Top Things to Do in Chios

Chios sits close to the Turkish coast in the North Aegean, and it has a character all its own. It is famous for a resin called mastic, which is harvested from the mastic tree and has been prized for centuries, and that heritage shapes everything from the villages to the local cuisine. Whether you have a few days or a full week, these are the experiences that make the island worth the trip.

Wander the mastic villages of the south

The southern part of the island is home to the mastic villages, a group of settlements built around the cultivation of the mastic tree. Their fortified layouts were designed to protect valuable crops and the community that tended them, and many have survived remarkably intact. Visiting them is the best way to understand what makes Chios distinctive.

Pyrgi is the best known. Its houses are covered in geometric patterns, created with black and white designs in a technique known as sgraffito, and walking along its main square and narrow streets feels like stepping into a painted illustration. Take your time to look closely at the facades, as the patterns vary from house to house.

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Mesta is another essential stop. This medieval village is laid out as a maze of lanes and covered passageways, with houses that share walls and courtyards that open unexpectedly. It is easy to get pleasantly lost here, and the quiet streets are ideal for an unhurried stroll. Many of the villages have tavernas where you can sample local dishes, and in several of them you will find shops selling mastic-based sweets, liqueurs and cosmetics.

Learn about mastic at the Mastic Museum

If you want to understand how the resin is produced, the Mastic Museum in the town of Chios is a good place to start. The exhibits explain the cultivation of the mastic tree, the traditional methods of harvesting the resin by hand, and the many ways it has been used, from chewing gum and medicine to baking and cosmetics. It gives useful context before you visit the villages, where mastic appears on almost every menu and shelf.

Opening hours can vary by season, so check locally before you plan your visit.

Explore the Nea Moni monastery

Nea Moni is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits in the hills of the island's interior, surrounded by quiet countryside. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and is best known for its striking mosaics, which are among the finest examples of Byzantine art in the country. The setting is peaceful and well suited to a slower pace, so allow time to appreciate the church and its surroundings.

Dress modestly when visiting, as is expected at active religious sites in Greece.

Swim at Mavra Volia, the black pebble beach

Mavra Volia is one of the island's most memorable beaches. Its shoreline is made up of dark, smooth pebbles, which give the water a distinctive appearance and make the setting feel quite different from the sandy beaches found elsewhere in Greece. The beach is best reached by car, and it is a good spot for a swim and a relaxed lunch nearby. Bring water shoes if you find the pebbles uncomfortable underfoot.

Discover other beaches and coastal walks

Beyond Mavra Volia, Chios has a long and varied coastline with plenty of smaller beaches, coves and fishing spots. Many of the more secluded bays are only accessible by unpaved road, which is one reason a rental car is so useful here. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the quietest times to enjoy them.

Eat and drink like a local

Food is a highlight of any visit. Seafood is excellent throughout the island, and tavernas in the villages and along the coast serve fresh fish, grilled meats and seasonal vegetables. Look out for dishes that use mastic as a flavouring, and try local sweets and spirits made with the resin. Lunch in one of the mastic villages, followed by a walk to work off the meal, is a classic Chios day.

Getting to and around Chios

Chios Island National Airport (JKH) receives frequent domestic flights from Athens, which is the quickest option for many travellers. Alternatively, ferries run from the port of Piraeus in Athens, and the crossing takes several hours. In summer, there are also ferry connections from other Aegean islands and from the port of Cesme in Turkey. Once you arrive, renting a car is the most practical way to reach the mastic villages, the monastery and the more remote beaches, as public transport is limited outside the main town.

Practical tips

• Book flights and ferries in advance for the summer months, when routes fill up quickly.
• Rent a car early, especially in July and August, and check local rules on parking in the villages.
• Visit the mastic villages in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds.
• Carry cash for smaller tavernas and shops, and confirm card acceptance in advance.
• Check opening hours for museums, monasteries and shops locally, as they change with the season.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven lanes of Mesta and the pebbles of Mavra Volia.