Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Eat & drink
    • Food culture
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Chios

    Greece

    Chios

    CityCulture

    Chios, just a few kilometers off the Turkish coast, is the only place in the world where mastic, mastic tree resin, is traditionally harvested.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Greece
    7. North Aegean Islands
    9. Chios
    Chios, just a few kilometers off the Turkish coast, is the only place in the world where mastic, mastic tree resin, is traditionally harvested. This trade resulted in fortified mastic villages, Genoese estates, and a Byzantine monastery with World Heritage status.As Greece's fifth-largest island, it still thrives on shipping, agriculture, and trade; large hotel complexes are rare. You come for the villages in the south, the mosaics of Nea Moni, and the pebble beaches on the south and west coasts.

    Sights in Chios

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Kastro and Hamam of Chios Town

    1Kastro and Hamam of Chios Town

    The Kastro above Chios Town harbor dates back to Byzantine foundations and was expanded under the Genoese and later the Ottomans. Within its walls, there is still a residential quarter today, with narrow streets, houses, and small squares, not a mere museum site.The Byzantine Museum is housed in the former Hamam and the adjacent Medresse, showcasing gravestones, icons, and Ottoman inscriptions. From the Hamam itself, the domed rooms with their light openings are preserved, through which steam was once illuminated.The entrance is located at the northern end of the harbor promenade. Simply walking through the quarter is free, but the museum requires a separate ticket with limited opening hours.
    Open in Google Maps
    Monastery Nea Moni

    2Monastery Nea Moni

    Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990, is the island's most important structure. Emperor Constantine IX Monomachus commissioned the monastery in the 11th century, sending mosaic artists from Constantinople. The gold-ground mosaics in the Katholikon depict, among others, the Crucifixion, the Deposition, and the Resurrection, and are considered a masterpiece of Middle Byzantine art.The earthquake of 1881 destroyed the dome and bell tower, with some of the mosaics being lost. In the ossuary next to the entrance lie the remains of victims from the 1822 massacre.The monastery is located about 15 kilometers west of Chios Town on a mountain saddle. The road is narrow and winding, and buses do not run regularly. Closed during lunch hours, and modest clothing is required for the church interior.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pyrgi

    3Pyrgi

    Pyrgi is one of the largest mastic villages and known for its so-called Xysta. For these facades, dark plaster is covered with white lime, and the pattern is then scratched out again, creating geometric black and white bands. Almost every house around the main square is designed this way.The village was laid out as a fortified settlement; the outer rows of houses formed the defensive wall, and it was further fortified under Genoese rule. Near the Platia stands the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, presumably from the 15th century and the oldest church in the village.In late summer and autumn, mastic crops and tomatoes dry on the facades. The car park is on the outskirts of the village; cars cannot pass through the alleys.
    Open in Google Maps
    Mesta

    4Mesta

    Mesta is considered the best-preserved of the medieval mastic villages. Its layout is a labyrinth within a pentagonal wall ring; the alleys are partly spanned by barrel vaults and were intended to mislead attackers during pirate raids. Outwardly, the village presents a solid wall of house walls. Under Genoese rule between 1346 and 1566, the fortifications were strengthened.In the center stands the large church of Megas Taxiarchis, alongside the older Taxiarchis church. Several houses are now holiday accommodations; the village is inhabited and not an open-air museum.Cars remain outside; the paths inside are paved and uneven. In the main square, there are taverns where Souma is also served.
    Open in Google Maps
    Anavatos

    5Anavatos

    Anavatos clings to a steep rocky ridge in the island's interior and is now almost entirely deserted. The stone houses are terraced one above the other, many without roofs, and the alleys lead like stairs to the summit, crowned by a ruined church.The village was destroyed in 1822 during the Chios Massacre; many inhabitants died by leaping from the cliffs. It was never properly re-inhabited thereafter, and only a few houses are currently occupied.The village lies on the route between Nea Moni and the west of the island, making it easily combinable with both. The ascent is steep and without railings, and there is no shade.
    Open in Google Maps
    Mavra Volia near Emporios

    6Mavra Volia near Emporios

    The beach Mavra Volia on the south coast is made up of black and dark grey pebbles, attributed to volcanic activity in the region. The water drops steeply and appears deep blue against the dark bottom.The bay is located below the fishing village of Emporios and comprises several successive sections, connected by a path along the slope. The further you go, the quieter it gets.Little shade is available; sunbeds and a canteen only at the first section. Water shoes are recommended due to the coarse pebbles. The Mastic Villages inland are about a 15-minute drive.
    Open in Google Maps

    Dining & Drinks

    1

    Τα Χειρίσια της Σμαράγδας

    Τα Χερίσια της Σμαράγδας on Sgouta Street in Chios Town is a workshop for handmade Chian pasta, also serving cooked daily specials at lunchtime. Daily, three to four Mageirefta are available, such as Imam, braised meat, Pastitsio, or bean stew. You can eat on-site or take away.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Snakaras

    The Snakaras in Chios Town is a burger joint with a snack bar vibe. Besides burgers, it offers fries and small snacks, with many items available for delivery or takeaway.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    ΑΙΜΙΛΙΟΣ

    The Aimilios on Eleftheriou Venizelou in Chios Town is a souvlaki spot. The menu features pita wraps, sandwiches, grilled meat platters, and small appetizers, plus beer.
    Show on Google Maps
    4

    Roussiko

    Roussiko is located on Aigaiou waterfront street, at the port of Chios Town, in the Evangelistria district, serving Greek cuisine.
    Show on Google Maps

    Eating & Drinking

    The cuisine of Chios revolves around mastic, citrus fruits from Kambos, and the produce of the mountain villages. Fish is good, but not central to the local cuisine.
    Mastic

    Mastic

    The resin of the mastic tree, harvested exclusively in the island's south, holds a Protected Designation of Origin. Find it as chewing gum, Mastiha liqueur, in pastries, ice cream, and spoon sweets. The cooperative runs shops in Chios Town and villages, with a museum near Pyrgi.

