Attractions & Things to Do in Chios
Port of Chios
Central port with ferry routes to the Greek mainland (Piraeus, Kavala) & Aegean islands. It also offers day-trips & accommodates tourist boats.
Genoese Castle of Chios Town
Older Byzantine fortification which was reinforced and rebuilt during the Genoese period (14th - 16th century) and acquired its current shape.
Chios Byzantine Museum (Mecidiye Mosque)
Founded in 1980, it's housed in an Ottoman Mosque and hosts items dating between 5th-18th century.
Chios Town Main Square
«Plateia Vounakiou»Central square close to the Town Hall and other state buildings with the marble fountain of 1900.
Homerion Cultural Center, Chios Town
Founded in 1980 after the donation of Michail & Stamatia Xyla, it's a center of multiple cultural uses.
Chios National Airport
«Omiros»Bearing the name of the great epic poet of antiquity, it has limited facilities while it serves only domestic flights the whole year round.
Vrontados, Chios
Coastal town on the east side of the island that has a long maritime tradition while a large part of the population is engaged in shipping.
Vrontados Rocket War (Easter) Ritual
«Rouketopolemos»Local custom from the Ottoman era when two rival parishes, aiming the bell tower of the rival church.
«Nea Moni of Chios» Monastery
Founded in 1042 AD with Byzantine imperial sponsorship, is famous for its mosaics and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Inousses Town & Island
Biggest and only inhabited among a complex of 9 islands. Famous for its wine and noted as the origin of a big number of ship-owning families.
Pyrgi (Painted Village), Chios
Fortified medieval settlement with rich heritage, that stands for its unique elaborate decorative-patterns on the exterior walls of the houses.
Port of Mesta, Chios
The second-largest port of the island that has seasonal (summer) ferry boat connections with the Greek mainland and other Aegean islands.
Chios Mastic Museum, Pyrgi
Operating since 2016 it sheds light on the processing and cultivation history of mastic, which is an integral part of Chios cultural landscape.
Mesta, Chios
Medieval well-preserved village of the 12th century that architecturally resembles a castle ready to avoid any potential pirate raid.
St. Marcella Church & Pilgrimage
«Agia Markella»An Orthodox pilgrimage at the place where the local saint was martyred in the 14th century.
Psara Town & Island
Small island with heroic past including the destruction of 1824. Its marina hosts many boats and refers to guests who seek relaxing holidays.
Questions & Answers about Chios
Why Visit Chios?
- After the main town, 64 villages stand for their history & distinctive architecture.
- A great number of ship owners and ship captains originate from the island.
- A Greek island where the tourism industry is not well-developed.
What is Chios, Greece?
Chios is the fifth largest Greek island and is located at the Aegean Sea just 5 nautical miles from the coast of Asia Minor. The capital of the island is the city of Chios, also called Chora. While and main export products of Chios are figs, olive oil, wine, and above all, the Chian mastic. Chios is also famous for the size and quality of shipping as many ship owners, captains, and sailors originate from the island. Today, Chios stands for its excellent climate, its beautiful landscapes, the medieval villages, the Chian mastic, and many others.
Some historical facts about Chios.
The origin of the name of the island has many versions. According to some researchers, the name derives from the daughter of the first king Oinopionta, Chioni. Archaeological findings show that the island was inhabited since the Neolithic era. During ancient times played an important role and grew into a great trade and maritime power. Amphorae from Chios are found in cities of Russia and northern Egypt. The historical presence on the island is continuous during the time of Alexander the Great, the Roman era, the Frankish occupation, and during the revolution of 1821 against the Turk, as well as the Resistance in the Second World War.