What To Do In Chios: Absolute First Comers Guide

Table of Contents Show

Are you traveling to the island of Chios on your upcoming trip? Are you wondering what to do in Chios? Whether it was more of a spur-of-the-moment choice, and you haven’t yet planned anything, or you’ve been planning your trip to Chios for a while, we got you covered!

Every first-time visitor requires this handbook. So, if this is your first time in Chios, follow these locals’ recommendations and discover the best things to do in Chios!

Chios Island Greece

Chios, the fifth-largest island in Greece, is situated in the northern Aegean Sea. The island exports masnd it is also known as “The Masticf course.

The main pleasures of visiting this island are learning about its Neolithic history, the Turks’ occupation during the Greek Revolution, and the exploits of Saracen pirates. Homer, the author of The Odyssey and the books Iliad, is also thought to have been born in Chios.

The Nea Moni Mowhich is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage e and is thought to be the most likely location of the famous poet Homer’s birth, is located on the island of Chios, which is now renowned among the Aegean islands for producing mastic. Chios Mastic isn’t the only local product that might be seen here, but it is the most famous one.

What to do in Chios: Visiting the Medieval villages

Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympi, of course. These aren’t your typical island settlements. The history attractiveteresting medieval villages is fascinating!

Pyrgi, Chios

About 26 kilometers from Chios Town, in the island’s southern region, is the medieval village of Pyrgi. Pyrgi is a must addition to your What to do in Chios list!

One of the Chios island’s historic settlements, Pyrgi, escaped the quake of 1881 with just minor damage. It still has its distinctive architecture and urban layout from the Middle Ages. Your trip through the village’s narrow alleys (aka sokakia) will transport you to a long-forgotten historical period.

Ask the locals about the upcoming festivities and give yourself up to the friendly hands of the Pyrgi residents if you want to make the most of your visit. Undoubtedly, the village is among the best things to do in Chios.

Mesta, Chios

Mesta is probably the best-preserved medieval village on Chios island and the favorite for visitors as it near to many beaches, close to Mesta port, and offers many options for your accommodation in Chios.

Mesta gives a voy in time to the height of the mastic villages’ village. Visit the church of Aghios Taxiarhis (the Arc which is known for its exquisite wooden iconostasis and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Chian woodcarving.

Olympi, Chios

Olympoi is a mastic village with a charming square, lovely doors and windows that are occasionally painted, and intriguing alleys. Beautiful, with components from the other two villages (Mesta and Pyrgi), it has all the elements of the village-castle mole, still keeping the sense of the genuine, uninhabited space.

Olympi was likewise designed to resemble a castle settlement and is defended with the main gate and a watchtower. All the village residences are connected by arched walkways, providing attractiveteresting promenades to enjoy. Don’t forget to add the Olympi Trapeza, a two-story, early-mediev that is in superb condition to your What To Do in Chios list.

Places to visit on Chios island

From UNESCO monuments to medieval castles and then to mesmerizing waters, Chios has it all!

Chios Beaches

Chios island has gorgeous beaches that are worth your time. However, Chios is a big island, and if it is your first time there, it is pretty hard to visit them all. We prepared a list of the must-visit beaches to add to your What To Do In Chios list!

Mavra Volia: Mavra Volia, which means ‘Black Pebble’ is a truly stunning beach! A volcanic formation created a natural beach with a lovely sea and black stones. The small cliff inside just makes you jump into the sea! The natural beach is a few hundred meters to the right of the pier if you are coming from the fishermen’s village. There are no facilities on the beach because it is protected. However, you are welcome to bring your umbrella. It is advised to wear slippers or sandals because it is challenging to navigate the stones barefoot.
Elinda beach: One of Chios’ most stunning beaches. The fact that it is so remote enhances its value. How great is it that it is indeed situated in a cove? Additionally, the water is quite cold and transparent. Only enter if you enjoy that. Your next option can be Lithi Beach with ease! It is also stunning. There are watchtowers all along the beach’s western edge. Do you know why they were so helpful throughout the Middle Ages?

Chios Sightseeing

Are you wondering about what to do in Chios for sightseeing? No worries, we list below the must-see attractions!

Nea Moni Monastery is a must! The magnificent monastery of Nea Moni, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 12 kilometers from Chios Town. The monastery, established in 1042, is well known for its delicate, exquisite mosaics. According to some, these mosaics represent the pinnacle of Byzantine “Macedonian Renaissance Art.”

It is a beautiful monastery with breathtaking hagiographies and mosaics that stand out among Byzantine art. In a designated place, the skulls of those who the Turks killed during the massacre in Chios are maintained.

And since you’re there, you must also pass through Anavatos. A highly well-preserved abandoned medieval town with stone homes tightly packed together. It is worthwhile to travel there to experience what Chios’s medieval villages were like. Take the path to Anavatos if you’re a traveler looking for distinctive experiences throughout your stay in Chios. Visit this abandoned dead castle city on the western fringe of Central Chios that was cruelly and unjustly abandoned during the mass killings of the 19th century.

If you’re visiting Chios for the first time, you must visit the Kampos area. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in the area are the many lovely mansions. You won’t be let down if you choose to eat lunch or dinner in Kambos! No matter what you are in the mood for, there are numerous taverns and eateries to pick from.

Kampos is a distinctive, stunning hamlet well known for its lavish houses. Many were constructed as fortifications during the Genoese era and then transformed into opulent palaces in the 17th and 18th centuries—an absolute not-miss from your What to Do in Chios list.