Chios Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Chios, a captivating island nestled in the Aegean Sea, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic Greek charm. Known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional villages, Chios offers an enchanting escape for travelers seeking an idyllic island getaway.

One of the highlights of Chios is its stunning beaches, which are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and golden sands. From the popular Karfas Beach, with its shallow waters ideal for families, to the secluded Mavra Volia Beach, framed by impressive black volcanic rocks, beach lovers will be spoilt for choice. For those seeking adventure, the island also offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.

Beyond its beaches, Chios boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture and historic sites. The medieval town of Mesta, with its labyrinthine streets and well-preserved fortress walls, takes visitors on a journey back in time. The Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture, adorned with stunning mosaics and frescoes. Exploring the narrow alleys of the Mastichochoria villages, where the famous mastic trees grow, is like stepping into a postcard with their colorful houses and traditional atmosphere.

Food lovers will find themselves in culinary heaven on Chios. The island is renowned for its unique gastronomy, which beautifully combines traditional Greek flavors with influences from the Ottoman Empire. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as souma (a traditional spirit), mastiha (a unique resin used in various products), and the mouthwatering spoon sweets.

Nature enthusiasts will also be captivated by the diverse landscapes of Chios. The Mastichochoria region is a haven for hikers, offering trails that wind through lush forests, fragrant orchards, and charming villages. The island is also home to the famous fragrant tulips of Chios, which bloom in spring and create a vibrant carpet of colors.

Local name: Χίος Population: 24 thous. (2019)Area: 325.29 mi²Elevation: 79 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°22'12"N, 26°7'52"E

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AegeanGreece

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Chios Top Attractions

Chios Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chios offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nea Moni, Daskalopetra monument, Karfas, Kardamyla. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Scenic drives • Monastery
Nea Moni
Nea Moni is an 11th-century monastery on the island of Chios that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the Provateio Oros Mt. in the island's interior, about 15 km from Chios town.
Temple
Daskalopetra monument
The Daskalopetra monument is a rock-cut shrine to the goddess Cybele at Daskalopetra, near Vrontados on Chios, in Greece, dating to the late sixth or early fifth century BC. It is probably the earliest known cult site of the Cybele in the Greek world.
Neighbourhood
Karfas
Karfas, is a small town on the island of Chios, Greece. Located 7 kilometers south of Chios, Karfas is among the most popular destinations on the Island, attracting high amounts of tourism due to its cosmopolitan beaches, studios, residences, clubs, restaurants, and general nightlife.

Neighbourhood
Kardamyla
Kardamyla is a village and a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Chios, of which it is a municipal unit.
Monastery
Saint Markella Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Markella is a Greek Orthodox female monastery on the island of Chios, near the village of Volissos, birthplace of the saint.
38°33'13"N • 25°56'19"E
Keramos Antimony Mines
The mines of Keramos are 19th and 20th century mines which were located in the northern part of Chios island, Greece and nowadays is out of use. The mines are best known for extracting stibnite ore for antimony production. A number of remnants of these mines are still present in the region.
Neighbourhood
Elata
Elata is a Greek village on the island of Chios. The village is situated on hilly terrain and has a population of several hundred.

Day trips

Chios – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chios, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Castle of Chios (Chios), Chios Byzantine Museum (Chios), Archaeological Museum of Chios (Chios).

~1980 ftNE
Historical place, Forts and castles
Castle of Chios, Chios
The Castle of Chios is a medieval citadel in Chios town on the Greek island of Chios.
~1530 ftE
Museum
Chios Byzantine Museum, Chios
The Chios Byzantine Museum is a museum in Chios, Greece.
0.6 miSE
History museum, Museum, Archaeological museum
Archaeological Museum of Chios, Chios
The Archaeological Museum of Chios is a museum located on Michalon Street in Chios town, Chios, Greece. It was constructed in 1966-1971 and covers a total area of 2500 square metres. 1200 square metres of floor space is occupied by the exhibitions.
~1710 ftN
Sacred and religious sites, Mosque
Osmaniye Mosque, Chios
Osmaniye Mosque, also locally called Frangomachala Mosque is one of the three remaining mosques on the island of Chios, Greece, located inside the old citadel area of Chios town, which was the main neighborhood of the Turkish community of the island.
14 milesSW
Village
Mesta
One of the most iconic features of Mesta is its defensive walls, which were built to protect the village from pirate attacks during the Middle Ages. These walls are still intact and can be accessed via the main entrance gate.

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Best Time To Visit Chios

Learn when is the best time to travel to Chios weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in August. Most of it rains in January and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Chios?

The top attractions to visit in Chios are:

What is the best time to visit Chios?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.