Chios

Chios

Chios is the big, rugged North Aegean island just 7 kilometres off Turkey, the fifth largest in Greece and famous for something no other place has: mastiha. In the south, twenty-four medieval mastiha villages — Pyrgi with its black-and-white scratched facades, Mesta with its fortified walls — still harvest the resin that only grows here, a UNESCO tradition that smells like pine and history everywhere you go, while the north is wild, mountainous, and empty except for villages like Volissos.

It’s an island of contrasts: Genoese castles and Byzantine monasteries like Nea Moni, citrus groves in Kampos with grand stone mansions, and beaches that go from black pebble at Mavra Volia to long sand at Komi. Chios never chased mass tourism, so it stays Greek in its rhythm — ouzo with mastiha liqueur, long lunches, sailors and merchants — and rewards you if you drive its length, from medieval to maritime to completely wild in one day.

Mastic, medieval villages and beaches of every colour

You’ll love it here if you want authentic and lived-in over pretty-postcard small. Not the most convenient to visit, quite big, driving distances long, but feels very authentic. Real highlight is not the beaches, it’s the mastic villages, unique medieval settlements you won’t see elsewhere in Greece. Culinary powerhouse, Castle of Chios inhabited since Byzantine era still houses living community, often called Mistras of the Aegean. Best for those who love authentic, off-the-beaten-path spots, history buffs, foodies, and travellers who want both beaches and culture. Over 90 beaches, ranging from sandy to volcanic. Mavra Volia also called Mavros Gialos, famous black volcanic pebbles and dark blue cold water, most famous on island. Karfas most popular tourist resort, organised with deck chairs umbrellas sea sports lively vibe. Komi beach one of most beautiful sandy captivating sea calm peaceful away from city. For seclusion, Managros quiet spot 25 miles from Chios Town, Salagona and Avlonia remote peaceful uncrowded, Glaroi and Agia Fotia relaxed, Prastia sandy family-friendly crystal-clear. So you get colourful pebbled shores, clean sparkling water, plus medieval mastihochoria like Pyrgi with sgraffito houses and Mesta fortified village. Less ideal if you want tiny walkable island or hopping without a car, island is large and spread out, you need to rent a car and combine beaches with nearby tavernas to avoid long drives.

How to do a big island well

It’s in North Aegean close to Turkey, so flight or overnight ferry makes sense. Flight: Athens ATH to Chios JKH 50 minutes, 5 times per day average, earliest 01:40 latest 23:55, distance 215km, Aegean and Sky Express every 4 hours, prices from around 53 euro average. Quickest if time short. Ferry: Piraeus to Chios 7h30 to 9h50 overnight, Blue Star Ferries most popular, from around 23 to 26 euro, departs around 19:00 or 20:00 arrives early morning. Also ferries from Laurium to Mesta Chios. Base yourself in Chios Town or Karfas on east coast because central, most people do. Rent a car, island is large, roads good but distances. Best time is May to October, June and September best balance for beach and villages without August heat. May and October quieter for hiking and mastic harvest stories. Bring car hire booked early in August, cash for remote tavernas, and water shoes for black pebble beaches, Mavra Volia pebbles hot in sun. Try mastic liqueur, souma, and local cheeses. For island hopping, you can go on to Lesvos, Psara, Oinousses, or over to Cesme Turkey.

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Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by admin