Chios (Sakiz) Island

🏝️ Chios Island (Sakiz Adasi) – A Hidden Greek Gem
📍 Location: Aegean Sea, just 7 km from Cesme, Turkey
🌿 Famous for: Mastic production, medieval villages, pristine beaches & Byzantine history

🌟 Why Visit Chios?
✔️ Birthplace of Homer & rich in Greek history 📜
✔️ Unique medieval villages like Pyrgi & Mesta 🏰
✔️ Mastic production – a rare Mediterranean treasure 🌿
✔️ Stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters 🏖️
✔️ Easy ferry access from Turkey (Cesme – 35 mins) ⛴️

🏛️ Top Attractions on Chios Island
1️⃣ Chios Town (Chora) – The Island’s Cultural & Nightlife Hub 🎭
✔️ Mix of old & new architecture with Venetian & Ottoman influences
✔️ Aplotaria Street – Lined with boutique shops selling mastic products & handmade crafts
✔️ Vounakio Square – A lively coffee & nightlife spot ☕🍹
✔️ Byzantine Museum – Housed in a 19th-century Ottoman mosque
✔️ Maritime Museum of Chios – Exhibits the island’s deep connection to the sea 🌊
✔️ Chios Fortress – 11th-century fort with Ottoman-era remnants

📍 Location: Central eastern coast of Chios

2️⃣ Nea Moni – A UNESCO World Heritage Site ⛪
✔️ 11th-century Byzantine monastery
✔️ Famous for its golden mosaics & stunning frescoes
✔️ Hosts a museum with religious relics

📍 Location: 11 km west of Chios Town

🎟️ Entry fee: Free
⏳ Best time to visit: Morning for peaceful exploration

3️⃣ Pyrgi – The “Painted Village” 🎨
✔️ Known for its unique black & white geometric facades
✔️ One of 24 medieval villages in Chios
✔️ Home to ancient churches & traditional tavernas
✔️ Strong mastic culture – try local mastic sweets & liqueur

📍 Location: 25 km south of Chios Town

4️⃣ Mesta – A Medieval Greek Castle Town 🏰
✔️ Perfectly preserved medieval village with stone-paved streets
✔️ Wander through the “castle streets” lined with small shops
✔️ Try local Souma (fig & grape liqueur) & Chios wines 🍷
✔️ Relax in small tavernas with authentic Greek food

📍 Location: South of Chios Island

⏳ Best time to visit: Early evening to enjoy a sunset drink

5️⃣ Anavatos – A Byzantine Ghost Village 🏚️
✔️ Dramatic clifftop location with incredible views 🌅
✔️ Historic site of the Greek War of Independence
✔️ Ruins of a once-thriving Byzantine settlement

📍 Location: Close to Nea Moni

🎟️ Entry fee: Free
⏳ Best time to visit: Late afternoon for stunning sunset views

6️⃣ Kampos – The Citrus & Mastic Paradise 🍊
✔️ Lush citrus orchards & mastic trees 🌳
✔️ Beautiful stone mansions & neoclassical houses
✔️ A peaceful escape just 5 km from Chios Town

📍 Location: 5 km south of Chios Town

🏖️ Best Beaches on Chios Island
🌊 Mavros Gialos – The Black Pebble Beach
✔️ Unique volcanic sand & black pebbles
✔️ Enclosed by dramatic rocky slopes & deep blue waters
✔️ Great for swimming & snorkeling

📍 Location: 28 km west of Chios Town

🌊 Daskalopetra Beach – Homer’s Stone 🏝️
✔️ Linked to Homer’s legend – said to be where he taught students
✔️ Rocky formations with small sandy areas
✔️ Calm, shallow waters perfect for families

📍 Location: 7 km north of Chios Town

🌊 Bella Vista Beach – Relaxation Spot 🌅
✔️ Long sandy shore with beach bars
✔️ Ideal for sunbathing & unwinding
✔️ One of the most popular beaches near Chios Town

📍 Location: 10 km from Chios Town

🍽️ What to Eat on Chios?
🍋 Mastic Sweets & Liqueur – Try Mastiha, a unique Greek liqueur 🍶
🐟 Fresh Seafood – Octopus, grilled fish & seafood pasta 🦑
🫒 Olives & Olive Oil – Grown in Kampos region 🫒
🍯 Local Honey & Nuts – Used in Greek desserts 🍯

📍 Best Restaurants on Chios:
✔️ To Kechrimpari (Chios Town) – Traditional Greek cuisine
✔️ Mavros Gialos Taverna (Mavros Gialos Beach) – Fresh seafood with ocean views
✔️ Pyrgi Tavern (Pyrgi Village) – Mastic-infused local dishes

🚢 How to Get to Chios?
🚢 By Ferry:
✔️ From Cesme, Turkey – Only 35-40 minutes by ferry
✔️ From Athens (Piraeus) – 7-9 hours
✔️ From nearby Greek islands: Regular ferries to Lesbos, Samos & Mykonos

🛫 By Air:
✔️ Chios Island National Airport (JKH) – Domestic flights from Athens & Thessaloniki

🚖 Getting Around Chios:
✔️ Car Rental – Best for exploring freely 🚗
✔️ Public Buses – Connect major towns & villages 🚌
✔️ Taxis & Boats – Convenient but more expensive 🚖

🏨 Where to Stay on Chios?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ Argentikon Luxury Suites (Kampos) – Stay in a 17th-century mansion
✔️ Grecian Castle Hotel (Chios Town) – 5-star comfort near the port

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Chios Chandris Hotel (Chios Town) – Great sea views & central location
✔️ Mesta Mastic (Mesta Village) – Stay in a traditional medieval house

🏡 Budget:
✔️ Seafront Studios & Apartments (Chios Town) – Affordable & cozy 🌊
✔️ To Petrino Guesthouse (Pyrgi) – Charming & budget-friendly 🏡

🏆 Why Chios is a Must-Visit
✔️ Unique medieval villages & Byzantine history 🏰
✔️ World-famous Mastic products & local delicacies 🌿
✔️ Pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters 🏖️
✔️ Easy ferry access from Turkey & other Greek islands 🚢