ISLAND

Chios: The island of mastic!

In the eastern Aegean between Samos and Mytilene, near the Mikra Asia coasts we can see the beautiful Chios. It is the fifth largest Greek island with an area of 842 sq.km. It is a beautiful island with unique natural beauty that combines everything: history, culture, entertainment. Medieval villages, beautiful beaches, dense pine forests create a paradise landscape. The island is famous for its simplicity and hospitality of its inhabitants and of course the vast areas of mastictrees that produce mastic - the trademark on the island.

Tour on the island

Chios: On the east coast lies the town of Chios or Chora as the locals call it. During your tour you'll see the old neighborhoods with traditional architectural that charm the visitor. At the alleys of the old city yesterday and today are mixed. The stone buildings, the neoclassical mansions and vibrant market with its smell of mastic will be unforgettable! During your stay in the town worth visiting the castle, the Korai Library, the Cathedral of Agios Victoron, the museums of the region and the Homeric Cultural Centre, which is the core of the cultural life of the island. In the harbor you will enjoy mastic to "ipovrichio", you will stroll in the picturesque market and in the afternoon you will lunch at the taverns with delicious island recipes.

Pyrgi: The most famous village of Chios impresses visitors with its architecture of medieval cobbled streets and rooftops in a pyramid. The special feature of this village is called “scratch” homes. This is a special technique in which the outer layer of the coating of houses painted white. Then scratching on that geometric shapes (triangles, lozenges circles, squares, etc.) and are painted with bright colors. At Pyrgi you will find the ruins of a medieval square tower, which gave its name to the village church of Agion Apostolon, and the picturesque village Armolia with a tradition at ceramics.

Vrontados: Popular provincial town with  picturesque stone houses and a benchmark of three preserved mills of the municipality. Located 4 km north of the capital. It is worth visiting the church of St. Stephen and the beautiful location of Homer's Stone (The ruins of the temple of Cybele and Rhea. Is remarkable and visit the grave of writer John Psycharis and the Monastery of Panagia of Mersinidio. Taverns and bars are at your disposal.

Kalamoti: South of Chios town, we meet this beautiful village. It is a traditional village with medieval architecture where dominates the atmosphere of a bygone era. Noteworthy is the dialect of the people who maintain archaic and Homeric evidence. Here you will see parts of the medieval walls, the church of Panagia Agrelopousaina and the ruins of an ancient castle in the village Armolia.
Kardamila, Thymiana, Karies and Mesta are few other options that will impress you with its unique beauty and its major attractions. Worth to visit them!

Numerous beaches for all tastes!

Chios offers lovers the sea and the sun's lovers numerous beaches for all tastes, satisfying even the most discerning visitor. From cosmopolitan beaches with all amenities to more secluded beaches where you can enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. Some of the popular beaches near the town of Chios is Karfas, Great Limnionas, Agia Fotia, Afanis Naftis, Ormos Lo and Daskalopetra. To the west are the magnificent beaches with crystal clear waters: Elina, Tigani, Metochi, Managros, Lemnos and Agia Markella. To the south are the most cosmopolitan beaches of the island: Komi, Mavra Volia, Vroulidia. Finally, you can swim at the beach Nagos with crystal, crystal clear waters.

Events

Festivals take place in the town of Chios and other areas on 6 August, May 14, 22 July and 15 August. You can also watch the cultural events organized by cultural associations of the municipality Thymiana throughout the year and the events of the "Mostra" in the last week of Carnival. Significant are "Kardamilia”, cultural events by Kardamila   municipality   with theater, concerts, sporting events, conferences and exhibitions.

Chios flavors

You “must” try mastic in all forms: gum, sweet mastic and “ipovrichio”. Great variety you find in sweets, marzipan, ouzo, liqueurs, donuts, rosewater, sesame and cheese. For local dishes you can  try kaparosalata, omelette with courgettes, “papoutsakia” with rustic aubergines and tasty fried.

Useful information

How to get there
On board Olympic Airlines from Spata  at 55’. Flights throughout the year.
By ferry from Piraeus to 9 hours. Frequent in summer, less in winter.

Internal bus
There is bus that makes several trips to resorts and you can also take a taxi or rent a transport.

Log in surrounding areas
On board from Olympic Airlines Chios is connected to Mytilene and Thessaloniki (through Mytilene)

By Ferry Chios is connected all the time to Samos, Limnos, Lesvos, Kos, Psara, Alexandroupolis, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Rhodes and Oinouses.

Useful phones

Municipality of Chios: 22710-44380
Hospital: 22710-44302
Police: 22710-44428
Port: 22710-44432
Airport: 22710-23998
Taxi Station: 22710-41111

Επιμέλεια: Μάγδα Λαμπροπούλου