    Mandarins from Kambos

    The gardens south of the capital have supplied citrus fruits for centuries, formerly shipped to Constantinople and Marseille. They are processed into jam, syrup, and spoon sweets. At the Citrus Museum in Kambos, tastings are held in the old mansion.

    Souma

    The island's clear pomace brandy is distilled from figs or grapes after the harvest and made in the villages themselves. It is stronger than Ouzo and is drunk with Mezedes. It's usually sold loose; in Chios Town, find it in the harbour's ouzeries.

    Mastelo and Chiotiko Tyri

    Mastelo is a young, mild fresh cheese that is served fried or grilled. Additionally, there's a harder, saltier island cheese that pairs well with Souma. You can find both at the market in Chios Town and in the village shops.

    Chian Sweet Pastry

    The island's confectionery tradition blends Ottoman and Genoese influences. Typical are Masourakia with almonds, mastic-scented biscuits, and white spoon sweets of lemon or bergamot, which are still offered as hospitality gifts in homes.

    Chios: Culture, Art and History

    Byzantium and GenoaChios claims to be the birthplace of Homer, though this is unproven. What is certain is the significance of the Nea Moni monastery: Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos had it built in the 11th century, and since 1990, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Daphni and Hosios Loukas. In 1346, the Genoese trading company Maona took control of the island and ruled it until the Ottoman conquest in 1566. During this period, the Mastic villages like Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympi were developed into fortified settlements, featuring labyrinthine alleys and closed outer walls formed by house facades.MasticFor centuries, the resin of the mastic shrub shaped the economy and society of the southern villages; under Genoese and Ottomans, it was a strictly controlled monopoly. Since 2014, the knowledge of mastic cultivation on Chios has been on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Pyrgi, the Xysta facades with their black and white patterns show how uniquely these villages developed.1822 and its AftermathDuring the Greek War of Independence in 1822, Ottoman troops destroyed large parts of the island; a significant portion of the population was killed or enslaved. The Chios Massacre is deeply embedded in the island's memory, and Eugène Delacroix's painting made it known in Europe. Chios has been part of Greece since 1912.

    Exploring Locally

    Bus and TaxiThe city bus network connects Chios Town with Kambos, Vrontados and Karfas, while the KTEL intercity buses travel to the Mastic villages and Volissos. However, these often run only once or twice a day to more remote destinations, and less frequently on weekends. Timetables are posted at the central bus station and can be found on the KTEL Chios website. Taxis are available at the port and airport.Driving YourselfFor everything outside the capital, your own vehicle is the practical solution. Rental cars and scooters are available in Chios Town, at the airport, and in Karfas; advance booking is advisable during high season. The road to the south is well-maintained, but the route to the north via Volissos is narrow and winding, so plan for a good hour and a half for that. There are few petrol stations outside the east coast, so fill up before longer trips.On FootIn Chios Town, the core area between the port, Kastro, and market is easily explored on foot. Parking is available at the port and on the outskirts of town.

    Accommodations in Chios

    Find perfect stay in Chios

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Chios

    Find perfect campground in Chios

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Plan your trip to Chios

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Chios

      Live
      • 1Kastro and Hamam of Chios Town3 days
      • 2Monastery Nea Moni4 days
      • 3Pyrgi5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Chios
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Alaçatı & Çeşme

    Alaçatı & Çeşme

    Alaçatı and Çeşme are located at the tip of the peninsula of the same name west of İzmir, about 75 kilometers from the airport. Alaçatı is known for its stone houses, windmills, and windsurfing area, Çeşme for its castle and harbor. North of it, the shallow sandy beach of Ilıca entices with warm thermal water in the sea.
    Ikaria

    Ikaria

    Ikaria is one of the world's five so-called Blue Zones, where a striking number of people live past 90. The island between Samos and the Cyclades has few large hotel complexes; instead, it offers mountain villages, hot springs, and summer festivals that last until morning.You come for hiking on old mule tracks, for swimming on the north coast around Armenistis, and for the Panigyria. Schedules and opening hours are handled more casually here than elsewhere.
    Izmir

    Izmir

    İzmir, with around 4.5 million inhabitants in its province, is Turkey's third-largest city and the gateway to the Aegean coast. You'll come for the Kemeraltı bazaar district, the Kordon promenade, and its cuisine featuring Boyoz, Kumru, and Meze. The historic center is around Konak Square, with the Alsancak entertainment district to its north, and Karşıyaka across the bay.
    Lesbos (Lesvos)

    Lesbos (Lesvos)

    Lesbos, at approximately 1,630 square kilometers, is Greece's third-largest island and still thrives on olive oil, ouzo, and sheep's cheese. Between Mytilini in the east and the Petrified Forest in the west lie extensive olive groves, two large bays, and a landscape that becomes increasingly barren and volcanic towards the west.You'll come for the ouzeries of Mytilini and Plomari, the mountain villages around Olymbos, the birdwatching at the Gulf of Kalloni, and the UNESCO Geopark in the west. For the entire island, you'll need at least a week.
    North Aegean Islands

    North Aegean Islands

    The North Aegean Islands lie close to the Turkish coast and are among Greece's least crowded island groups. Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, and Limnos are large enough for their own mountain ranges, wine regions, and port towns that remain inhabited even in winter. You travel here for mastic, ouzo, hot springs, and empty pebble coves, not for a postcard backdrop.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI