Location: Chios
Top Things to do in Chios
The 10 Best Things to Do in Chios, Greece
Chios (/ˈkaɪ.ɒs/; Greek: Χίος, translit. Híos; Ancient Greek: Χίος, translit. Khíos) is the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated in the Aegean Sea, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) off the Anatolian coast. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait. Chios is notable for its exports of mastic gum and its nickname is the Mastic Island. Tourist attractions include its medieval villages and the 11th-century monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Restaurants in Chios
1. The Chios Mastic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Theo V
This museum is very new, modern and of high standard, plenty of parking, explicit signage, all explanations in Greek and English, absolutely worth visiting the interior and exterior museums!! Not to be missed if visiting the island of Chios, everything you want to know about the mastic plant, the heritage, the history and the economic success and struggle created by this wonder of nature!
2. Mavra Volia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
An exotically beautiful beach full of black volcanic pebbles.
Reviewed By Altug71 - Rome, Italy
It's covered with black pebble stones. Very interesting. The water is clear and clean although it is quite dark. There is a small bar. Parking can be challenging in busy hours. You may need some sea shoes.
3. Anavatos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By JohnandJaneS - Elmira, New York
A deserted village perched atop a hill. Our guide told us they built the buildings to "blend" into the hillside so that the invading Ottoman Turks wouldn't see them and would pass them by. Its a charming story but I don't believe it. However a walk up the hill to explore this "ghost town" was well worth the effort.
4. Pyrgi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 494 reviews
A pretty town whose houses are decorated with carved and painted patterns called graffito.
Reviewed By differentname - Woodbridge, Connecticut
Known as the painted village, Pyrgi stands relatively intact because it was not demolished during the earthquake of 1881. It appears the building get whitewashed and then designs are carved thru the surface coating.
Some say Christopher Columbus was born near here, as the Columbus family still has property on the outskirts of the village.
The people are so friendly.
Roads are too narrow for tourist buses.
5. Nea Moni Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
A beautiful 11th century Byzantine monastery decorated with mosaics and relics.
Reviewed By MimiandPapa2862 - Milford, Michigan
We walked all over this site and into the monastic temple, two smaller churches, monks' cells, etc. There was a massacre in 1822 where the Ottomans killed 4,000 people at this site, mostly women and children who had come here for protection. Must have shoulders and knees covered in order to enter temple.
6. Vroulidia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
A pretty beach with warm, clear waters, great for swimming.
Reviewed By Onur K - Istanbul, Turkey
This was our favorite bay of the island. Especially when there is notherly winds, it's very well protected and you can spend an entire day there. There is a convenient and reasonably priced small family owned cafeteria, and ample parking atop the beach. The 53 steps to the beach was an easy hike for everyone in out company, including grandparents, so it should not be a problem. The water is crystal clear, with a lot of underwater life, great for snorkelling.
7. Komi Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By erijon - East Aegean
Komi is one of the few sandy Beaches of the island.
It's in the southern part of the island, about 24 kms from Chios town.
Sea is always clean here and you can combine swimming with morning coffee or lunch or dinner in the several cafes and tavernas along the beach.
You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
8. Chios Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By John V - Chios, Greece
The castle of Chios is beatifull. It is worthy to visit it. It was fantastic. It became dangerous to visit after the invasion of thousands of immigrants who are accommodated in the area of the castle. Although it is grat to visit it is not recommended.
9. Emporios Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By EllesTravelbelles - Austin, Texas
Nice remote cove with a beach with no sand but covered with softly rounded black volcanic stones -would be perfect for giving a hot stone massage! Water is super clean
10. Olympoi Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
A pretty village dating back to medieval times.
Reviewed By marcopolo111 - Cleveland, Oh
Along with Vessa this is my favored little medieval little town in the island. Not as majestic, and restored, as the nearby Mesta but jet unspoiled from mass tourism. The village is fortified, with a single original door, built in the 12th century. It has many old churches, a lovely square and a castle with a tower inside, the last refuge of the inhabitants under attack. There are very few tourists, a couple of restaurants/tavernas, one of which very good, and some bed and breakfast. An hour stroll through the town and a lunch in the square is highyl recommended
