(editor’s note: Personal impressions of a Greek American who is visiting Chios every summer for forty years now)

There are a lot of extraordinary places that anyone can visit on the island of Chios.  There is one attraction that made quite an impression on us, and that is Olympoi cave.

(editor’s note: Personal impressions of a Greek American who is visiting Chios every summer for forty years now)

The island of Chios is one of the largest islands in Greece located in the north eastern part of the Aegean Sea. 

A few years ago, Chios was an undiscovered island in the world of tourism.  Lately it’s becoming quite known to European tourists and many Greek Americans who visit the island during the summer months, especially in August.  As with any other Greek American, my husband and I visit Chios every summer for the past 40 years. 

Amani, the northwest part of Chios island, is evidence of the dramatic changes in landscape and nature, as well as of the variety of activities that visitors can experience on Chios island. After climbing Aipos mountain and driving across the lunar landscape of Aipos plateau, devoid of greenery and full of white wild rocks, we move on to the mountain range of Amani, which dominates northwest Chios. 

At 18 km distance from the city of Chios, lies the village of Nenita, one of the largest and most vibrant mastiha villages. Close to the village are the two small ports Gridia and Vokaria, favorite destinations of the Chiots, every time they want to enjoy an ouzo by the sea.

February is coming and there is no better idea than an excursion to Central Chios to make a winter Sunday exciting!

Starting from the town of Chios, take your coffee and maybe some “loukoumades” in a box and enjoy the ride through pine trees to the "Aegean Mistras". This is Anavatos, the village with two-storey stone houses that look like hanging over the cliff. Take your coffee with you and climb to the highest point of the village, through the stone paved path and the old abandoned houses. When you make it to the top, the winter landscape and the view will take your breath away!

Then head to the picturesque village of Avgonima, situated just 6 km away, uniquely built on a rocky hill among the pine forests. The stone, cube-shaped houses, the narrow streets and the stone-paved alleys are perfect for both adults and children, since they create a perfect setting for romantic walks and endless games at the same time. The village is one of the classic gastronomic destinations for the Chians, who visit it often for the good food served at the local traditional taverns. Follow the smell and stop at a tavern to eat hand-made pasta with rooster, goat, vegan “keftedes”, fresh cheese (mizithra) and the mushrooms called “amanites” accompanied by Chian wine, ouzo or souma!

Can you think of a better way to spend a winter Sunday or even an entire weekend next to the fireplace?

Book now a short stay in one of the traditional hotels of the village.