Chıos Island (Chıos) Guıde, Places to Vısıt

Heyoo everyone, gather around, the hot guide to Chios Island has arrived...

We've just returned from Chios Island and we've prepared a new recommendations post for those who will visit for the first time and for those who have been there before. Let's get started...

To get to Chios, we arrange a ferry from Cesme. We bought our ferry ticket from www.feribotlines.com, but there are other companies at Cesme Port, of course. We pay a tax of 12 Euros per person at the port. There are no visa applications at the door, you get your visa in advance.

Duration: It takes about 40-50 minutes to get from Cesme to Chios. After disembarking, you join the passport queue. There's usually a crowd on weekends, so if you can go on weekdays, you'll find it easier to find spots on beaches and restaurants.

Chios Island is a beautiful island rich in history. It's a mountainous island located a few kilometers off the coast of Turkey. Chios Island is best known for its unique mastic trees, which are the only of their kind in the world. The island has a strong local character and boasts many interesting areas.

Small medieval villages like Pyrgi and Olympi are adorned with geometric patterns on their outer walls and are quite beautiful. Chios Island's rich medieval history has left many other traces on the island. In addition to medieval castles like Chios Town Castle, Vrontados Castle, and the fortified village of Anavatos, there are many monasteries around the island.

Let's list 5 reasons to visit Chios Island:

1.Unique natural beauty Chios Island enchants us with its different natural beauties. The island's vast landscape is dotted with valleys and offers a picturesque area to be explored with over 40 microclimates. From the magnificent (1,297 meters high) Pelinnaio Mountain to the enchanting waters surrounding the island, Chios Island is truly a paradise for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and sailors alike.

2.Organic local products Another important reason to visit Chios Island is its gastronomic culture and local products. Try the local cheeses and aromatic citrus jams, taste the Chios Island drinks, and of course, indulge in all the mastic-flavored delights.

3.Charming traditional villages of Chios Island Chios Island is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. Wander through the medieval villages in the southern part of the island and travel back to the Middle Ages when pirates and knights roamed the region. In the central region and on Chios Island, we were fascinated by neoclassical mansions that stand as evidence of the island's rich history and maritime heritage. Explore the stone-built villages contributing to the island's cultural fabric, discover Byzantine churches, and explore the remnants of Ottoman traces.

4.Temples and monasteries of Chios Island Chios Island boasts an impressive array of chapels, cathedrals, and monasteries, each showcasing Byzantine art at its best. The Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the heart of the island, is a must-visit place. You'll be amazed by its magnificent mosaics, among the finest examples of Byzantine art in Greece.

5.Beaches and hiking Another reason to visit Chios Island is its numerous beaches. Sand? Of course. Black lava pebbles? Definitely. Completely deserted, small bays in the middle of nowhere? That's also beautiful! Even during the busiest times of summer tourism, there are beaches where only a few people can be found. I recommend going to as many beaches as possible to find your favorite spot.

Chios Island offers a variety of stunning beaches catering to all preferences. Whether you prefer sandy areas, black lava pebbles, or secluded coves, you'll find them on Chios Island. Discover lesser-known beaches where you can find peace and solitude even during the busiest times of summer.

Areas where you can stay in Chios: 
1. Center of the island
2. Kambos - A quiet area close to the island center
3. Karmas - There are nice hotels
4. Pyrgi - Famous for its colorful, ornate houses and streets
5. Mesta - Gothic district resembling medieval buildings
6. Volissos - Volissos Village has narrow streets, old houses, stone mansions, windmills and Byzantine churches. One of these churches is dedicated to Jesus Christ and one to the Virgin Mary. There are taverns, hotels and many other facilities in the village.  The olive trees in this village are very important for the island; a significant amount of the island's olive oil exports are met from the production here.

Start Booking Your Chios Travel 
For your hotels and activities in Chios, we recommend the following options for booking: 
Chios ferries: feribotlines and ferryhopper.com
Book hotels in Chios: booking.com
Car rental in Chios: yolcu360
The Best Times to Visit Chios:
Consider the best times to visit Chios based on your preferences and interests. The island comes alive in the summer months with lively beach bars and vibrant seaside tavernas, offering plenty of options for things to do in Chios. If you enjoy lively atmospheres and water activities, plan your visit between May and October to experience the full range of things to do in Chios. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, the winter months are a time to enjoy Chios beyond the tranquil setting, quaint mountain villages and typical summer attractions.

