CHIOS

Located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, Chios is a captivating Greek island where natural beauty, centuries of history, and local tradition come together in perfect harmony.

Known for its medieval villages, stunning coastline, and especially it’s Mastica industry Chios is often referred to as the ‘fragrant island’ due to the 1.5 millions Mastic trees grown across the island. Visit the Mastic Villages and the excellent Chios Mastic Museum to discover this centuries-old tradition and its impact on the island’s culture and economy.

The mastic villages are also some of the best preserved and authentic medieval villages in Greece, including Pyrgi, where black-and-white geometric patterns adorn every wall, or the fortified village of Mesta, where cobbled paths lead to hidden courtyards and ancient churches. History lovers will be drawn to the island’s archaeological treasures, including the 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its golden mosaics.

Nature thrives here too. You can hike through pine-covered hills, swim in crystal-clear waters at secluded beaches like Agia Dynami or Karfas, or explore the unique ecosystem of the Koraes Forest.

Chios is also a food lover’s paradise, with rich local cuisine shaped by both Greek and Eastern influences. Traditional dishes like masourakia and soutzouk loukoum, are commonly found on menus along with fresh seafood, and local wines and ouzo as well as Masticha products, of course.

Whether you’re after a relaxed beach break, a deep dive into history, or an off-the-beaten-path Greek experience, Chios is a destination that rewards the curious and the adventurous alike.

April - September

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4+ days

Dodecanese

What to expect

Chios offers a very different experience to the postcard Greek islands. It is large, rugged and proudly traditional, with tourism playing a supporting role rather than running the show. The coastline is dramatic, full of coves, pebble beaches and volcanic shores, and the sea is wonderfully clear.

The island is the birthplace and global home of mastiha. This resin is unique to Chios, protected by the EU, and remains the island’s number one industry. You will see mastiha plantations in the south, museums and cooperatives, and products ranging from liqueurs and pastries to cosmetics and medicine. It is not just a flavour here, it is central to the island’s identity and economy.

Chios is also famous for its medieval mastiha villages in the south, such as Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympi, with maze-like lanes and fortified stone architecture. In contrast, northern Chios is mountainous and remote, great for hiking and quiet escapes.

Food is rustic, local and affordable, with seafood, slow-cooked meats, island cheeses and citrus from the Kampos groves. Nightlife is low-key, centred on tavernas and bars rather than clubs.

Overall, visitors can expect authenticity, cultural depth and a genuine island that feels lived-in rather than curated, with history and tradition front and centre. 

Best time to visit chios

Easter or May & September

How long to go for

At least 4 nights

How to get around Chios

A hire car is best

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The Historic Centre is centred around the Acropolis, which rises in the middle of the city in all its glory. Visitors can stay comfortably in any of the neighbourhoods surrounding The Acropolis, as these areas are relatively flat, close together, and easy to explore on foot.

This article explains the different neighbourhoods and our hotel suggestions, as well as a section on the Ports and areas near the airport.

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There are many hotels with great Acropolis views, although rooms there will come at a premium.

Check out:

Electra Metropolis

360 Degrees

Zillers Hotel

Many also have rooftop bars and/or restaurants and breakfast areas that have amazing views, so you can save money by utilising them all.

A for Athens

Athens Was

Grande Bretagne

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Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. There is a LOT to see and do and many amazing day trips nearby as well.

  • many archaeological and historical sites including the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and more
  • more Museums per capita than any European city
  • amazing shopping – the best in Greece!
  • the food scene is on fire – there are thousands of bars, cafes, traditional tavernas and restaurants, some of which have Michelin ratings
  • a year-round calendar of festivals and events

We recommend a minumum of 3 nights in Athens, but many people say they wish they had more.
If you allow 4 or 5 you can do a day trip or two.

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There is so much to see and do.

The main categories of activities and attractions are:

  • Archaeological and historical sites
  • Athens Neighbourhoods
  • Food Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Shopping
  • Surrounding view points:
    • Mt Lycabbetus
    • Areopagus Hill
    • Philopappos Hill
    • Nymphs Hill
    • National Observatory of Athens
  • Markets
  • Cultural Centres
  • Museums
  • The Riviera
  • Beaches
  • Gardens

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