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

Chios Town (Chora) – The Island’s Cultural & Nightlife Hub

Mix of old & new architecture with Venetian & Ottoman influence

• 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

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

Best time to visit: Morning for peaceful exploration

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

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

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

Best time to visit: Late afternoon for stunning sunset views

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