Discover Chios!
While exploring Chios, discover charming medieval villages like Mesta, Pyrgi and Olympi, where time stands still before you visit the island's top attractions and experience what to do in Chios. Explore the picturesque Kambos region with its neoclassical mansions and citrus groves. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of the villages of Mastichochoria and learn about the island's mastic cultivation. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Nea Moni, a true jewel of Byzantine architecture.
So which places to eat and drink in Chios?

Chios Amethystos Restaurant - in Olympi
Amethystos restaurant is located in the village of Olympi in Chios. Its rich and fancy-filled menu consists of a variety of traditional, yet twisted Greek dishes, such as eggplant rolls stuffed with local mastelo cheese. All the delicious dishes are cooked with the finest, local ingredients and satisfy even the most demanding of us.
Chios Meltemaki Restaurant in Kataraktis
Meltemaki is a fish tavern that combines delicious food with a warm atmosphere. It is situated in a great location by the sea, overlooking the magnificent view of the Aegean Archipelago. The restaurant perfectly combines traditional flavors with gourmet dishes. The carefully curated menu offers a wide variety of seafood options, while there are also plenty of options for vegetarians.
Chios Hotzas Taverna Restaurant in the city center
Hotzas is a cozy and friendly taverna serving popular Greek dishes in wrapped variations. Everything from pasta to dessert is handmade. The menu includes lamb kebab with yogurt and arugula, white beans with tomatoes and tangerines, and lemon dolmadhes. 
Chios Spontini Restaurant in Olympi
Spontini is a cozy restaurant in Chios with beautiful decoration and a warm atmosphere. If you want to take a break from traditional Greek flavors during your stay in Chios, this is the ideal place for you. You can find a variety of ethnic dishes here, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. The chefs are really creative and can go beyond the ordinary and offer spontaneous flavors off the menu, so it's good to know. 
Pastards Restaurant in the center of Chios
If Greek delicacies have become too much for you during your vacation in Chios, make a change by visiting this playfully named restaurant. "The Pastards" is run by young, dynamic and innovative people. In this modern place you will taste popular Italian dishes prepared in many delicious variations.
Chios Galera Taverna Restaurant on Lithi beach
Galera is a family taverna located on the beautiful beach of Lithi, on the southwest side of Chios. Run by chef Emilios and Asia, who welcomes guests with a warm smile, this restaurant offers traditional dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Galera's specialty is seafood, as the seafood is supplied daily and seasonally by the fishermen of Lithi Bay. Also be sure to try the rich salads, tempting dips and homemade desserts at the end of the meal.
Open all year round, Galera has an outdoor terrace with stunning sea views and an indoor area for winter. The tavern is decorated in traditional Greek style.

Thymiana's Chios Roussiko Restaurant 

At Roussiko restaurant, indulge in authentic Greek flavors and quality cuisine. With its beautiful, cozy atmosphere, great location, and diverse menu options, it truly becomes an inviting place and a good choice for a delicious meal.

Chios Beaches;
Emporios Mavros Gialos beach 
The name means "black beach" because of the black pebbles on the shore. It is considered the most beautiful beach on the island.
Didima beach 
Didima, two small bays near the village of Mesta. Completely unspoiled and secluded, these coves are a nice place to relax.
Agia Fotini beach 
Agia Fotini is a pebbly beach with a pleasant family atmosphere. Some delicious tavernas line the partially tidy beach.
Agia Irini beach 
The secluded bay of Agia Irini is located near the medieval village of Mesta. It is completely untouched and a beautiful place to enjoy some privacy.
Elinta beach 
This is a large and secluded bay on the west side of the island. The nearest village is Anavatos and there are many more secluded beaches in the area.
Vroulidia beach 
Vroulidia is the southernmost point of the island. It's a secluded beach surrounded by large cliffs. Not usually frequented.
Karfas Beach
Karfas is a long, tidy beach close to Chios and the airport. This is the busiest tourist resort on the island.
Paralia Lithi
Lithi is a small bay with a sandy beach and clean water. This beach is often isolated because it is not organized.
Trahili beach 
Trahili, a lovely bay with crystal waters. Far from the popular beach resorts and unorganized, Trahili is a great setting for relaxation.

