Holidays in unexplored Chios
The first word that comes to mind when you think of the island, is mastic, right? Chios is an unexplored paradise in the North Aegean that offers unique experiences to travelers. What awaits you at the island, is volcanic beaches, UNESCO monuments, traditional villages, fine dining and an "explosive" Easter. This is also an ideal starting point for island hopping around the surrounding islands, and for visiting beach resorts in Turkey. The journey is long, but if you browse around Let's Ferry for ferry tickets to Chios, you will see all the available options to book a cabin and travel in a relaxed way.
Mastic
A unique product of all over the world, that no one has been able to copy or replicate. It comes from the mastic trees that exist in Chios and the processing of the resin produced from these trees. Since 2014, the cultivation of mastic is on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. If you are interested in learning more about mastic, you can spend a few hours getting to know a little more about it. It is worth visiting the Chios Mastic Museum located in Pyrgi, in order to learn more about the cultivation and history of mastic. Leaving the island, make sure that your suitcase is filled with mastic products such as chewing gums, candles, cosmetics and liqueurs.
Mastic tree in Chios
The Mastic villages
Going to the island without visiting its villages is less than half the experience. Organize your stay and find time to discover why Chios has some of the most beautiful villages in Greece. The 24 Mastic villages in the southern part of the island were created in the Middle Ages by the Genoese, and here is where the mastic tree thrives. Among the most well-preserved villages are Mesta, Vessa and Vouno. In the village of Olympi you will find the Cave of Olympus, one of the most interesting caves in Greece. Pyrgi - which also hosts the Mastic Museum - stands out for its distinctive architecture with its narrow streets and the "ksista" (scratched): The facades of the houses have white and black geometric patterns, engraved and scratched in white plaster. The whole village has been declared a protected monument
It is worth visiting the Chios Mastic Museum located in Pyrgi
The beaches in Chios
If you think that the island doesn't host impressive beaches, think again! Chios, the fifth largest island in Greece, has everything you need, from beaches untouched by tourism, to bustling spots for cocktails, relaxation and diving in Instagramable waters. Among the most glamorous beaches where you will find beach bars, sunbeds, and taverns are Agia Fotia, Giosonas, Glari, Managros and Ormos tou Lo. The lesser known ones are Agia Dynami, Avlonia, Elinda, Makria Ammos and Trachili. You will find a special and wild beauty in Mavra Volia, the beach with black pebbles that came from the activity of the Psara volcano. If the main reason for choosing a destination for your summer vacation is its beaches, then Chios is the right island for you.
The Agia Dynami beach in Chios
Nearby excursions from Chios
Since you are making a long trip anyway, why not visiting the surrounding islands? Each one is an interesting travel destination with history, beauty and hospitable inhabitants. In Psara you will get the imposing feeling of the self-sacrifice of its inhabitants in 1824. In Ai Stratis the hospitable locals will tell you many stories that sound like history lessons. In Oinousses you will not get enough of the beautiful, secluded beaches. If you want to leave the country all together and visit the Turkish shores, then Cesme and Izmir (Smyrni) are a good idea. Access is easy and fairly cheap and you will combine the oriental culture of market-shopping and unsurpassed culinary experiences with the memories from the old Greek neighborhoods of the area.
The Vroulidia beach in Chios
UNESCO sights and monuments in Chora
The city of Chios (which is the central port of the island) features many types of accommodation, local transport, taxis, services, car rentals, etc. It was built 3000 years ago and the influences from the Turkish occupation on the style of the city are obvious. Some of the sights you can visit are the Medieval Castle of Chios built by the Venetians, while 10 km away from the port is the New Monastery, a medieval monastery complex that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Medieval Castle of Chios
A gastronomic paradise
One of the most gourmet Greek cheeses is the white, soft cheese produced in Chios. You will find it in various recipes in the taverns of the island. At the same time, the mandarin fruit of Chios is recognized as a product of Protected Geographical Indication and together with other fruits such as oranges and citrus, they are some of the most fragrant varieties in Greece. Chios ouzo has mastic as its main ingredient and it accompanies many fish appetizers, but it is also an ingredient for cocktails. A similar product to tsipouro is Souma of Chios, made of figs.
The volcanic beach of Mavra Volia in Chios
"Explosive" Easter in "Myrovolos" Chios
In Chios, Easter has its own color and aroma, its own customs, which will steal your heart. The churches and Byzantine monasteries for which the island is famous, are in the centre of attention, as they introduce the visitor to a special, festive, overwhelming atmosphere. Spring helps with fragrant, warm evenings full of idyllic images and fantastic moments. In the famous Mastichochoria, Mesta and Pyrgi, the tradition of "Fanos" is revived through burning piles of branches, during the evening of the celebration of the Resurrection, while the famous "rocket war" in Vrontados, with rockets and fireworks (prepared long before), depict the majesty of the Resurrection celebrations in the beautiful sky of the island. Epitaphs are decorated on Good Friday in the spirit of the days, with grandeur and reverence and met in the central square of Chora, while new and old housewives prepare traditional goodies, such as breads, fluffy buns and pastries, as well as the authentic local "kutsa", a doll of the same dough with a red egg on the forehead. Chios, with its countless beauties and timeless culture, is undoubtedly one of the "hottest" Easter destinations that will remain unforgettable.
The famous "rocket war" of Vrontados
How will I go to Chios
Chios is connected to Piraeus, Ikaria, Samos, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Leros, Lemnos, Mykonos, Oinousses, Patmos, Syros, Cesme, Fourni and Psara. View itineraries, prices and book cheap ferries with just a few clicks here on Let's Ferry. Some call the island "Myrovolos" (full of aromas), others the homeland of Homer, but everyone admits that Chios is a fascinating destination full of surprises: The untouched beaches, museums and delicious food, flavored with mastic, will sure offer you unforgettable holidays in Chios!