast (only 3.5 nautical miles from the Erithrea peninsula in Cesme). It is the fifth largest Greek island with a coastline of 213 km and a population of about 52.000. Together with the islets of Oinousses and Psara, it forms the Regional Unit of Chios, part of the North Aegean Region.
Deep blue waters and a volcanic energy that carries you away. Swimming in Mavra Volia, the trademark beach of Chios island, is not just an unforgettable experience. It sets the bar really high for the beaches you will visit in the future.
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When visiting Chios you cannot miss a tour of the traditional Mastiha villages in the south. The medieval villages Pyrgi, Olympoi, Mesta with the special architectural features are part of a well preserved medieval defense network, that will transport you in times past.
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A must - see in Chios, Nea Moni is an 11th century Byzantine monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The important mosaics are exemplary of the Constantinople art of the time. You can enjoy the nature there and also start a tour of the medieval villages of central Chios, Anavatos and Avgonyma.
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A natural product that is produced only in Chios, and specifically in the south part of the island. Don’t miss a visit to the villages of Mastiha (Mastichochoria) in the south. Get to know the locals, learn about the cultivation of the mastiha producing shrub and the experience of the harvest. Choose an agritourism programme which will offer you the opportunity to experience the mastiha culture.
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Walking or cycling around Chios town allows the visitor to discover hidden corners and travel back in time. Aplotaria street (the town’s main commercial street), the waterfront or Chios Castle, are a few of the walks you can enjoy. Organise a night out in Chios town: dinner with local meze in taverns at the Castle, the port or the narrow alleys of the market street and signature cocktails at high end creative bars.
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Choosing among west coast beaches is a difficult task. At Makria Ammos, Metochi or Elinta you’ll find pine trees that reach the seaside, beaches with pebbles or sand and turquoise waters. A wild yet inviting landscape, the west coast of Chios has a lot of secrets to share with those who seek something different.
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Kampos is one of the most distinctive areas in Chios. It is a unique residential complex, where the natural environment is in total harmony with the local architecture, influenced by the Genoese rule in Chios. Narrow streets between high stonewalls that protect the citrus trees gardens and the impressive mansions will offer you the experience of a unique bike ride.
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You will stand in awe of the Olympoi Cave with the rich and impressive decorations, the colours and the vertical expansion. After your visit there, you can enjoy a cool dive at the crystal clear waters of Agia Dynami beach. Feel the legends come to life during your tour of the Agio Galas in the Amani area and enjoy your coffee under the thick shade of the plane trees.
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The medieval settlement of Volissos is the largest village of the Amani area, in the north west of Chios. Walk around the narrow alleys of the village or follow the Malagiotis river hiking trail. From Volissos you can start for the tour of Amani, in order to visit the mountain villages of north west Chios, with the strange names and the hospitable people.
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If you seek the ideal combination of relaxation and splendour, the small islands of Chios Regional Unit, Oinousses and Psara, are the places to be. Total relaxation, magnificent beaches and a heaven for fish food lovers, there is nowhere else you would rather be.
There are daily ferries from Chios Port to Oinousses and Psara.
Canoeing, kayak and SUP will allow you to experience the amazing Chios coastline and crystal clear waters from a whole new perspective. Families will have an amazing time with water sports activities at the popular beaches of Karfas, Agia Fotia, Komi and Apothika.
Both traditional and creative cuisine, with unexpected uses of local products, will amaze you. Take part in cooking lessons to learn more about local cuisine. The fans of mixology, will discover new cocktails with mastiha liqueur during a night out in town at the vibrant scene of local bars.
Apart from the eight signed paths organized by the Regional Unit of Chios, Chios’s landscape offers a large variety of natural and/or historic paths for the fans of hiking.
Either by yourself (if you have a skipper license) or by renting a sailing boat under a licensed skipper, you can sail around Chios, visiting beaches that cannot be reached by land, or you can sail to the neighbouring islets of Oinousses and Psara.
Cycling in Chios offers the visitor a different experience, spending time near the nature and discovering the diverse sites of the island. Cycle around Chios town, in Kampos and in the villages to discover their hidden beauty.
Chios offers lovely diving spots, since the crystal clear Aegean waters and the lovely summer light, combined with the underwater beauties of the island make it a wonderful diving destination.
Summer festivals include art exhibitions, concerts, and shows, both in town and in the villages. The open theatre “Mikis Theodorakis” hosts a variety of shows during the summer. Visit the open air cinema in Chios Municipality park to enjoy a movie on a cool summer evening. When in Chios, don’t miss the traditional festivals which are also part of the summer cultural calendar.
Airline connections
Chios Airport “Omiros” - Tel: +30 22710 81400
Ferry Connections
Chios Port Authority - Tel: +30 22710 44433
There are daily ferries connecting Chios island with Piraeus and Mytilene. There is also ferry connection between Lavrio port in Attica and Mesta Port in Chios. You can travel to Chios from Samos, Ikaria, Agios Efstratios, Limnos and Kavala, as well as from the islands of the regional unit of Chios, Oinousses and Psara.The ferry schedules change depending on the season. For up-to-date information, it is best to check the schedules directly with the ferry companies or your travel agent.
Apart from the aforementioned, if you wish to travel to Oinousses, you can also contact: Sunrise Tours - Website: sunrisetours.gr
From large tourist resorts to small family run hotels, from traditional renovated mansions in Kampos to the unique experience of the medieval villages, from simple rooms to more sophisticated hotels and appartments near seasides, Chios offers a wide range of accommodation, for different tastes and budgets.
Municipality of Chios, Tourist Information Office
Kanari 18
Zip Code: 82100, Chios
tourismos@chios.pvaigaiou.gov.gr
Phone: 0030 22713 50514
Web: www.chios.gr