Vrondados Beach 
Vrondados is a small, tidy beach with pebbles on the shore and clear water. Delicious fish tavernas line the shore.
Apothyka beach
This small and secluded beach is located on the south west side of the island, near Mesta. A beautiful place for complete isolation.
Lampsa beach
This is an isolated beach with clean water, close to the mountainous village of Volissos.
Lefkathia beach
This is a popular and well organized beach located on the north west side of the island, between Limnos and Limnia.
Tigani Makria Ammos beach
This is a large, pebbly beach on the west side of the island. It is lush and surrounded by high cliffs.
Kent beach
The beach near the city center of Chios is pebbly and clean. There are some hotels around the beach.
Megas Limnionas beach
Megas Limnionas is a popular beach close to the seaside resorts of Agia Ermioni and Karfas. The water is crystalline, but some parts of the shore are rocky.

Other Beaches:

-Paralia Komi
-Glaroi Beach
-Mavra Volia
-Nagos Beach
-Agia Dynami Beach
-Foki Beach
-Paralia Agios Isidoros
-Paralia Mirsinidi
-Broulidia Beach

Must-See Places in Chios Island: 

Chios Island Windmills 

Chios Island's four traditional windmills are among the most famous symbols of the island.

Located 1.5 km north of Chios Town, in the Tampakika area, to reach them, you need to follow the main road from the town to Vrontados.

Facing the sea, the windmills, once part of the island's industrial past, are now a very picturesque spot to catch the sunset.

The windmills were built and restored in the late 19th century.

Chios Island Medieval Castle 

Chios Island Medieval Castle, initially known as Chios Island Castle or Fortress, once surrounded the entire island of Chios. Later, the city expanded beyond the castle walls. The first architectural phase of the monument was built in the late 10th century during the Byzantine period. The original building has been renovated, and almost nothing remains from the initial structure. The Venetians rebuilt the Central Gate (Porta Maggiore) in 1694. You enter the castle through this gate, located at the southern end.

The two-story building known as the Ioustiniani Palace is located in the closed area near the gate. The half-underground water cistern called Kria Vrisi (Cold Fountain) and the massive tower known as Kulas, built by the Genoese, are worth seeing.

In ancient times, the castle was surrounded by a wide moat. From the early 14th century to the Greek War of Independence, the Genoese, Venetians, and Turks made a series of additions, renovations, and repairs. The main entrance to the castle was reinforced, the façade of the building known as the Dark Prison was cleaned, the roof was strengthened, the wall masonry was repaired, and the passage over the walls above the main gate was cleaned, revealing the pavement. Today, the castle is inhabited by local residents.

Volissos Castle

The castle was built during the Byzantine period but is believed to have been restored by the Genoese in the mid-15th century.

Chios Island 

Mastic Museum in Pirgi The museum is dedicated to "Mastiha" (or mastic), a unique product shaping the natural and human environment of the Mastichochoria region in southern Chios Island. Mastic cultivation has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage.

Daskalopetra Homer's Stone in Vrondados Homer's Stone or Daskalopetra is a historic site in the Vrontados area. According to tradition, this is the stone where Homer sat and recited his poems.

Agio Gala 

Cave in Agio Gala The largest and most impressive cave in Chios Island, with magnificent formations.

Nea Moni Monastery in Karyes 

Located between the villages of Karyes and Avgonyma, Nea Moni Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. The monastery was built in the 15th century and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Olympi Cave in Olympi

 This cave near the village of Olympi is another marvel of nature. Discovered in 1985, the cave is actually a passage with a width of 60 meters and a humidity rate of 95%.

Oinousses Island in Oinousses This small island with a rich natural history is a great destination for day trips from Chios Island. It boasts traditional architecture, beautiful beaches, and a peaceful atmosphere. Daily boats to Oinousses depart from Chios Town harbor.

Psara Island in Psara 

Psara is a small island with a rich historical past. Today, it's an ideal place for complete isolation and privacy. If you wish to stay overnight, there are a few rooms available for rent in the traditional village, along with its magnificent beaches.

Agia Markella Monastery in Volissos The Agia Markella Monastery is built on the site where the saint died for her faith. She is declared the protector of the island, and her feast.