This time of the year the countryside of Chios island is full of wonderful aromatic herbs with incomparable aroma: fresh oregano, aromatic thyme, rosemary, lemon verbena, sage, fragrant lavender and hypericum with its healing properties. The dry and mild Mediterranean climate, combined with the Aegean Sea breeze, is extremely favorable for these plant species, allowing them to grow especially rich in aromas and essential oils. Chios island presents a great variety in endemic species of aromatic plants and herbs encountered in the Aegean Sea, but also in the opposite Asia Minor coast.

Wine is a famous and remarkable Chios product since the ancient times. According to the Chian historian Theopompos, Oenopion, the son of God Dionysus, taught the people of Chios how to plant and cultivate vineyards and how to produce wine. The high quality wine produced here in the ancient times was known as “Ariousios Oenos”. The ships would transport and trade it in amphorae all over the known world. It was also famous during the roman and byzantine times.

Chios island, lying at the crossroads of East and West, with the islets Oinousses and Psara, is a trademark of authentic holiday destination.

1. Α well preserved natural environment and a landscape with dramatic changes
2. Αn extensive network of medieval villages, castles and watchtowers
3. Α high quality of life based on the local culture (combination of the culture of mastiha, the maritime tradition and the locals’ cosmopolitan attitude)
4. Remote secluded beaches with turquoise and green waters
5. Hiking trails in mountainous, forest and agricultural areas
6. Unique local products and excellent local cuisine
7. Hospitable people
8. A vibrant nightlife

From the ancient times the belief that Chios mastiha had cosmetic properties made many people use it widely in this field. Today clinical studies have shown the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties of mastiha. Mastiha is used in many cosmetics as it improves the appearance of the skin and hydrates it in depth, and it is famous for having a particularly positive effect on acne-prone skin types.

Chios Castle, full of picturesque neighborhoods and narrow streets, is one of the must-visit places in Chios town. Inside the Castle, at the Northwest side of the walls, there is the Ottoman Bath Complex, the so-called Hammam. After the restoration which was successfully completed in the summer of 2012, it is one of the most well-preserved and impressive attractions of Chios.