Chios
Situated in the north-east Aegean, just five miles from the coast of Asia Minor opposite the Eritrean peninsula, Chios is Greece's fifth-largest island and arguably one of the country's most intriguing destinations. Chios provides visitors with everything they expect from a quintessential Greek island holiday—lovely beaches, picturesque harbors, colorful fishing villages, and sleepy mountain hamlets—while also offering a distinct charm and a range of unique attractions, both natural and cultural, that cannot be found anywhere else.
Despite its many offerings, Chios remains relatively unknown as a holiday destination, attracting only a couple of international flights weekly during the peak season . However, convenient connections via Athens make the island easily accessible for travelers from further afield. As a result, while Chios has been largely spared from the excesses of mass tourism, it has developed a pleasantly cosmopolitan and sophisticated atmosphere.
One factor contributing to Chios's unexploited tourism potential is that the island simply hasn’t needed to rely heavily on tourism. Thanks to a thriving shipping industry and a prosperous agricultural sector, it is one of Greece's most affluent islands. This affluence is evident in Chios Town, which boasts the country’s third-largest library after those in Athens and Thessaloniki. Historically, Chios’s privileged status stemmed from being the sole producer of a highly sought-after commodity: mastic gum. The mastic tree, a relative of the pistachio, may grow in various locations, but only in the south of this kidney-shaped island does its bark yield the natural mastic gum—an ingredient associated with numerous health benefits.
The high demand for mastic led the Genoese rulers of the 14th century to establish a network of fortified villages in the southern part of the island to safeguard this precious crop from pirate attacks. Even under Ottoman rule, the inhabitants of Chios experienced better treatment and a greater degree of autonomy compared to other subjugated Greek territories; sultans were keen to protect their supply of mastic. Today, the landscape and way of life in the southern part of the island continue to be shaped by mastic cultivation. While synthetic gums have replaced mastic in some applications, its unique properties remain valued in confectionery and cosmetics. Local cooperatives have successfully repositioned mastic for the 21st century, promoting its unique provenance and natural benefits. The Mastic Villages, as they are collectively known, embody a connection between ancient heritage and modern utility. Within the medieval walls of well-preserved villages like Pyrgi and Mesta, free Wi-Fi has been installed in village squares, highlighting that these are living communities rather than mere open-air museums for tourists.
In addition to mastic, Chios is also recognized for the quality of its citrus fruits, particularly cultivated on the fertile plain south of Chios Town, known as Kampos. This area, reminiscent of Mallorca's Soller Valley, features beautiful mansions built from local honey-colored stone by the Genoese merchants who established the citrus trade. A small museum located in one of the ancient orchards offers insights into the citrus industry, alongside tastings of exquisite local preserves and confectionery. Chios Town itself has several shops selling various mastic and citrus products, which make excellent souvenirs, from mastic toothpaste to artisan tangerine-flavored pasta.
In contrast to the gentle, shrub-covered hills of the southern mastic region and the lush plains of Kampos, the northern half of Chios is rugged and mountainous. The central section of these mountains is adorned with fragrant pine forests, while the sparsely populated northern coast is wild and untamed. This diverse range of landscapes makes Chios an excellent choice for hikers, who can select from gentle trails to more challenging terrains, including shaded forest paths and coastal routes with breathtaking views. In springtime, the island bursts into bloom with countless orchid species, adding another enchanting layer to its beautiful landscapes.
Cultural attractions abound, including the medieval mastic villages and the Nea Moni ("New Monastery," established in 1042), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning mosaics, which rank among the finest examples of Byzantine art worldwide. The island also features the deserted and allegedly haunted hilltop fortress and village of Anavatos, among various other noteworthy sites.
While there is much to explore, Chios is equally well-suited for those seeking relaxation. The island boasts a wide variety of beaches, ranging from the gently shelving pale sands of Karfas to the striking black volcanic pebbles of Mavra Votsala. Visitors can choose from the long stretch at Volissos to charming, secluded coves such as Agia Dynami. Some beaches, like Karfas, Komi, and Agia Fotini, offer sun loungers and other tourist facilities during the season, while others remain entirely untouched. Outside of July and August, it is often possible to discover a quiet spot all to oneself.
Whether travelers are planning a thoroughly relaxing beach break or a more active holiday filled with exploration—and likely a combination of both—the diverse attractions and distinctive charms of Chios are bound to leave a lasting impression.